A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Shenandoah National Park vs. Santa Barbara for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenandoah National Park and Santa Barbara can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a breathtaking, serene, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include skiing and hiking. See Shenandoah National Park travel costs.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a stunning, wealthy, and opulent coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come to Santa Barbara because of it's amazing beauty. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Shenandoah National Park and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara. Although Shenandoah National Park and Santa Barbara are popular destinations, Santa Barbara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Barbara is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors for its skiing. Shenandoah National Park is famous for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. Santa Barbara is famous for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also well known for The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Shenandoah National Park different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Santa Barbara is not a skiing destination.

Head to Shenandoah National Park for some great skiing and other winter activities. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".

Santa Barbara is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is great for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Santa Barbara. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.

Is the Food Better in Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Barbara is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Santa Barbara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Shenandoah National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Santa Barbara has a few options to choose from. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Most people don't head to Shenandoah National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is great for its luxury resorts. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.

In Santa Barbara, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Shenandoah National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is renowned for the beach. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

Santa Barbara is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Shenandoah National Park does not have a historic old town.

Santa Barbara has an old town worth visiting. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Shenandoah National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Santa Barbara are destinations which offer terrific hiking.

Around Shenandoah National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.

Santa Barbara is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Is the Shopping Better in Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.

Many people travel to Santa Barbara specifically to go shopping. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Shenandoah National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Santa Barbara because of it's amazing beauty. The city is beautifully situated right by the ocean and offers stunning views and and an amazing setting. It is also filled with opulent houses and grand estates, giving it an air of grandeur.

Shenandoah National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Skyline drive passes by breathtaking views and wonderful lookout points. There are also miles of trails that let you explore the natural beauty of the area.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Santa Barbara are excellent to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Shenandoah National Park. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.

Santa Barbara is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is renowned for couples. Also, Shenandoah National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Shenandoah National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shenandoah National Park is renowned for backpackers. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Shenandoah National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.

Santa Barbara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city isn't really known as a budget friendly destination, but there are a couple of hostels in the area. There's also a large student population with a fun nightlife scene.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Shenandoah National Park is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Santa Barbara. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Shenandoah National Park is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Santa Barbara offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is great for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its walkability.

Santa Barbara is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable national park. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Shenandoah National Park?

How long in Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shenandoah National Park and Santa Barbara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than in Santa Barbara. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Shenandoah National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Santa Barbara.

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

Couples should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Shenandoah National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Santa Barbara that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Shenandoah 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 Barbara.

One day in Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the scenic destination of Shenandoah National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With food and shopping around the scenic coastal town of Santa Barbara, there's plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shenandoah National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With shopping and museums around the opulent destination of Santa Barbara, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the scenic destination of Shenandoah National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the affluent coastal town of Santa Barbara. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara?

You'll find skiing around the beautiful national park of Shenandoah National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Santa Barbara is a great place to explore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenandoah National Park and Santa Barbara, we can see that Santa Barbara is more expensive. And not only is Shenandoah National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenandoah National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenandoah 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 Barbara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Barbara than you might in Shenandoah National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenandoah National Park Expensive? and Is Santa Barbara Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara?

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 Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara and Shenandoah National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Shenandoah National Park is a little warmer than Santa Barbara in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenandoah National Park and Santa Barbara. Many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Shenandoah National Park is cooler than Santa Barbara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Shenandoah National Park usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shenandoah National Park as well as Santa Barbara. Most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Shenandoah National Park can be very cold during winter. In January, Shenandoah National Park is generally much colder than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 32°F (-0°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets less rain in January than Santa Barbara. Shenandoah National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

Shenandoah National Park is cooler than Santa Barbara in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In April, Shenandoah National Park usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Shenandoah National Park