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

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Monterey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Monterey, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Monterey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Monterey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Monterey is more popular for its nightlife and scuba diving & snorkeling. Saint Augustine is well known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter. Monterey is well known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood.

How is Saint Augustine different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Monterey?

Both Saint Augustine and Monterey have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Augustine can be an interesting and educational experience. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Monterey. 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.

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

Both Saint Augustine and Monterey offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Monterey has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Saint Augustine or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Augustine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Saint Augustine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Many people visit Saint Augustine for it's beautiful beaches. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

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.

Is Saint Augustine or Monterey Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Monterey does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Monterey does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Monterey?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Monterey and Saint Augustine.

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Monterey is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Monterey More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Monterey is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Augustine is very family-friendly. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Is Saint Augustine or Monterey Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and Monterey are both great to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Monterey is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

Is Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine and Monterey.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Monterey a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine and Monterey both are great when exploring on foot.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Augustine and Monterey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Augustine than in Monterey. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monterey.

Families should spend more time in Monterey than Saint Augustine. 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.

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

The city of Saint Augustine offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The laid back destination of Monterey offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Monterey?

Saint Augustine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The city of Monterey offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Monterey?

Saint Augustine 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. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Monterey?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Monterey. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine Expensive? and Is Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Monterey?

Monterey has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Monterey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Monterey. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 82°F (28°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Saint Augustine receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Monterey in the Autumn?

Both Monterey and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Monterey. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey and Saint Augustine during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Monterey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in January than Monterey. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Monterey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Monterey. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Monterey. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Saint Augustine