A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Santa Monica vs. Anchorage for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Santa Monica or Anchorage?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica or Anchorage? 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.

Santa Monica

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

Anchorage

Anchorage is a scenic, breathtaking, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty in Anchorage as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Anchorage travel costs.

Santa Monica and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Anchorage?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Monica than Anchorage. While Anchorage is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Anchorage attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Anchorage and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Anchorage is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Santa Monica different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Monica or Anchorage?

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Santa Monica and Anchorage.

Santa Monica offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Anchorage. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

Is the Food Better in Santa Monica or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Santa Monica makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Santa Monica or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

Santa Monica offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Santa Monica or Anchorage Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Santa Monica is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Monica or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

People visit Anchorage specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Anchorage?

Santa Monica is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Santa Monica or Anchorage More Beautiful?

Anchorage is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Anchorage as well. The city offers access to spectacular beauty. It's surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains, breathtaking glaciers, and vast wilderness.

Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Santa Monica or Anchorage Better for Families?

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly town. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Santa Monica or Anchorage Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Santa Monica and Anchorage make for a excellent place to visit.

Santa Monica is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Anchorage makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Is Santa Monica or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Santa Monica and Anchorage are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Anchorage is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

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

Santa Monica is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city 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 quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Santa Monica or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable town. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santa Monica and Anchorage. In our opinion, Santa Monica has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Santa Monica than Anchorage. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Anchorage. 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 Anchorage. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Santa Monica that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica than Anchorage 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 Santa Monica or Anchorage?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Santa Monica. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Monica has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Anchorage, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Santa Monica or Anchorage?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the energetic destination of Santa Monica. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Anchorage is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santa Monica or Anchorage?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively town of Santa Monica. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Anchorage. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Santa Monica or Anchorage?

Santa Monica is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Anchorage 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Santa Monica and Anchorage, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Santa Monica and Anchorage, 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 Santa Monica or Anchorage?

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 Santa Monica or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Santa Monica are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Santa Monica in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Santa Monica is generally a little warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 70°F (21°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In July, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Santa Monica gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Santa Monica during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. Santa Monica is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santa Monica averages around 67°F (20°C) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

Santa Monica usually gets less rain in October than Anchorage. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Monica and Anchorage. The winter months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the winter. In the winter, Santa Monica is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santa Monica in January average around 57°F (14°C), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).

In January, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Santa Monica gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Santa Monica as well as Anchorage. The beaches are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In April, Santa Monica is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 61°F (16°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

Santa Monica usually gets less rain in April than Anchorage. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Santa Monica