A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Santa Cruz for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a luxurious, posh, and outdoorsy coastal city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Santa Cruz

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

Boca Raton and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Santa Cruz?

You'll generally find more things to do in Boca Raton than Santa Cruz. Boca Raton is bigger than Santa Cruz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Santa Cruz is more touristy than Boca Raton and is popular for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. Boca Raton is well known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. Also, Boca Raton is famous for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Boca Raton is notable 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.

Boca Raton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

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 Boca Raton or Santa Cruz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton 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, Boca Raton makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

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 Boca Raton or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Boca Raton and Santa Cruz.

Many people head to Boca Raton for the nightlife scene. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Santa Cruz has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Is Boca Raton or Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is notable for its resorts. However, Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Boca Raton is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Boca Raton or Santa Cruz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Santa Cruz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Boca Raton has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Santa Cruz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is very popular for its beaches. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beache.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Boca Raton. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Santa Cruz is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Is Boca Raton or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Boca Raton and Santa Cruz, and they are notable.

Boca Raton offers some nice hiking trails. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Santa Cruz is a good destination for hiking. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Santa Cruz?

Boca Raton is notable for shopping. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Boca Raton is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

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

Is Boca Raton or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Both Boca Raton and Santa Cruz are superb family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

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 Boca Raton or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Boca Raton and Santa Cruz both superb destinations for a couple.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

Santa Cruz is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Boca Raton or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Cruz is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boca Raton is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Boca Raton is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's known for its upscale luxury, and you won't find much in the form of hostels or backpacker-friendly accommodation.

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

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

Boca Raton has a few public transit options. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

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

Is Boca Raton or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Boca Raton or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Boca Raton than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton.

One day in Boca Raton or Santa Cruz?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxed coastal city of Boca Raton, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the scenic town of Santa Cruz, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Cruz, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Santa Cruz?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Boca Raton, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Cruz, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Boca Raton or Santa Cruz?

Boca Raton, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Santa Cruz, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or Santa Cruz?

Boca Raton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

Santa Cruz 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Santa Cruz?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Santa Cruz in the Summer?

Both Santa Cruz and Boca Raton during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Boca Raton is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in July than Santa Cruz. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Santa Cruz. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Boca Raton is generally a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 78°F (25°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Santa Cruz. Many visitors come to Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton is much warmer than Santa Cruz in the winter. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Boca Raton usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Santa Cruz. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

Both Santa Cruz and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the beaches.

In the spring, Boca Raton is much warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boca Raton in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Boca Raton