A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Santa Monica for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Santa Monica?

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 Blue Ridge and Santa Monica. 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.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a historic, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Blue Ridge is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a lively, funfilled, and energetic town. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Santa Monica?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Blue Ridge and Santa Monica are popular destinations, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and beaches, while Blue Ridge attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Blue Ridge is famous for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Santa Monica is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Is the Food Better in Blue Ridge or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Santa Monica can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santa Monica. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

Is Blue Ridge or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Santa Monica has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Blue Ridge or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is an amazing town to visit for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Santa Monica offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Blue Ridge is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Santa Monica?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Blue Ridge and Santa Monica.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Santa Monica is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

Is Blue Ridge or Santa Monica More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Blue Ridge is a beautiful place to visit, too. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Blue Ridge or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Santa Monica is very family-friendly. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

Blue Ridge is a very kid-friendly town. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Is Blue Ridge or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge and Santa Monica both superb destinations for a couple.

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Couples visit Santa Monica frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

Is Blue Ridge or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Blue Ridge is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

Is Blue Ridge or Santa Monica Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Santa Monica is fairly effecient and thorough. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Santa Monica is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Santa Monica. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

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

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

One day in Blue Ridge or Santa Monica?

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the lively town of Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Monica, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Santa Monica?

Blue Ridge is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Santa Monica?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santa Monica, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Santa Monica?

Blue Ridge is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Santa Monica is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Blue Ridge and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica is more expensive. And not only is Blue Ridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Blue Ridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Blue Ridge 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 Santa Monica would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Monica than you might in Blue Ridge.

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

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Santa Monica, 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 Blue Ridge or Santa Monica?

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 Blue Ridge or Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Santa Monica. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Blue Ridge in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Blue Ridge is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 63°F (17°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and Blue Ridge during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. Blue Ridge is much colder than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Santa Monica in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Santa Monica. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the beaches.

In the spring, Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Blue Ridge in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Blue Ridge