A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Santa Barbara for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara? 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.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a friendly, under-rated, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Winston-Salem travel costs.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a pristine, affluent, and scenic coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. You'll find world class beauty in Santa Barbara as well. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Winston-Salem and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Barbara than Winston-Salem. While Winston-Salem is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known 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. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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

Winston-Salem is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

Is the Food Better in Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Barbara is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Santa Barbara is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Winston-Salem. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Is Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Winston-Salem and Santa Barbara.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Santa Barbara. 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.

Is Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is notable for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Santa Barbara is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Is Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a moderate coastal town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option 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.

Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is renowned for the beach. However, Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Barbara. 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.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Is Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the nice old towns in both Winston-Salem and Santa Barbara.

Winston-Salem offers a nice historic old town area. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

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

Is Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

People visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Santa Barbara is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Winston-Salem. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Santa Barbara as well. 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.

Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Santa Barbara is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Santa Barbara is known to be 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.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is renowned for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Santa Barbara makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is notable for students. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Santa Barbara is a very popular coastal town for students and younger travelers. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Plenty of students visit Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Is Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Barbara is a popular place for its public transit. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Santa Barbara has a few public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Public transit is mostly limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

Is Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

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

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara?

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

Families should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Winston-Salem. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Santa Barbara. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Winston-Salem. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Barbara. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly destination of Winston-Salem. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic destination of Santa Barbara. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Winston-Salem. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful coastal town of Santa Barbara. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Winston-Salem and Santa Barbara, we can see that Santa Barbara 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 Winston-Salem Expensive? and Is Santa Barbara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Santa Barbara, 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 Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara?

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 Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Santa Barbara in the summer. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

It's quite rainy in Winston-Salem. In July, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

Both Santa Barbara and Winston-Salem during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Santa Barbara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Winston-Salem in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Santa Barbara. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Winston-Salem. In January, Winston-Salem is generally much colder than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 40°F (4°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santa Barbara. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Santa Barbara. Additionally, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Santa Barbara in the spring. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Winston-Salem