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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Santa Barbara?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Santa Barbara? 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a scenic, relaxing, and laid back island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Saint Simons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking. See Saint Simons travel costs.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a wealthy, opulent, and pristine coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. The famous beauty of Santa Barbara is one of the main draws. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Saint Simons and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara than Saint Simons, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Barbara is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint Simons is more popular for its small town charm. Saint Simons is well known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Santa Barbara is well known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. Also, Santa Barbara is famous for The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Saint Simons different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

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

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Saint Simons and Santa Barbara can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Simons makes for a great culinary experience. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Santa Barbara has a huge number of terrific 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 Saint Simons or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Santa Barbara is a popular place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Santa Barbara has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Saint Simons or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Santa Barbara is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Simons makes a nice vacation spot. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Is Saint Simons or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Simons is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Santa Barbara has a few snorkeling spots. 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.

Saint Simons is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint Simons or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its beaches. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

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

Saint Simons is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Is Saint Simons or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Saint Simons does not have a historic old town.

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

Saint Simons does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Simons or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint Simons. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Santa Barbara is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Saint Simons is well-known for its shopping. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Is Saint Simons or Santa Barbara More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Santa Barbara is one of the main draws. 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.

Saint Simons is a beautiful place to visit, too. Beautiful beaches and live oaks with Spanish moss give the island a southern charm.

Is Saint Simons or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Saint Simons or Santa Barbara.

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Santa Barbara is very family-friendly. 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 Saint Simons or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Santa Barbara makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Saint Simons is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

Is Saint Simons or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a great destination for students. However, Saint Simons is not popular with students.

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

Saint Simons is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara is a popular place for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Santa Barbara, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Public transit is quite limited in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Saint Simons or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Simons and Santa Barbara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Simons than in Santa Barbara. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 2-3 days is enough time in Santa Barbara.

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

Even though Saint Simons is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

In Santa Barbara, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this affluent coastal town 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.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Simons. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Santa Barbara is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Five days in Saint Simons or Santa Barbara?

Saint Simons is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the opulent destination of Santa Barbara. 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.

A week in Saint Simons or Santa Barbara?

Saint Simons is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Santa Barbara 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Simons and Santa Barbara, we can see that Saint Simons 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 Simons Expensive? and Is Santa Barbara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Santa Barbara. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

In July, Saint Simons is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

Saint Simons gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Santa Barbara. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Saint Simons usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

Both Santa Barbara and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Saint Simons is around the same temperature as Santa Barbara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Simons in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santa Barbara. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Saint Simons during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Saint Simons is generally a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 68°F (20°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Saint Simons usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Saint Simons