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

Should you visit Williamsburg or Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica. 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 historic, charming, and quaint town. Williamsburg is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a funfilled, energetic, and active town. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Williamsburg and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Santa Monica?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Williamsburg 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 nightlife and beaches, while Williamsburg is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Williamsburg and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Williamsburg is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments.

How is Williamsburg different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?

Williamsburg is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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.

Is the Food Better in Williamsburg or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Williamsburg and Santa Monica both to be superb 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 Santa Monica. 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.

Is Williamsburg or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Santa Monica know how to have a good time. 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.

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 Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Santa Monica offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Williamsburg or Santa Monica Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its old town. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Santa Monica?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Santa Monica 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 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.

Is Williamsburg or Santa Monica More Beautiful?

Williamsburg is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Williamsburg is a beautiful place to visit, too. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Williamsburg or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Both Williamsburg and Santa Monica are amazing 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, 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.

Is Williamsburg or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Williamsburg and Santa Monica both superb 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.

Santa Monica is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Williamsburg or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Santa Monica. 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.

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 Santa Monica Better for Students?

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for students. However, Santa Monica is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Williamsburg. 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.

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

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

Santa Monica is a great destination for its public transit. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options 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 mostly 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.

Is Williamsburg or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

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

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

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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Santa Monica?

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

Couples should spend more time in Santa Monica than Williamsburg. 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 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Williamsburg or Santa Monica?

In Williamsburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this well-preserved town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

In Santa Monica, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this energetic town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Williamsburg or Santa Monica?

Williamsburg is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Santa Monica is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Williamsburg or Santa Monica?

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Williamsburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Santa Monica. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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 Santa Monica?

Williamsburg is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica 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 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 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 Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Santa Monica. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Williamsburg is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 78°F (26°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Williamsburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Santa Monica. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Williamsburg is cooler than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Williamsburg usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Williamsburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Williamsburg is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Williamsburg in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In January, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Williamsburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Williamsburg for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the beaches.

In April, Williamsburg is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 57°F (14°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Williamsburg usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Williamsburg