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

Should you visit Chattanooga or Santa Barbara?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Santa Barbara? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a bustling, outdoorsy, and thriving city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Chattanooga travel costs.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a pristine, affluent, and scenic coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. The famous beauty of Santa Barbara is one of the main draws. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Chattanooga and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chattanooga or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Barbara than Chattanooga. While Chattanooga is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Chattanooga and is known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also well known for The Old Mission Santa Barbara. Chattanooga is famous for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Chattanooga different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Santa Barbara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Chattanooga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

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

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Santa Barbara is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chattanooga. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is Chattanooga or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Chattanooga or Santa Barbara has a better nightlife scene.

Chattanooga has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

If you're looking for night time activities Santa Barbara has a few options to choose from. 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 Chattanooga or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its resorts. However, Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

Santa Barbara is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

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

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chattanooga or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Barbara. 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.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Chattanooga or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Chattanooga does not have a historic old town.

Santa Barbara offers a nice historic old town area. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Chattanooga does not have a historic old town.

Is Chattanooga or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many visitors go to Chattanooga for the hiking trails. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Chattanooga or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Santa Barbara is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chattanooga. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Is Chattanooga or Santa Barbara More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Chattanooga or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Santa Barbara is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Chattanooga offers lots of family activities. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Chattanooga or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Santa Barbara makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

Is Chattanooga or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a great destination for students. However, Chattanooga is not popular with students.

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

Chattanooga is not popular with students.

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

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga can get you to most places easily. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

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

Is Chattanooga or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Chattanooga and Santa Barbara both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Chattanooga is a very walkable destination. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Chattanooga?

How long in Chattanooga or Santa Barbara?

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

Families should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Chattanooga 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 Barbara.

One day in Chattanooga or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling destination of Chattanooga. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the opulent coastal town of Santa Barbara. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chattanooga or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chattanooga. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the stunning destination of Santa Barbara. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Chattanooga or Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling destination of Chattanooga. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

The stunning coastal town of Santa Barbara offers shopping and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chattanooga or Santa Barbara?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Chattanooga. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Barbara. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Chattanooga and Santa Barbara, we can see that Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga Expensive? and Is Santa Barbara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Santa Barbara?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Santa Barbara. The summer months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

Chattanooga is a little warmer than Santa Barbara in the summer. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Santa Barbara. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Chattanooga is around the same temperature as Santa Barbara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chattanooga in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Chattanooga usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

Both Santa Barbara and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chattanooga. In January, Chattanooga is generally much colder than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 40°F (5°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In January, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Chattanooga during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Chattanooga is a little warmer than Santa Barbara in the spring. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 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 Chattanooga