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

Should you visit Houston 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 Houston 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.

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums. See Houston travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a funfilled, energetic, and active town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Houston and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Santa Monica?

Both Santa Monica and Houston have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Houston is better known for its museums and attractions, music, and big city activities, while Santa Monica is more popular for its beaches and shopping. Santa Monica is more touristy than Houston and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Houston is well known for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Houston different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Houston is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Houston and Santa Monica both to be superb destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Houston. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Santa Monica has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Houston or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Houston and Santa Monica.

Houston is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

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.

Is Houston or Santa Monica Better for Music?

Houston is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Santa Monica is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Santa Monica is not a live music destination.

Is Houston or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Houston 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.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Santa Monica is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Houston or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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 family-friendly things to do in Houston. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Houston or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Santa Monica frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

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

Santa Monica is a good destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Houston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this sprawling city, but there are some hostels and cheap motels.

Is Houston or Santa Monica Better for Students?

Houston is a popular place for students. However, Santa Monica is not popular with students.

Houston is a good city to visit for students. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

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

Santa Monica is well known for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Santa Monica can get you to some 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 mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Houston or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Houston?

How long in Houston or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Houston and Santa Monica. In our opinion, Santa Monica has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Monica than Houston. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Houston, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

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

Each neighborhood in Houston has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

In Santa Monica, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Houston or Santa Monica?

Houston 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.

In Santa Monica, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Monica has to offer.

Five days in Houston or Santa Monica?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the one-of-a-kind big city of Houston. 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 great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Houston or Santa Monica?

Houston 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Monica. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Houston or Santa Monica?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Houston 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 Houston or Santa Monica?

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 Houston or Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Santa Monica. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Houston is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the summer. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Houston usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Houston or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Houston as well as Santa Monica. Many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Houston is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Houston in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 67°F (20°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Houston usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, 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.

In January, Houston is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 52°F (11°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Houston usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Houston or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Houston during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the beaches.

Houston is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the spring. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Houston usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Houston