A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Santa Cruz for Families, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hilton Head Island and Santa Cruz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful coastal town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, 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.

Hilton Head Island and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Cruz than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Cruz is better known for its museums, nightlife, and hiking, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its resorts and impressive beauty. Hilton Head Island is well known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Santa Cruz is well known for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. Also, Santa Cruz is famous for Santa Cruz Wharf.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz is very good for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Cruz. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hilton Head Island and Santa Cruz.

Hilton Head Island is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Santa Cruz offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Santa Cruz is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Santa Cruz has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is notable for its resorts. However, Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Hilton Head Island is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island and Santa Cruz are great choices for a beach vacation.

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

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.

Is Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is very good for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Santa Cruz. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Hilton Head Island and Santa Cruz.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Santa Cruz is a great destination for shopping. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

Is Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Hilton Head Island is a very family-friendly destination. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Santa Cruz is very family-friendly. 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 Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Santa Cruz is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Santa Cruz makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Cruz is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Santa Cruz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel in town.

Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Santa Cruz is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hilton Head Island than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

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

Couples should spend more time in Santa Cruz than Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz?

With shopping and food around the relaxing coastal town of Hilton Head Island, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of Santa Cruz. This town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz?

With food and shopping around the destination of Hilton Head Island, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Santa Cruz is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic town of Santa Cruz. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Cruz has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz?

Hilton Head Island, a popular coastal town, 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 town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Santa Cruz. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz?

Hilton Head Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

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

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Santa Cruz. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Hilton Head Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in July than Santa Cruz. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

Both Santa Cruz and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.

In October, Hilton Head Island is generally a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

Both Santa Cruz and Hilton Head Island during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hilton Head Island is cooler than Santa Cruz in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Hilton Head Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Santa Cruz. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Santa Cruz. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilton Head Island in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Hilton Head Island