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

Should you visit Columbus or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Santa Monica? 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Columbus travel costs.

Santa Monica

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

Columbus and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Santa Monica?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Monica than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Columbus is famous for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Columbus or Santa Monica.

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Santa Monica offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Columbus 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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Columbus or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.

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

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Santa Monica. 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.

Columbus offers some nice shopping areas. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is Columbus or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Santa Monica is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Columbus is a very kid-friendly city. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Is Columbus or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Santa Monica makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Columbus or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Columbus 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, Columbus 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 generally limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Columbus or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Columbus 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.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Santa Monica?

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

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Columbus. 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Santa Monica?

In Columbus, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this down-to-earth city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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 Columbus or Santa Monica?

Columbus is a fun place to experience. 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.

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 Columbus or Santa Monica?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the authentic destination of Columbus. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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 Columbus or Santa Monica?

Columbus is a popular place to visit. 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 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Columbus and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica is more expensive. And not only is Columbus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbus 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 Columbus.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Santa Monica?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Santa Monica. The summer months attract visitors to Columbus because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In the summer, Columbus is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbus in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbus usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

In October, Columbus is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 57°F (14°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Columbus usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbus or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and Columbus during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbus. Columbus is much colder than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Columbus usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Santa Monica in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Santa Monica. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Columbus is cooler than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbus in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

In April, Columbus usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 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 Columbus