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

Should you visit Roanoke or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Roanoke or Santa Monica? 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a laid back, scenic, and outdoorsy town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Roanoke travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Roanoke and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Santa Monica?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Roanoke and Santa Monica are both popular with visitors, Santa Monica has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Monica is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Roanoke is known for its hiking. Santa Monica is more touristy than Roanoke and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Roanoke is popular for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Roanoke different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Santa Monica and Roanoke.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Roanoke. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

Santa Monica is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Roanoke or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Santa Monica has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Roanoke or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a great town for its evening party scene. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Santa Monica has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Roanoke or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is renowned for the beach. However, Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Monica. 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Roanoke or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

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

Roanoke is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santa Monica. 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.

Roanoke is a great destination for shopping. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Roanoke or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

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

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Roanoke or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Roanoke and Santa Monica make for a high quality place to visit.

Roanoke is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Santa Monica is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Roanoke or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Roanoke and Santa Monica are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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

Santa Monica is a great town for times when you don't have a car. However, Roanoke is not known for its public transit.

The public transit in Santa Monica can get you to most places easily. 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 generally limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Roanoke or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a great town for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

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

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Santa Monica?

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

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Roanoke. 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 Roanoke. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica than Roanoke 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 Monica.

One day in Roanoke or Santa Monica?

In Roanoke, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Santa Monica, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This town 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 Roanoke or Santa Monica?

Roanoke is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Santa Monica, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Monica has to offer.

Five days in Roanoke or Santa Monica?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the scenic destination of Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Roanoke or Santa Monica?

Roanoke is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Monica. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Santa Monica?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke 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 Roanoke or Santa Monica?

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 Roanoke or Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Roanoke during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Roanoke because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In July, Roanoke is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 79°F (26°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Santa Monica. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

Roanoke is cooler than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Roanoke or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Santa Monica. Many travelers come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Roanoke. In the winter, Roanoke is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Roanoke in January average around 38°F (3°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Roanoke usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months.

In April, Roanoke is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 59°F (15°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Roanoke