A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Diego vs. Banff for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit San Diego or Banff?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Diego and Banff. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

San Diego

San Diego is a fun-filled, hip, and dynamic coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. San Diego is a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See San Diego travel costs.

Banff

Banff is a adventurous, scenic, and outdoorsy town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of Banff is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Banff travel costs.

San Diego and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Diego or Banff?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Diego than Banff, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Diego is better known for its museums and attractions, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Banff is more popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. San Diego is more touristy than Banff and is popular for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. Also, San Diego is famous for The San Diego Zoo. Banff is well known for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes.

How is San Diego different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is San Diego or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is renowned for skiing. However, San Diego is not a skiing destination.

Banff is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. The town makes a great base for experiencing the three nearby ski resorts: Banff Sunshine, The Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt Norquay. You can purchase a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket and experience the area's best skiing. There's a long ski season and a stunning setting within the Canadian Rockies.

San Diego is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Diego or Banff?

San Diego is notable for its sights and museums. However, Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

San Diego offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in San Diego or Banff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both San Diego and Banff.

San Diego has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Dining out in Banff is an experience not to be missed. The downtown has bistros, taverns, and many casual eateries. For a more fine dining experience, you can go to one of the luxury hotels, which have nice dining areas. Throughout town you'll find classic Canadian food like poutine, as well as pizza and bar food.

Is San Diego or Banff Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both San Diego and Banff.

Many people head to San Diego for the nightlife scene. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

Banff has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a great town for partying and it's compact and easy to barhop if you want. For the town's size, you'll find a huge number of bars and breweries to choose from, and there's always something going on.

Is San Diego or Banff Better for Music?

San Diego is notable for its live music scene. However, Banff is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in San Diego. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Banff is not a live music destination.

Is San Diego or Banff Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a popular place for its resorts. However, Banff is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, San Diego makes a nice vacation spot. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Banff is not a resort destination.

Is San Diego or Banff Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Banff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

San Diego has a few good snorkeling spots. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Banff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Diego or Banff Better for Beaches?

San Diego is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Banff is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in San Diego. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Banff is not a beach destination.

Is San Diego or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is renowned for hiking. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

Banff is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The town is set within Banff National Park, and is surrounded by world class hiking. There are more than 1,000 miles of trails that wander alongside rivers, lead to waterfalls, or climb mountain peaks. You may also see local wildlife.

San Diego is a popular spot for hiking. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Is the Shopping Better in San Diego or Banff?

If you're looking to go shopping, San Diego and Banff both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Diego. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Many visitors go to Banff to go shopping. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

Is San Diego or Banff More Beautiful?

Banff is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Banff is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.

San Diego offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Many people enjoy city's beautiful coastline and surrounding natural beauty.

Is San Diego or Banff Better for Families?

San Diego is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, San Diego is a very family-friendly destination. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Banff. Kids will enjoy the low key hikes like Tunnel Mountain hike. There's also the Banff Gondola and several playgrounds in downtown Banff. For adventure activities, check out the Golden Skybridge or Lake Louise.

Is San Diego or Banff Better for Couples?

San Diego and Banff both amazing destinations for a couple.

San Diego is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

Banff makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a beautiful destination for a honeymoon or anniversary trip. There are countless hikes and stunning natural beauty. There are also spas, horseback riding, and many great restaurants.

Is San Diego or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Banff. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Is San Diego or Banff Better for Students?

San Diego is an unbeatable place for students. However, Banff is not popular with students.

Many students frequent San Diego. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Banff is not popular with students.

Is San Diego or Banff Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Banff is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, San Diego is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Banff offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

Public transit is generally limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is San Diego or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is great for its high level of walkability. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its ease of walking around.

Banff is a very walkable town. The downtown is very walkable and there are trailheads nearby as well.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable coastal city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is San Diego Worth Visiting? and Is Banff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Banff or San Diego?

How long in San Diego or Banff?

In either San Diego or Banff, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, San Diego has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Diego than Banff. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for San Diego, and 2-5 days is enough time in Banff.

Families should spend more time in San Diego than Banff. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Diego, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in San Diego than Banff. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Diego that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Banff than San Diego 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 Banff.

One day in San Diego or Banff?

In San Diego, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this idyllic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Banff is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in San Diego or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Diego. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Banff is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in San Diego or Banff?

San Diego is a fun place to experience. In San Diego, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Banff is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in San Diego or Banff?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of San Diego. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Banff is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, San Diego or Banff?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of San Diego and Banff, 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.