A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Cod vs. Santa Monica for Beaches, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a laid-back, wealthy, and maritime beach destination. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of Cape Cod is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking. See Cape Cod travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Cape Cod and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Cod or Santa Monica?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Cape Cod and Santa Monica are both popular with visitors, Santa Monica has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Monica is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and beaches, while Cape Cod is known for its resorts, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santa Monica is more touristy than Cape Cod and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Cape Cod is popular for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales.

How is Cape Cod different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Cod or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Monica. 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cape Cod or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Cape Cod and Santa Monica can be an enjoyable experience.

Cape Cod has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Santa Monica makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Cape Cod or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is great for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Santa Monica for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Cape Cod or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Cape Cod is a popular place for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Cape Cod makes a nice vacation spot. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Cod or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its beaches.

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.

Cape Cod is considered a top beach destination. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Is Cape Cod or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

Cape Cod is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Cape Cod is a good destination for hiking. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Cod or Santa Monica?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Cod and Santa Monica both offer plenty of superb spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Cape Cod or Santa Monica More Beautiful?

Cape Cod is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Cape Cod is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and picturesque scenery make this area truly unique.

Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cape Cod or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination 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.

Cape Cod is a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Cape Cod or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Cape Cod and Santa Monica both superb destinations for a couple.

Cape Cod is a great beach destination if you're traveling as a couple. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

Santa Monica is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Cape Cod or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Santa Monica. 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.

Cape Cod is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This area is more focused on luxury and family vacationers than it is on backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Santa Monica is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in Santa Monica can get you to most places easily. 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 generally limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Is Cape Cod or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its walkability.

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

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Cape Cod?

How long in Cape Cod or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Cod and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Santa Monica. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Cape Cod, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Cape Cod. 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 Cape Cod. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica than Cape Cod 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Cape Cod or Santa Monica?

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

The town of Santa Monica offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cape Cod or Santa Monica?

Cape Cod is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Santa Monica is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Monica, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cape Cod or Santa Monica?

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Most people come for the beaches. 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 is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cape Cod or Santa Monica?

Cape Cod is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Cape Cod and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Cape Cod Expensive? and Is Santa Monica Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod or Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Cape Cod during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cape Cod is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Cape Cod average around 68°F (20°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Cape Cod usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Cape Cod gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Cod and Santa Monica. Many travelers come to Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is much colder than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Cape Cod gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Cod as well as Santa Monica. Many visitors come to Cape Cod in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cape Cod can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cape Cod is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Cod in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cape Cod usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Cape Cod gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Cape Cod are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the beaches.

In April, Cape Cod is generally much colder than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Cape Cod average around 45°F (7°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. In April, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Cape Cod gets 4.1 inches (103 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 Cape Cod