A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nashville vs. Santa Cruz for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Nashville 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 Nashville 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.

Nashville

Nashville is a eclectic, southern, and country music lovers city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a coastal, scenic, and laid back town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Nashville and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nashville or Santa Cruz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nashville than Santa Cruz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nashville is more popular for its music, resorts, and big city activities, while Santa Cruz is known for its beaches, hiking, and shopping. Santa Cruz is more touristy than Nashville and is popular for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. Nashville is popular for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also home to The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Nashville different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Nashville or Santa Cruz.

Nashville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

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

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

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Santa Cruz. 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 Nashville or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nashville and Santa Cruz.

Nashville has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

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 Nashville or Santa Cruz Better for Music?

Nashville is very popular for live music. However, Santa Cruz is not a live music destination.

Nashville is a world class music destination. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Santa Cruz is not a live music destination.

Is Nashville or Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

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

Nashville has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Nashville or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Santa Cruz is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Santa Cruz attract visitors from all over. 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.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is Nashville or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Nashville 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.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz is a town with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Santa Cruz. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Nashville or Santa Cruz Better for Christmas?

Nashville is a popular place for its Christmas activities. However, Santa Cruz does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville is a fun destination over Christmas. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Santa Cruz does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nashville or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Santa Cruz is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Santa Cruz is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Nashville or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Santa Cruz is a very popular place for romance. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

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

Nashville and Santa Cruz are both good destinations for backpackers.

Nashville is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

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.

Is Nashville 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, Nashville 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 Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Nashville or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of 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.

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Santa Cruz?

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

Families should spend more time in Santa Cruz than Nashville. 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 Nashville. 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 Nashville 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 Nashville or Santa Cruz?

With museums and nightlife around the country music lovers city of Nashville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Santa Cruz. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Cruz has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nashville or Santa Cruz?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Nashville, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Santa Cruz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nashville or Santa Cruz?

Nashville, 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back town of Santa Cruz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nashville or Santa Cruz?

Nashville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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 choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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 Nashville and Santa Cruz, we can see that Nashville 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 Nashville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nashville 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 Nashville Expensive? and Is Santa Cruz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nashville or Santa Cruz?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Nashville 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 Nashville 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 Nashville or Santa Cruz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Santa Cruz. Many travelers come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, 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.

Nashville is a little warmer than Santa Cruz in the summer. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Nashville usually gets more rain in July than Santa Cruz. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nashville or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

Both Santa Cruz and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nashville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Nashville is around the same temperature as Santa Cruz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nashville in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In October, Nashville usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nashville or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

Both Santa Cruz and Nashville during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nashville can be very cold during winter. In January, Nashville is generally much colder than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 38°F (4°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Nashville usually gets more rain in January than Santa Cruz. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nashville or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Santa Cruz. The spring months attract visitors to Nashville because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.

Nashville is a little warmer than Santa Cruz in the spring. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (16°C) in April, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Nashville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nashville usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Nashville