A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Martha's Vineyard vs. Santa Monica for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a affluent, coastal, and peaceful island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of Martha's Vineyard is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Martha's Vineyard and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Martha's Vineyard and Santa Monica are both popular with visitors, Santa Monica has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Monica is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and beaches, while Martha's Vineyard is known for its resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Martha's Vineyard and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Martha's Vineyard is popular for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping.

How is Martha's Vineyard different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Is the Food Better in Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Martha's Vineyard and Santa Monica can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Martha's Vineyard has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Santa Monica makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a great town for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Santa Monica has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Martha's Vineyard is a great choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is an amazing town to visit for the beach. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

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.

Martha's Vineyard is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica?

If you're looking to go shopping, Martha's Vineyard and Santa Monica both offer plenty of superb spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica More Beautiful?

Martha's Vineyard is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Martha's Vineyard is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Martha's Vineyard makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for backpackers.

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.

Martha's Vineyard is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Budget options are limited, making this an inconvenient destination for backpackers.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Monica is a great town for times when you don't have a car. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its public transit.

The public transit in Santa Monica can get you to most 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 generally limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a great town for its ease of walking around. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its walkability.

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

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Martha's Vineyard?

How long in Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Martha's Vineyard and Santa Monica. In our opinion, Santa Monica has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Monica than Martha's Vineyard. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Martha's Vineyard. 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 Martha's Vineyard than Santa Monica. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Martha's Vineyard that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica than Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this island.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica?

Martha's Vineyard is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the active town of Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively destination of Santa Monica. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica?

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Martha's Vineyard and Santa Monica, we can see that Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard Expensive? and Is Santa Monica Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Martha's Vineyard during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Martha's Vineyard is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 73°F (23°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Martha's Vineyard gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Martha's Vineyard and Santa Monica. Many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Martha's Vineyard is much colder than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Martha's Vineyard as well as Santa Monica. Many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Martha's Vineyard can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Martha's Vineyard is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the beaches.

In April, Martha's Vineyard is generally much colder than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 48°F (9°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.7 inches (94 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 Martha's Vineyard