A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Diego vs. Ottawa for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit San Diego or Ottawa?

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 Ottawa. 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 idyllic, fun-filled, and hip coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. San Diego offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See San Diego travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a friendly, welcoming, and cultural city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Ottawa travel costs.

San Diego and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Diego or Ottawa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Diego than Ottawa, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. San Diego is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. It is also home to The San Diego Zoo. Ottawa is popular for its history, politics, and green space.

How is San Diego different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both San Diego and Ottawa.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around San Diego. 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.

Ottawa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.

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

San Diego is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

San Diego has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Ottawa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

Is San Diego or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

San Diego is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

San Diego has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.

Is San Diego or Ottawa Better for Music?

San Diego is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Ottawa is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in San Diego while you're in town. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Ottawa is not a live music destination.

Is San Diego or Ottawa Better for Resorts?

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

San Diego has a few great resort options. 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.

Ottawa is not a resort destination.

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

San Diego is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ottawa 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.

Ottawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Diego or Ottawa Better for Beaches?

San Diego is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Ottawa 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.

Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Is San Diego or Ottawa Better for Hiking?

San Diego is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting San Diego. 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.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Diego or Ottawa?

If you're looking to go shopping, San Diego and Ottawa both offer plenty of good 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 Ottawa to go shopping. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.

Is San Diego or Ottawa More Beautiful?

San Diego is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is San Diego or Ottawa Better for Families?

San Diego is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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 kid-friendly things to do in Ottawa. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

Is San Diego or Ottawa Better for Couples?

San Diego is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

San Diego makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Ottawa is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.

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

For backpackers, both San Diego and Ottawa are good places to visit.

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ottawa. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Is San Diego or Ottawa Better for Students?

San Diego is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Ottawa is popular with students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

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

Ottawa 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 Ottawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

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 Ottawa a more walkable city?

San Diego and Ottawa are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Ottawa is a somewhat walkable coastal city. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or San Diego?

How long in San Diego or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Diego and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Diego than in Ottawa. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for San Diego, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

Families should spend more time in San Diego than Ottawa. 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 Ottawa. 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 San Diego than Ottawa 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 San Diego.

One day in San Diego or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of San Diego. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ottawa. 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 Ottawa?

San Diego is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the welcoming destination of Ottawa. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in San Diego or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Diego. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural city of Ottawa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in San Diego or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic destination of San Diego. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Ottawa is a popular choice for travelers. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.

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

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 Ottawa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Diego or Ottawa?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of San Diego and Ottawa, 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 San Diego or Ottawa?

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 San Diego or Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Diego and Ottawa. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Diego this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ottawa for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, San Diego is around the same temperature as Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Diego in July average around 71°F (22°C), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Diego usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. San Diego gets 306 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Diego usually receives less rain than Ottawa. San Diego gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Diego or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to San Diego as well as Ottawa. Many travelers come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Ottawa in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, San Diego is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in San Diego average around 68°F (20°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In the autumn, San Diego often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. San Diego gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

San Diego usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. San Diego gets 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Diego or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and San Diego are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to San Diego in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ottawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ottawa can be very cold during winter. San Diego is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in San Diego averages around 57°F (14°C) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. San Diego usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. San Diego gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, San Diego usually receives less rain than Ottawa. San Diego gets 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Diego or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and San Diego during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, San Diego is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Diego in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. In the spring, San Diego often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. San Diego gets 277 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

San Diego usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. San Diego gets 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and San Diego