A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Santa Cruz for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Atlantic City or Santa Cruz?

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 Atlantic City and Santa Cruz. 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.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a glitzy, flashy, and party-oriented city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a coastal, scenic, and laid back town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Atlantic City and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Santa Cruz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Cruz. Although Atlantic City and Santa Cruz are both popular with visitors, Santa Cruz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Cruz is more popular for its museums & sights, beaches, and hiking, while Atlantic City is known for its nightlife and resorts. Atlantic City is more touristy than Santa Cruz and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Santa Cruz is popular for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. It is also home to Santa Cruz Wharf.

How is Atlantic City different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Cruz is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Santa Cruz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

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

Foodies will find both Atlantic City and Santa Cruz both to be good destinations.

Atlantic City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

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 Atlantic City or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is very popular for nightlife. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Atlantic City is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

Santa Cruz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Is Atlantic City or Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is notable for its resorts. However, Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Atlantic City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Santa Cruz is well known for its beaches. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Many people visit Santa Cruz for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Atlantic City is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Is Atlantic City or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

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

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Santa Cruz?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Santa Cruz and Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is a great destination for shopping. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

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

Is Atlantic City or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Santa Cruz is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Santa Cruz is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Santa Cruz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City and Santa Cruz are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Santa Cruz. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel in town.

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

Atlantic City is a popular place for its public transit. However, Santa Cruz is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Atlantic City has a few public transit options. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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

Is Atlantic City or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Atlantic City is a very walkable city. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Atlantic City or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Atlantic City than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

Families should spend more time in Santa Cruz than Atlantic City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Santa Cruz, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Santa Cruz than Atlantic City. 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 Santa Cruz than Atlantic City 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 Cruz.

One day in Atlantic City or Santa Cruz?

With shopping and nightlife around the colorful city of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlantic City, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Santa Cruz. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Santa Cruz?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Cruz. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Atlantic City or Santa Cruz?

Atlantic City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal destination of Santa Cruz. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This 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 Atlantic City or Santa Cruz?

Atlantic City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Santa Cruz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlantic City and Santa Cruz, we can see that Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City Expensive? and Is Santa Cruz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Santa Cruz?

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 Atlantic City or Santa Cruz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Santa Cruz. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Atlantic City is a little warmer than Santa Cruz in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Atlantic City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Santa Cruz. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Atlantic City is cooler than Santa Cruz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlantic City in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in October than Santa Cruz. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

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

Atlantic City can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 31°F (-0°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In January, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

Both Santa Cruz and Atlantic City during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the beaches.

Atlantic City is cooler than Santa Cruz in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in April than Santa Cruz. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Atlantic City