A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Baltimore vs. Santa Barbara for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Baltimore or Santa Barbara?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Santa Barbara can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Baltimore travel costs.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a scenic, stunning, and wealthy coastal town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The famous beauty of Santa Barbara is one of the main draws. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Baltimore and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Barbara than Baltimore. While Baltimore is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Barbara is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Baltimore is known for its nightlife. Baltimore is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Santa Barbara is popular for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also home to The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Baltimore different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Barbara and Baltimore. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baltimore or Santa Barbara?

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Baltimore and Santa Barbara.

Many visitors head to Baltimore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Santa Barbara can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

Is the Food Better in Baltimore or Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Baltimore and Santa Barbara both to be great destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Santa Barbara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Is Baltimore or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

Baltimore offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Is Baltimore or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is well known for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Santa Barbara. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Is Baltimore or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Baltimore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Santa Barbara has a few snorkeling spots. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Baltimore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Baltimore or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Santa Barbara is a very popular vacation destination. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is Baltimore or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is very good for its old town. However, Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Santa Barbara to see the old town. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Is Baltimore or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Santa Barbara make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Baltimore or Santa Barbara More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Santa Barbara is one of the main draws. The city is beautifully situated right by the ocean and offers stunning views and and an amazing setting. It is also filled with opulent houses and grand estates, giving it an air of grandeur.

Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Baltimore or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Baltimore or Santa Barbara.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Santa Barbara. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Is Baltimore or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Santa Barbara has plenty to offer. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Baltimore or Santa Barbara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore is a popular place for backpackers. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Santa Barbara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city isn't really known as a budget friendly destination, but there are a couple of hostels in the area. There's also a large student population with a fun nightlife scene.

Is Baltimore or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is well known for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Santa Barbara is very popular with students. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

Is Baltimore or Santa Barbara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baltimore is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Baltimore can get you to most places easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Santa Barbara has some public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Is Baltimore or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Baltimore and Santa Barbara both are great when exploring on foot.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Santa Barbara is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baltimore and Santa Barbara. In our opinion, Santa Barbara has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Barbara than Baltimore. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Baltimore or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Baltimore. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal town of Santa Barbara. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Baltimore or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baltimore. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic destination of Santa Barbara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Baltimore or Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Baltimore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the wealthy coastal town of Santa Barbara. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Baltimore or Santa Barbara?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Baltimore. 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.

Santa Barbara 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Santa Barbara, we can see that Baltimore is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Baltimore Expensive? and Is Santa Barbara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Santa Barbara?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Santa Barbara, 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 Baltimore or Santa Barbara?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Baltimore or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Santa Barbara. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Baltimore is a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 65°F (19°C).

Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Baltimore or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Santa Barbara. The autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

In October, Baltimore is generally cooler than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Baltimore usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

Both Santa Barbara and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. Baltimore is much colder than Santa Barbara in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Santa Barbara. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Baltimore or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Baltimore during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Baltimore is cooler than Santa Barbara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Baltimore usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Baltimore