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

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Santa Monica?

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 Monica 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. The beauty of Shenandoah National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the skiing and hiking. See Shenandoah National Park travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Shenandoah National Park and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Shenandoah National Park and Santa Monica 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 Shenandoah National Park is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Shenandoah National Park and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Shenandoah National Park is popular for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails.

How is Shenandoah National Park different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shenandoah National Park or Santa Monica Better for Skiing?

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

For winter sports and skiing, Shenandoah National Park is a great destination to visit. 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 Monica is not a skiing destination.

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

Santa Monica is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

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 Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Santa Monica has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

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 Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is great for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Santa Monica for the nightlife scene. 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 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 Monica Better for Beaches?

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

Santa Monica is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Shenandoah National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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 Monica is not a hiking destination.

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

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

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 Monica More Beautiful?

Shenandoah National Park is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Shenandoah National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. 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.

Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Shenandoah National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Santa Monica are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Shenandoah National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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.

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

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

Santa Monica is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination 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 limited or non-existant in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

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

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

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

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 Monica Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Shenandoah National Park or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shenandoah National Park and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than in Santa Monica. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Shenandoah National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Monica.

One day in Shenandoah National Park or Santa Monica?

In Shenandoah National Park, many people enjoy the skiing that this breathtaking 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.

With food and shopping around the funfilled town of Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Shenandoah National Park or Santa Monica?

Shenandoah National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

With shopping and museums around the funfilled destination of Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this 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 Monica?

In Shenandoah National Park, many people enjoy the skiing that this serene 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively town of Santa Monica. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people come for the beaches. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Shenandoah National Park or Santa Monica?

Shenandoah National Park 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.

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Monica, we can see that Santa Monica 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 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 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 Monica Expensive?.

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

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 Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica 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. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Shenandoah National Park is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 77°F (25°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

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

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenandoah National Park and Santa Monica. Many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene during these months.

Shenandoah National Park is cooler than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Shenandoah National Park usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

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

Shenandoah National Park can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Shenandoah National Park is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in January average around 32°F (-0°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Shenandoah National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Santa Monica 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 are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In April, Shenandoah National Park is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 54°F (12°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Shenandoah National Park usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Shenandoah National Park