A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Grand Canyon National Park vs. Santa Monica for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a world-renowned, gorgeous, and striking national park. You'll find world class beauty in Grand Canyon National Park as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Grand Canyon National Park and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Grand Canyon National Park 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, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Grand Canyon National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Grand Canyon National Park is famous for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history. Santa Monica is famous for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier.

How is Grand Canyon National Park different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Grand Canyon National Park does not have 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.

Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park. There are several markets, restaurants, and cafes in the park but, in general, the options are expensive and not the best. If possible, bring your own food and plan for a picnic with a view.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a couple of bars that aren't too far from the park but you'll do better to bring your own drinks and enjoy the scenic setting.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Grand Canyon National Park is a popular place for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Grand Canyon National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several options within and near the park that range from luxury to affordable. Reservations should be made well in advance for most hotels within the park. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) and Phantom Ranch are all unique places to stay.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is renowned for its beaches. However, Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

Grand Canyon National Park is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Grand Canyon National Park is a popular spot for hiking. Hiking options at the Grand Canyon include an easy walk along the rim or a hike into the canyon. If you're planning to enjoy a view from the rim and then stroll along the rim walk, a day or two is plenty. Hiking into the canyon is a thrilling experience, but it does require more preparation and planning. You should also check out the weather before you depart as temperatures within the canyon can become dangerously hot.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for shopping. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica More Beautiful?

Grand Canyon National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Grand Canyon National Park as well. The canyon is a breathtaking national landmark that has striking colors and spectacular views.

Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Grand Canyon National Park 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Grand Canyon National Park. This park is a spectacular landmark with a number of nature programs that kids can enjoy. There's also a simple rim walk along the edge of the canyon that is perfect for little legs.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Grand Canyon National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Grand Canyon National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy beauty, nature, and adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are amazing hikes and breathtaking views that make this a truly romantic destination. There are also several hotels and lodges that make for a truly romantic getaway (book well in advance!).

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.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grand Canyon National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Grand Canyon National Park. Backpackers and budget travelers can take in one of America's most notable landmarks while camping at the large and affordable national park campground.

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 Grand Canyon National Park 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, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors to Santa Monica can move around easily with public transportation. 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 Grand Canyon National Park. There are free shuttle buses that run along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There's a nice rim walk that is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but to reach many parts of the park you'll want to have a car or plan to take some form of transit.

For even more information, also check out Is Grand Canyon National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Grand Canyon National Park?

How long in Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Grand Canyon National Park and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Grand Canyon National Park than in Santa Monica. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Grand Canyon National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Grand Canyon National Park. 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 Grand Canyon National Park. 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 Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica?

In Grand Canyon National Park, many people enjoy the that this breathtaking national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

In Santa Monica, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this active destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Most people come for the beaches. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica?

Grand Canyon National Park 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.

In Santa Monica, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica?

You'll find around the striking destination of Grand Canyon National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Santa Monica. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This town offers something for everyone.

A week in Grand Canyon National Park or Santa Monica?

Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Santa Monica. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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