A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Santa Monica vs. Yellowstone National Park for Families, Backpackers, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Santa Monica or Yellowstone National Park?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica or Yellowstone National Park? 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 funfilled, energetic, and active town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a unique, stunning, and breathtaking national park. You'll find world class beauty in Yellowstone National Park as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Yellowstone National Park travel costs.

Santa Monica and Yellowstone National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Yellowstone National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Santa Monica and Yellowstone National Park are both popular with visitors, Santa Monica has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Monica is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Yellowstone National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Yellowstone National Park is popular for its iconic geysers, breathtaking waterfalls, world-class hikes, and diverse wildlife.

How is Santa Monica different from Yellowstone National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yellowstone National Park 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 Yellowstone National Park?

Santa Monica is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Monica. 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.

Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Santa Monica or Yellowstone National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Yellowstone National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This is a large park and there are a number of dining options available both inside and just outside of the park. Many places are seasonal so your options will be highest during the summer months. Like most national park venues, prices can be high and the quality is variable. It's recommended that you pack your own food and plan to picnic.

Is Santa Monica or Yellowstone National Park Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is well known for its evening party scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Santa Monica is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Yellowstone National Park Things quiet down quickly at night and you won't find many places to go in the evening.

Is Santa Monica or Yellowstone National Park Better for Resorts?

Yellowstone National Park is notable for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Yellowstone National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. It is a large national park, and there are several impressive lodges nearby. Reservations are recommended well in advance. Within the park, Old Faithful Inn, Roosevelt Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are all nice options.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Santa Monica or Yellowstone National Park Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is very popular for the beach. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Monica. 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.

Yellowstone National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Monica or Yellowstone National Park Better for Hiking?

Yellowstone National Park is an amazing national park to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

People visit Yellowstone National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The park is huge, and there are countless hikes throughout. From short strolls to lengthy endeavors, there really is something for everyone. If you want to see the geysers, some of the best hikes are Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail, the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop, and the Lone Star Geyser Trail. For waterfalls you can check out Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, the North Rim Trail, and Fairy Falls Trail.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Yellowstone National Park?

Santa Monica is well known for its shopping areas. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Santa Monica or Yellowstone National Park More Beautiful?

Yellowstone National Park is an amazing national park 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 Yellowstone National Park as well. With its spectacular geysers, colorful springs, and unique wildlife, the park really is a beautiful place to visit.

Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Santa Monica or Yellowstone National Park Better for Families?

Santa Monica is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Yellowstone National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Santa Monica is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Yellowstone National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who enjoy the outdoors and exploring new environments will appreciate a visit to this park. The geysers are fascinating for everyone and the waterfalls are breathtaking. There are ranger shows and other activities that are great for kids as well. Make sure you stop by the Visitor's Centers.

Is Santa Monica or Yellowstone National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Santa Monica and Yellowstone National Park make for a high quality 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.

Yellowstone National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This park is a beautiful and romantic destination for couples who enjoy the outdoors. There are world-renowned hikes and breathtaking views. There are also lodges in the area that make for a romantic stay.

Is Santa Monica or Yellowstone National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yellowstone National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Yellowstone National Park. Backpackers will appreciate the campgrounds and affordable facilities that are found around the park. Reservations are recommended well in advance, particularly if you're hoping to stay inside the park.

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.

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

Santa Monica is well known for its public transit. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Santa Monica. 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 Yellowstone National Park. There is no public transportation service available in the park. There are private tour options available.

Is Santa Monica or Yellowstone National Park a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Yellowstone National Park is not a very walkable town. This is among the largest national parks and a car is an absolute must if you hope to experience the different landscapes.

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

Should I spend more time in Yellowstone National Park or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Yellowstone National Park?

Both Santa Monica and Yellowstone National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yellowstone National Park than in Santa Monica. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Santa Monica, and 5-7 days is enough time in Yellowstone National Park.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Yellowstone National Park. 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 Yellowstone National Park. 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 Yellowstone National Park 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 Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively town of Santa Monica. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Yellowstone National Park, many people enjoy the that this unique national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santa Monica. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Most people visit for the beaches. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Yellowstone National Park is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Santa Monica or Yellowstone National Park?

Santa Monica is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

In Yellowstone National Park, many people enjoy the that this unique destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Santa Monica or Yellowstone National Park?

Santa Monica is a popular choice for travelers. Most people visit for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Yellowstone National Park is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Yellowstone National Park, we can see that Santa Monica is more expensive. And not only is Yellowstone National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yellowstone National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yellowstone National Park 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 Yellowstone National Park.

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 Yellowstone National Park Expensive?.