A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pensacola vs. Santa Barbara for Beaches, Hiking, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Pensacola or Santa Barbara?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Santa Barbara can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a entertaining, fun-filled, and active beach town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Pensacola travel costs.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a scenic, stunning, and wealthy coastal town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. You'll find world class beauty in Santa Barbara as well. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Pensacola and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pensacola or Santa Barbara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara than Pensacola, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Pensacola is more touristy than Santa Barbara and is known for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. Santa Barbara is popular for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also home to The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Pensacola different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Santa Barbara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pensacola. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Pensacola and Santa Barbara both to be great destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pensacola. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

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

Evening events are good in both Pensacola and Santa Barbara.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

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 Pensacola or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Pensacola and Santa Barbara.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Pensacola. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

Santa Barbara is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

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

Santa Barbara is a moderate coastal town for its diving and snorkeling. However, Pensacola is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option 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.

Pensacola is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pensacola or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Pensacola and Santa Barbara are world-class choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Pensacola is a very popular vacation destination. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

The beaches in Santa Barbara are among the best in the world. 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.

Is Pensacola or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is very good for its old town. However, Pensacola does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Santa Barbara to see the old town. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Pensacola does not have a historic old town.

Is Pensacola or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its hiking trails.

Many people visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking. 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.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Santa Barbara make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Pensacola has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

Is Pensacola or Santa Barbara More Beautiful?

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

You'll find world class beauty in Santa Barbara as well. 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.

Pensacola is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pensacola or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Pensacola or Santa Barbara.

Pensacola is a very kid-friendly beach town. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Santa Barbara. 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.

Is Pensacola or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Santa Barbara 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.

Pensacola makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

Is Pensacola or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is notable for students. However, Pensacola is not popular with students.

Santa Barbara is very popular with students. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Pensacola is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara is very good for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Pensacola or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its ease of walking around.

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

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable beach town. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pensacola and Santa Barbara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pensacola than in Santa Barbara. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pensacola, and 2-3 days is enough time in Santa Barbara.

Families should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Pensacola. 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 Pensacola. 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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled destination of Pensacola. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, 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 Pensacola or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pensacola. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic 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 Pensacola or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Pensacola. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Pensacola or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beach town of Pensacola. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pensacola and Santa Barbara, we can see that Pensacola is more expensive. And not only is Santa Barbara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Barbara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Barbara 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 Pensacola would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pensacola than you might in Santa Barbara.

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

Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Santa Barbara?

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 Pensacola or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pensacola is a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pensacola in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 65°F (19°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In July, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pensacola or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

Both Santa Barbara and Pensacola during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

In October, Pensacola is generally a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 69°F (21°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Pensacola or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Santa Barbara. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Pensacola is around the same temperature as Santa Barbara in the winter. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 51°F (10°C) in January, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pensacola or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Santa Barbara. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the beaches. Additionally, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Pensacola is a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pensacola in April average around 67°F (20°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Pensacola usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Pensacola