A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pocono Mountains vs. Santa Monica for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pocono Mountains and Santa Monica 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.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a scenic, beautiful, and magnificent region. Pocono Mountains is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Pocono Mountains travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a active, lively, and funfilled town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Pocono Mountains and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Monica than Pocono Mountains, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Monica is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Pocono Mountains is more popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Pocono Mountains and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Also, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Pier. Pocono Mountains is well known for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns.

How is Pocono Mountains different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is notable for snow skiing. However, Santa Monica is not a skiing destination.

People head to Pocono Mountains specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Santa Monica is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica?

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Pocono Mountains and Santa Monica.

Pocono Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

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.

Is the Food Better in Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santa Monica. 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.

Pocono Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Is Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

Santa Monica has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

Is Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Pocono Mountains is a popular place for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Pocono Mountains makes a nice vacation spot. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Santa Monica is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Pocono Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

Santa Monica is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Pocono Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Is Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica More Beautiful?

Pocono Mountains is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Pocono Mountains is a beautiful place to visit, too. The mountains, valleys, lakes, and streams offer impressive beauty and a peaceful setting.

Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pocono Mountains. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

Is Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Both Pocono Mountains and Santa Monica are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

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 Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Pocono Mountains is a great region to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Monica is notable for its public transit. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

Santa Monica has some very good public transit options. 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 mostly limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Is Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

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

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable region. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Pocono Mountains?

How long in Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pocono Mountains and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Santa Monica. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pocono Mountains, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

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

One day in Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica?

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this relaxing region offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the energetic destination of Santa Monica. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica?

Pocono Mountains is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the energetic town of Santa Monica. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica?

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the museums and skiing that this scenic destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santa Monica is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica?

Pocono Mountains is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Pocono Mountains and Santa Monica, 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 Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica?

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 Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Pocono Mountains is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the summer. The daily temperature in Pocono Mountains averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Pocono Mountains. In July, Pocono Mountains usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Pocono Mountains gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica and Pocono Mountains during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Pocono Mountains is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pocono Mountains in October average around 55°F (13°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 67°F (20°C).

Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Pocono Mountains gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pocono Mountains and Santa Monica. Most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Pocono Mountains can be very cold during winter. In January, Pocono Mountains is generally much colder than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Pocono Mountains average around 28°F (-2°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Pocono Mountains usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Pocono Mountains gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Santa Monica in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pocono Mountains as well as Santa Monica. The spring months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

Pocono Mountains is much colder than Santa Monica in the spring. The daily temperature in Pocono Mountains averages around 51°F (11°C) in April, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Pocono Mountains gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Pocono Mountains