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

Should you visit Williamsburg or Monterey?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Williamsburg and Monterey. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a charming, quaint, and well-preserved town. Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Monterey

Monterey is a nature-oriented, laid back, and relaxing city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Monterey travel costs.

Williamsburg and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Monterey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monterey. Although Williamsburg and Monterey are popular destinations, Monterey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monterey is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Williamsburg attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Williamsburg is famous for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Monterey is famous for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also well known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

How is Williamsburg different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Williamsburg or Monterey.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

Monterey offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Williamsburg or Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Williamsburg and Monterey both to be excellent destinations.

Dining out in Williamsburg is an experience not to be missed. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Monterey. 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 Williamsburg or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Monterey know how to have a good time. 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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Williamsburg or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Williamsburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Monterey. 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.

Williamsburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Williamsburg or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a good destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Monterey offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Williamsburg or Monterey Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Monterey does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Monterey does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Monterey?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Monterey and Williamsburg.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Monterey. 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 Williamsburg or Monterey More Beautiful?

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

Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Williamsburg or Monterey Better for Families?

Both Williamsburg and Monterey are terrific family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Williamsburg is very family-friendly. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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.

Is Williamsburg or Monterey Better for Couples?

Williamsburg and Monterey both excellent destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Williamsburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Monterey is a great town if you're traveling as 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 Williamsburg or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey is a good destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Williamsburg or Monterey Better for Students?

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Monterey is not popular with students.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Monterey is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Williamsburg and Monterey.

Public transit is generally limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

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

Is Williamsburg or Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Williamsburg and Monterey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Williamsburg than in Monterey. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Williamsburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monterey.

Families should spend more time in Monterey than Williamsburg. 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.

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

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

One day in Williamsburg or Monterey?

The town of Williamsburg offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Monterey, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxing city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Williamsburg or Monterey?

Williamsburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Williamsburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Monterey is a fun place to experience. 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 Williamsburg or Monterey?

Williamsburg 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid back destination of Monterey. 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 Williamsburg or Monterey?

Williamsburg 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 town offers something for everyone.

Monterey is a popular place to visit. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Williamsburg Expensive? and Is Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Monterey?

Monterey has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg or Monterey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Monterey. The summer months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

Williamsburg is much warmer than Monterey in the summer. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Williamsburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Williamsburg usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Monterey in the Autumn?

Both Monterey and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Williamsburg is around the same temperature as Monterey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Williamsburg in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Monterey averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Monterey. Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey and Williamsburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Monterey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Williamsburg. In January, Williamsburg is generally much colder than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 38°F (4°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Williamsburg usually gets more rain in January than Monterey. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Monterey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Monterey. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches during these months.

Williamsburg is around the same temperature as Monterey in the spring. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 57°F (14°C) in April, and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Monterey. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Williamsburg