A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santa Monica vs. Vernon for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Santa Monica or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica or Vernon? 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. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a relaxing, quiet, and peaceful town. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Vernon travel costs.

Santa Monica and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Vernon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Santa Monica and Vernon are both popular with visitors, Santa Monica has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Monica is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Vernon is known for its hiking. Santa Monica is more touristy than Vernon and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Vernon is popular for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Santa Monica different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vernon 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 Vernon?

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

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 Vernon. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

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

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

Dining out in Santa Monica is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Santa Monica or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

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 Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Santa Monica or Vernon Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is terrific for the beach. However, Vernon is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Santa Monica are among the best in the world. 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.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Monica or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Vernon is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Vernon is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Vernon?

Santa Monica is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santa Monica. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Santa Monica or Vernon Better for Families?

Santa Monica is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly town. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Santa Monica or Vernon Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

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

Santa Monica is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

Is Santa Monica or Vernon 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, Vernon is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Santa Monica can get you to most places easily. 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 mostly limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Santa Monica or Vernon a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

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

Vernon is generally not a very walkable town. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Vernon?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santa Monica. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Vernon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this peaceful town 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 town.

A weekend in Santa Monica or Vernon?

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Vernon 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. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santa Monica or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the peaceful destination of Vernon. 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 Santa Monica or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Santa Monica. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Vernon 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

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

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 Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or Vernon?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Santa Monica and Vernon, 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 Vernon?

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 Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Santa Monica are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vernon in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Santa Monica is around the same temperature as Vernon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santa Monica in July average around 70°F (21°C), and Vernon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Vernon. Santa Monica gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Santa Monica during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Santa Monica in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Santa Monica is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 67°F (20°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Santa Monica usually gets less rain in October than Vernon. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Monica and Vernon. Most visitors come to Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Vernon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. Santa Monica is much warmer than Vernon in the winter. The daily temperature in Santa Monica averages around 57°F (14°C) in January, and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In January, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Vernon. Santa Monica gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Santa Monica as well as Vernon. The spring months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the beaches.

In the spring, Santa Monica is a little warmer than Vernon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santa Monica in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Vernon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Santa Monica usually gets less rain in April than Vernon. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Santa Monica