A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Dallas vs. Monterey for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Dallas or Monterey?

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 Dallas and Monterey can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dallas

Dallas is a chic, active, and upscale city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Dallas travel costs.

Monterey

Monterey is a relaxing, nature-oriented, and laid back city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Monterey travel costs.

Dallas and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dallas or Monterey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dallas. Although Dallas and Monterey are both popular with visitors, Dallas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dallas is more popular for its big city activities, while Monterey is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Monterey is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Dallas is popular for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also home to the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Dallas different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dallas or Monterey?

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Dallas and Monterey.

Many visitors head to Dallas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Monterey can be an interesting and educational experience. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

Is the Food Better in Dallas or Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Dallas and Monterey.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Dallas. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Monterey has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Is Dallas or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Both Dallas and Monterey are high quality when it comes to partying.

Dallas offers plenty to do in the evening. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Monterey has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

Is Dallas or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dallas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Dallas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dallas or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is very good for the beach. However, Dallas is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Monterey to enjoy the beach. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Dallas is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Monterey?

Both Dallas and Monterey are high quality shopping destinations.

Dallas is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Is Dallas or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Monterey is one of the most popular family destinations. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dallas. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Is Dallas or Monterey Better for Couples?

Both Dallas and Monterey are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

Is Dallas or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey is very good for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Monterey is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

Is Dallas or Monterey Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dallas is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Monterey is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Dallas has some public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Public transit is generally limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Dallas or Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Monterey is a very walkable city. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

For even more information, also check out Is Dallas Worth Visiting? and Is Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dallas and Monterey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dallas than in Monterey. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dallas, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monterey.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Monterey than Dallas 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 Monterey.

One day in Dallas or Monterey?

The city of Dallas offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Monterey. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dallas or Monterey?

Dallas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dallas, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Monterey is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dallas or Monterey?

Dallas is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monterey. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dallas or Monterey?

Dallas is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back destination of Monterey. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dallas or Monterey?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Dallas and Monterey, 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 Dallas or Monterey?

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 Dallas or Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Dallas during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dallas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Dallas is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dallas in July average around 88°F (31°C), and Monterey averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Dallas usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dallas or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Monterey. Most visitors come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Monterey because of the shopping scene.

In October, Dallas is generally a little warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 69°F (21°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Dallas usually receives more rain than Monterey. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dallas or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Monterey. The winter months attract visitors to Dallas because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

Dallas is cooler than Monterey in the winter. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 46°F (8°C) in January, and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Dallas usually gets less rain in January than Monterey. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dallas or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dallas this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches.

In the spring, Dallas is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dallas in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Monterey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Dallas usually receives more rain than Monterey. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Dallas