A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Santa Monica for Beaches, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Santa Monica?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Santa Monica, 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 notable, colonial, and historic city. Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a funfilled, energetic, and active town. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Santa Monica?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Saint Augustine and Santa Monica are popular destinations, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Saint Augustine attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Saint Augustine and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Saint Augustine is famous for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States.

How is Saint Augustine different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?

Saint Augustine is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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

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 Saint Augustine or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Saint Augustine and Santa Monica offer very good 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.

Santa Monica has a huge number of terrific 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Santa Monica know how to have a good time. 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.

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 Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is very popular for its beaches. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

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

The beaches at Saint Augustine attract visitors from all over. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Santa Monica Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Santa Monica?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Santa Monica More Beautiful?

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

Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Santa Monica Better for Families?

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

Santa Monica is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

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 Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and Santa Monica are both very good 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.

Santa Monica is a great city if you're traveling as 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 Saint Augustine or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. 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.

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

Santa Monica is a great destination for its public transit. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Santa Monica is fairly effecient and thorough. 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 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine and Santa Monica both are very good 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Santa Monica?

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

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Saint Augustine. 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 Saint Augustine. 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 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Saint Augustine or Santa Monica?

In Saint Augustine, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

The energetic destination of Santa Monica offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 Santa Monica?

Saint Augustine is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

The town of Santa Monica offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Santa Monica?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Saint Augustine. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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. It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Santa Monica?

Saint Augustine is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Monica. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Augustine and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica is more expensive. And not only is Saint Augustine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Augustine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

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 Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Santa Monica. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Augustine in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Saint Augustine gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Santa Monica. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the shopping scene.

In October, Saint Augustine is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 70°F (21°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

Saint Augustine is cooler than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Saint Augustine during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches.

In the spring, Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Augustine in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Saint Augustine