A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. San Diego for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Atlantic City or San Diego?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Atlantic City and San Diego. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Atlantic City travel costs.

San Diego

San Diego is a idyllic, fun-filled, and hip coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. San Diego is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See San Diego travel costs.

Atlantic City and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or San Diego?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Diego. Although Atlantic City and San Diego are popular destinations, San Diego has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Diego is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Atlantic City attracts visitors for its nightlife and resorts. Atlantic City is famous for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality San Diego is famous for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. It is also well known for The San Diego Zoo.

How is Atlantic City different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Diego and Atlantic City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or San Diego?

San Diego is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around San Diego. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

Is the Food Better in Atlantic City or San Diego? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Diego is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Diego makes for a great culinary experience. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Atlantic City or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

Atlantic City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

San Diego has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

Is Atlantic City or San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is well known for live music. However, Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in San Diego. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Is Atlantic City or San Diego Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is great for its luxury resorts. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Atlantic City to choose from. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

San Diego has a few great resort options. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Is Atlantic City or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Atlantic City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in San Diego. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Atlantic City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Atlantic City or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is a world-class destination for its beaches. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

San Diego offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Atlantic City is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Is Atlantic City or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around San Diego. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or San Diego?

Shopping is a popular activity in both San Diego and Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is a great destination for shopping. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Diego. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Atlantic City or San Diego More Beautiful?

San Diego is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

San Diego is a gorgeous place to visit. Many people enjoy city's beautiful coastline and surrounding natural beauty.

Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Atlantic City or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, San Diego is very family-friendly. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

San Diego is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Atlantic City or San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City and San Diego are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Plenty of budget travelers visit San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Is Atlantic City or San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is a world-class destination for students. However, Atlantic City is not popular with students.

San Diego is a very popular place to visit for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Atlantic City is not popular with students.

Is Atlantic City or San Diego Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlantic City is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, San Diego is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Atlantic City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

Public transit is generally limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Atlantic City or San Diego a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is great for its high level of walkability. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its ease of walking around.

Atlantic City is a very walkable city. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is San Diego Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or San Diego?

In either Atlantic City or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in San Diego than Atlantic City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

Families should spend more time in San Diego than Atlantic City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Diego, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in San Diego than Atlantic City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Diego that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego than Atlantic City if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in San Diego.

One day in Atlantic City or San Diego?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Atlantic City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlantic City has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the dynamic destination of San Diego. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Atlantic City or San Diego?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the glitzy destination of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Diego. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Atlantic City or San Diego?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful city of Atlantic City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the hip destination of San Diego. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Atlantic City or San Diego?

Atlantic City is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal city of San Diego. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlantic City and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Atlantic City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlantic City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlantic City and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego than you might in Atlantic City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Atlantic City Expensive? and Is San Diego Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and San Diego, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Atlantic City or San Diego?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlantic City or San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego and Atlantic City during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In the summer, Atlantic City is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlantic City in July average around 75°F (24°C), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the summer, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or San Diego in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and San Diego. The shopping scene are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Atlantic City is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 56°F (13°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during autumn. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than San Diego. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlantic City or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as San Diego. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Atlantic City. Atlantic City is much colder than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the winter, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in January than San Diego. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or San Diego in the Spring?

Both San Diego and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Atlantic City is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlantic City in April average around 51°F (10°C), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during spring. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than San Diego. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Atlantic City