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

Should you visit Atlanta or Santa Cruz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Santa Cruz, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a sprawling, suburban, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a laid back, coastal, and scenic town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Atlanta and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Santa Cruz?

You'll generally find more things to do in Atlanta than Santa Cruz. Atlanta is bigger than Santa Cruz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Atlanta is better known for its museums & sights, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Santa Cruz is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Santa Cruz is more touristy than Atlanta and is popular for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. Also, Atlanta is famous for the Georgia Aquarium.

How is Atlanta different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Santa Cruz?

Atlanta is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Atlanta that are not to be missed. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Santa Cruz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Santa Cruz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Atlanta makes for a great culinary experience. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Santa Cruz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Sampling local seafood is a top priority for many visitors. Most restaurants have a casual vibe and serve up high quality dishes in a relaxed setting. You'll find cafes, Mexican food, and Italian eateries among other options.

Is Atlanta or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Atlanta and Santa Cruz.

The nightlife in Atlanta has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Santa Cruz offers plenty to do in the evening. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Is Atlanta or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Santa Cruz is a great town for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Santa Cruz. The beaches are beautiful and fun. Head to Main Beach for the most activity. This is where you'll find the town's boardwalk, which has a historic carousel and several classic amusement rides. For a more peaceful and scenic spot, check out Natural Bridges State Beach or Seacliff State Beach.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is Atlanta or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Santa Cruz has hiking trails worth exploring. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Santa Cruz?

Atlanta is very popular for shopping. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Atlanta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Santa Cruz. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

Is Atlanta or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Atlanta and Santa Cruz are both very good destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Santa Cruz is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with beaches, parks, playgrounds, and museums that kids and adults will enjoy. Highlights for many families include visiting the boardwalk, playing around at Seacliff State Beach, entertaining the kids at Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab, and taking in the beauty at Natural Bridges State Beach.

Is Atlanta or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Santa Cruz is a great town for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Santa Cruz is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Dining in downtown Santa Cruz, hiking through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and relaxing on the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach all make for a romantic getaway.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Atlanta or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Atlanta and Santa Cruz are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Santa Cruz is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel in town.

Is Atlanta or Santa Cruz Better for Students?

Atlanta is notable for students. However, Santa Cruz is not popular with students.

Atlanta is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Santa Cruz is not popular with students.

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

Atlanta and Santa Cruz both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Santa Cruz. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Atlanta or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Santa Cruz is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's considered to be one of the most walkable cities in California.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Cruz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Atlanta or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Atlanta than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Santa Cruz 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 Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Santa Cruz?

When visiting Atlanta, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Santa Cruz, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Atlanta or Santa Cruz?

When visiting Atlanta, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Santa Cruz, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Cruz has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Santa Cruz?

Atlanta, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Santa Cruz is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Santa Cruz?

Atlanta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Cruz. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Cruz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Santa Cruz?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Santa Cruz, 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 Atlanta or Santa Cruz?

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 Atlanta or Santa Cruz in the Summer?

Both Santa Cruz and Atlanta during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Atlanta is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 67°F (19°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than Santa Cruz. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Santa Cruz. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Atlanta is generally around the same temperature as Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Santa Cruz. The winter months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.

Atlanta is cooler than Santa Cruz in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Santa Cruz. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

Both Santa Cruz and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the beaches.

In the spring, Atlanta is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 58°F (14°C).

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Atlanta