A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nashville vs. Santa Barbara for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Nashville or Santa Barbara?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nashville and Santa Barbara can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nashville

Nashville is a country music lovers, eclectic, and southern city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food. See Nashville travel costs.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a affluent, scenic, and stunning coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Santa Barbara is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Nashville and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nashville or Santa Barbara?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Barbara than Nashville. While Nashville is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Barbara is better known for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Nashville is more popular for its nightlife and music. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Nashville and is popular for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. Also, Santa Barbara is famous for The Old Mission Santa Barbara. Nashville is well known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues.

How is Nashville different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nashville or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Santa Barbara. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

Is the Food Better in Nashville or Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Nashville and Santa Barbara both to be excellent destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santa Barbara. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Is Nashville or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Nashville is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

Nashville offers plenty to do in the evening. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Is Nashville or Santa Barbara Better for Music?

Nashville is renowned for its music scene. However, Santa Barbara is not a live music destination.

In Nashville you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Santa Barbara is not a live music destination.

Is Nashville or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

In Santa Barbara, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

With a selection of resorts, Nashville makes a nice vacation spot. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Is Nashville or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nashville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Nashville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nashville or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

Santa Barbara is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is Nashville or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for its historic old town. However, Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Santa Barbara is a good destination for visiting its old town. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Is Nashville or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Around Santa Barbara visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Santa Barbara. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Nashville or Santa Barbara More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Nashville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Santa Barbara is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city is beautifully situated right by the ocean and offers stunning views and and an amazing setting. It is also filled with opulent houses and grand estates, giving it an air of grandeur.

Nashville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nashville or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Santa Barbara is a very family-friendly destination. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Nashville or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

Is Nashville or Santa Barbara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville is a popular place for backpackers. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Santa Barbara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city isn't really known as a budget friendly destination, but there are a couple of hostels in the area. There's also a large student population with a fun nightlife scene.

Is Nashville or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Santa Barbara. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Nashville is a decent spot for students. Several universities bring in international students, but the city is smaller and it isn't the most popular student destination in America.

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

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Santa Barbara has some public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Nashville or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Santa Barbara is very walkable. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Nashville Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nashville and Santa Barbara. In our opinion, Santa Barbara has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Barbara than Nashville. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Nashville 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 Barbara.

One day in Nashville or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the southern destination of Nashville. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal town of Santa Barbara. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nashville or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nashville. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the opulent destination of Santa Barbara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nashville or Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the southern destination of Nashville. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the pristine coastal town of Santa Barbara. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nashville or Santa Barbara?

You'll find live music and food around the city of Nashville. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Santa Barbara is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Nashville or Santa Barbara?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Santa Barbara, 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 Nashville or Santa Barbara?

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 Nashville or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Santa Barbara. Many travelers come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nashville is generally a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 81°F (27°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

Nashville usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nashville or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

Both Santa Barbara and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nashville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Nashville is around the same temperature as Santa Barbara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Nashville usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nashville or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

Both Santa Barbara and Nashville during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nashville can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Nashville is much colder than Santa Barbara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nashville in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Nashville usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Santa Barbara. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nashville or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Santa Barbara. The spring months attract visitors to Nashville because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

In April, Nashville is generally a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (16°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Nashville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nashville usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Nashville