A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Santa Cruz for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit La Paz or Santa Cruz?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Santa Cruz can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a cultural, beautiful, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a scenic, laid back, and coastal town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

La Paz and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Santa Cruz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Paz than Santa Cruz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. La Paz is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Santa Cruz attracts visitors for its nightlife and hiking. La Paz is famous for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also well known for Balandra Beach. Santa Cruz is famous for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches.

How is La Paz different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

La Paz 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.

La Paz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

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 La Paz or Santa Cruz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz 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, La Paz makes for a great culinary experience. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

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 La Paz or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Santa Cruz is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Is La Paz or Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

La Paz is a popular place for its resorts. However, Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is La Paz or Santa Cruz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Santa Cruz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Santa Cruz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

La Paz 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 La Paz. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

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 La Paz or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a town with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Santa Cruz?

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

La Paz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

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

Is La Paz or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Both La Paz and Santa Cruz are excellent to visit with kids.

La Paz is a very kid-friendly city. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Santa Cruz. 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 La Paz or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Santa Cruz is notable for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

La Paz is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Is La Paz or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit La Paz. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

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.

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

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

La Paz has a few public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

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

Is La Paz or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

La Paz is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in La Paz or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in La Paz 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 La Paz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz 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 La Paz.

One day in La Paz or Santa Cruz?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the authentic city of La Paz, 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santa Cruz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in La Paz or Santa Cruz?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of La Paz, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Santa Cruz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Santa Cruz?

La Paz, a popular city, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Cruz. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in La Paz or Santa Cruz?

La Paz 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Santa Cruz. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between La Paz and Santa Cruz, we can see that Santa Cruz 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 La Paz Expensive? and Is Santa Cruz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Paz or Santa Cruz?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of La Paz 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 La Paz 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 La Paz or Santa Cruz in the Summer?

Both Santa Cruz and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, La Paz is generally much warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 30°C (86°F), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In July, La Paz usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Paz or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

Both Santa Cruz and La Paz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

La Paz is much warmer than Santa Cruz in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

La Paz usually gets less rain in October than Santa Cruz. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Santa Cruz. Most visitors come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, La Paz is much warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Paz in January average around 18°C (65°F), and Santa Cruz averages at about 51°F (10°C).

In January, La Paz usually receives less rain than Santa Cruz. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Paz or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Santa Cruz. The spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.

In April, La Paz is generally much warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 23°C (73°F), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

La Paz usually gets less rain in April than Santa Cruz. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and La Paz