A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Monterey vs. Vernon for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Monterey or Vernon?

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 Monterey and Vernon. 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a nature-oriented, laid back, and relaxing city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Monterey travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vernon travel costs.

Monterey and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monterey or Vernon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monterey. Although Monterey and Vernon are popular destinations, Monterey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monterey is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Vernon attracts visitors for its hiking. Monterey is more touristy than Vernon and is popular for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also well known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Vernon is famous for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Monterey different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Monterey is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

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

Monterey is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Monterey is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Monterey or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

Monterey offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Monterey or Vernon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Vernon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Vernon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monterey or Vernon Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Vernon is not a beach destination.

Monterey has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is Monterey or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Vernon is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monterey or Vernon?

Monterey is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Monterey or Vernon Better for Families?

Monterey is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Monterey is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly city. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Monterey or Vernon Better for Couples?

Monterey is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Monterey is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

Is Monterey or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Monterey and Vernon.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Monterey or Vernon a more walkable city?

Monterey is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

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

Vernon is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Monterey?

How long in Monterey or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Monterey and Vernon. In our opinion, Monterey has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Monterey than Vernon. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Monterey than Vernon 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 Monterey or Vernon?

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.

The town of Vernon offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Monterey or Vernon?

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.

Vernon 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vernon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Monterey or Vernon?

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.

Vernon 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.

A week in Monterey or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the nature-oriented 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.

Vernon is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Monterey or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Monterey and Vernon, 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 Monterey or Vernon?

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 Monterey or Vernon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Monterey as well as Vernon. Many visitors come to Monterey in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Monterey is cooler than Vernon in the summer. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Monterey usually gets less rain in July than Vernon. Monterey gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Monterey or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Monterey are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Vernon because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Monterey is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Monterey in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Vernon averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Monterey usually receives around the same amount of rain as Vernon. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Monterey or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Monterey during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Monterey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

It's quite cold in Vernon in the winter. In January, Monterey is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 51°F (11°C), and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Monterey usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Monterey or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Monterey and Vernon. The beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

Monterey is a little warmer than Vernon in the spring. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Monterey usually receives more rain than Vernon. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Monterey