A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Norfolk vs. Monterey for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Norfolk or Monterey?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Monterey? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a authentic, blue collar, and maritime city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Norfolk travel costs.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Monterey travel costs.

Norfolk and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Monterey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monterey than Norfolk, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monterey is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Also, Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Monterey is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Monterey offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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

Monterey is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Monterey makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Norfolk or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Monterey know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is Norfolk or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Norfolk is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Norfolk is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Norfolk or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a popular place for its beaches. However, Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Monterey is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Monterey?

Monterey is a great destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Monterey is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Norfolk or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Monterey is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Norfolk or Monterey Better for Couples?

Monterey is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Monterey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Norfolk or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey is a popular place for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Norfolk and Monterey.

Public transit is generally limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

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

Is Norfolk or Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Norfolk and Monterey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Monterey than in Norfolk. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Norfolk, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monterey.

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

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

The city of Norfolk offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Monterey, you'll find shopping and museums. This city 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 Norfolk or Monterey?

Norfolk is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Norfolk, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Monterey, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Monterey has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Monterey?

Norfolk 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.

Monterey is a great place to explore. 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 Norfolk or Monterey?

Norfolk is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monterey. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Monterey. 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Norfolk and Monterey, we can see that Monterey 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 Norfolk Expensive? and Is Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Monterey?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk and Monterey, 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 Norfolk or Monterey?

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 Norfolk or Monterey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Monterey. Most visitors come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Norfolk is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 79°F (26°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Norfolk receives a lot of rain in the summer. Norfolk usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Monterey in the Autumn?

Both Monterey and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

Norfolk is around the same temperature as Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Monterey. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Norfolk or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey and Norfolk during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Norfolk in the winter. In the winter, Norfolk is much colder than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Norfolk in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Norfolk usually gets more rain in January than Monterey. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Monterey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Monterey. Furthermore, many visitors come to Monterey in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Norfolk is generally around the same temperature as Monterey. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 58°F (14°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Monterey. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Norfolk