A Travel Price Comparison for California Monterey vs. Santa Cruz for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Monterey 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 Monterey 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented 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.

Monterey and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monterey or Santa Cruz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monterey than Santa Cruz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monterey is better known for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Santa Cruz is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Monterey is well known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Also, Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Santa Cruz is well known for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches.

How is Monterey different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Monterey 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.

Monterey offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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 Monterey or Santa Cruz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Monterey 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, Monterey makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Monterey and Santa Cruz.

Monterey has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

Santa Cruz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Is Monterey or Santa Cruz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Monterey has a few good snorkeling spots. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Santa Cruz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monterey or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Santa Cruz is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

Monterey is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Is Monterey or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Monterey 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.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monterey or Santa Cruz?

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

Monterey is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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

Is Monterey or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Monterey 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, Monterey is a very family-friendly destination. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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 Monterey or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Monterey and Santa Cruz both superb destinations for a couple.

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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.

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

Monterey and Santa Cruz are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Monterey and Santa Cruz.

Public transit is mostly limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

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

Is Monterey or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Monterey is very walkable. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Monterey?

How long in Monterey or Santa Cruz?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Monterey 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 Monterey.

One day in Monterey or Santa Cruz?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid back city of Monterey, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monterey, one day is sufficent for most.

The town of Santa Cruz offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Monterey or Santa Cruz?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Monterey, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Santa Cruz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Cruz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Monterey or Santa Cruz?

Monterey, 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 popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Monterey or Santa Cruz?

Monterey 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.

Santa Cruz is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Monterey or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey or Santa Cruz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Monterey as well as Santa Cruz. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Monterey this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Monterey is cooler than Santa Cruz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Monterey in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 67°F (19°C).

Monterey usually gets less rain in July than Santa Cruz. Monterey gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Monterey or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

Both Santa Cruz and Monterey are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Monterey for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Monterey is generally around the same temperature as Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 62°F (17°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Monterey usually receives less rain than Santa Cruz. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Monterey or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

Both Santa Cruz and Monterey during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Monterey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Monterey is around the same temperature as Santa Cruz in the winter. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Monterey usually gets less rain in January than Santa Cruz. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Monterey or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Monterey and Santa Cruz. Most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the beaches.

In the spring, Monterey is around the same temperature as Santa Cruz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Monterey in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Monterey usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Monterey