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

Should you visit Santa Monica or Santa Fe?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica or Santa Fe? 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 energetic, active, and lively town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a artsy, cultural, and historic historic town. Santa Fe 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 shopping, museums, and skiing. See Santa Fe travel costs.

Santa Monica and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Santa Fe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica than Santa Fe, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Santa Monica is more popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Santa Fe is known for its skiing, music, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santa Monica is more touristy than Santa Fe and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Santa Fe is popular for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine.

How is Santa Monica different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Santa Monica or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Santa Monica is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Santa Fe is a great destination to visit. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Santa Monica is not a skiing destination.

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Santa Monica and Santa Fe.

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 Santa Fe. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Santa Monica and Santa Fe can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santa Monica. 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.

Santa Fe has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

Is Santa Monica or Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a great town for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Santa Monica has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

Is Santa Monica or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Santa Fe is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Santa Monica is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Santa Fe is active and vibrant. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Santa Monica is not a live music destination.

Is Santa Monica or Santa Fe Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Santa Monica is a very popular vacation 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.

Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Monica or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Santa Fe is notable for its old town. However, Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Is Santa Monica or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

Santa Fe is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Santa Fe is a good destination for hiking. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Santa Fe?

Both Santa Monica and Santa Fe are great shopping destinations.

Santa Monica is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santa Fe. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

Is Santa Monica or Santa Fe More Beautiful?

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

Santa Fe is a beautiful place to visit, too. This cultural city has a unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.

Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Santa Monica or Santa Fe Better for Families?

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its family-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is Santa Monica or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is a great town for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for romance.

Santa Monica is a great town 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.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

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

Santa Monica is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Santa Fe is not known for backpackers.

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Santa Fe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as several campgrounds.

Is Santa Monica or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Santa Fe is a popular place for students. However, Santa Monica is not popular with students.

Santa Fe is a good historic town to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

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

Santa Monica is a great town for times when you don't have a car. However, Santa Fe is not known for its public transit.

Santa Monica offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 generally limited in Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

Is Santa Monica or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

Santa Monica and Santa Fe both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Santa Fe is a very walkable destination. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Santa Fe?

In either Santa Monica or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santa Fe than Santa Monica because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Santa Monica, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe?

The town of Santa Monica offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Santa Fe, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural historic town 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.

A weekend in Santa Monica or Santa Fe?

Santa Monica is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Monica, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Santa Fe is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Santa Monica or Santa Fe?

Santa Monica is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Santa Fe, many people enjoy the skiing and live music that this historic destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Santa Monica or Santa Fe?

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Santa Fe 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.

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

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 Santa Fe Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or Santa Fe?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Santa Fe. When comparing the sizes of Santa Monica and Santa Fe, 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.