A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Savannah vs. Monterey for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Savannah or Monterey?

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

Should I visit Savannah or Monterey? 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.

Savannah

Savannah is a beautiful, charming, and scenic city. Savannah offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Savannah travel costs.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Monterey travel costs.

Savannah and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Savannah or Monterey?

Both Monterey and Savannah have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Savannah is better known for its historical sights and impressive beauty, while Monterey is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling. Monterey is more touristy than Savannah and is popular for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Savannah is well known for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District.

How is Savannah different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Savannah or Monterey?

Both Savannah and Monterey have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

Savannah offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

Many visitors head to Monterey specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

Is the Food Better in Savannah or Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Savannah and Monterey can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Savannah makes for a great culinary experience. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

Monterey has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Is Savannah or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Both Savannah and Monterey are superb when it comes to partying.

Savannah offers plenty to do in the evening. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Monterey has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

Is Savannah or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Savannah is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few good snorkeling spots. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Savannah is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Savannah or Monterey Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Savannah and Monterey are notable choices.

Savannah is a good option for a beach vacation. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Many people head to Monterey to enjoy the beach. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Is Savannah or Monterey Better for its Old Town?

Savannah is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Monterey does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Monterey does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Monterey?

Both Savannah and Monterey are superb shopping destinations.

Savannah is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

Monterey is well-known for its shopping. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Is Savannah or Monterey More Beautiful?

Savannah is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Savannah offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is filled with historic buildings and streets lined with trees draped in Spanish Moss.

Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Savannah or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Monterey is a very family-friendly destination. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

Savannah is a family-friendly city. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Is Savannah or Monterey Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Savannah and Monterey make for a superb place to visit.

Savannah is a very popular place to visit for couples. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

Is Savannah or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Savannah and Monterey are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Savannah. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Monterey is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

Is Savannah or Monterey Better for Students?

Savannah is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Monterey is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Savannah. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Monterey is not popular with students.

Is Savannah or Monterey Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Savannah and Monterey offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Savannah or Monterey a more walkable city?

Savannah and Monterey both are superb when exploring on foot.

Savannah is very walkable. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

Monterey is a very walkable city. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Monterey?

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

Families should spend more time in Monterey than Savannah. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Monterey, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Savannah than Monterey 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 Savannah.

One day in Savannah or Monterey?

The city of Savannah offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Monterey offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Savannah or Monterey?

Savannah is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Savannah, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Monterey is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monterey, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Savannah or Monterey?

Savannah is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Monterey is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

A week in Savannah or Monterey?

Savannah is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Monterey is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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 Savannah and Monterey, we can see that Monterey 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 Savannah Expensive? and Is Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Savannah or Monterey?

Savannah has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Savannah and Monterey, 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 Savannah or Monterey?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Savannah or Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Savannah during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Savannah for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Savannah is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 82°F (28°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Savannah. Savannah usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and Monterey. The autumn months attract visitors to Savannah because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

Savannah is a little warmer than Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Savannah usually receives more rain than Monterey. Savannah gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Savannah or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Savannah as well as Monterey. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Savannah this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Savannah is cooler than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Savannah in January average around 49°F (9°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Savannah usually gets more rain in January than Monterey. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Savannah for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Savannah is generally a little warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 66°F (19°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Savannah usually receives more rain than Monterey. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Savannah