A Travel Price Comparison for California Palm Springs vs. Santa Cruz for Nightlife, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs and Santa Cruz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a outdoorsy, ritzy, and chic city. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a coastal, scenic, and laid back town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Palm Springs and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palm Springs or Santa Cruz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palm Springs. Although Palm Springs and Santa Cruz are both popular with visitors, Palm Springs has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palm Springs is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Santa Cruz is known for its beaches. Palm Springs is more touristy than Santa Cruz and is known for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. It is also home to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Santa Cruz is popular for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches.

How is Palm Springs different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Palm Springs and Santa Cruz have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Palm Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

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 Palm Springs or Santa Cruz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palm Springs 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, Palm Springs makes for a great culinary experience. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

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 Palm Springs or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is very popular for nightlife. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Palm Springs is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

Santa Cruz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Is Palm Springs or Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is very popular for its resorts. However, Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Palm Springs is a great choice. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Palm Springs or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Santa Cruz is notable for its beaches. However, Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

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.

Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Palm Springs or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Palm Springs is a popular spot for hiking. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Palm Springs or Santa Cruz?

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

Palm Springs is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

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

Is Palm Springs or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Palm Springs or Santa Cruz.

Palm Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

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 Palm Springs or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Both Palm Springs and Santa Cruz are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Palm Springs is a very popular place to visit for couples. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

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.

Is Palm Springs or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Cruz is very good for backpackers. However, Palm Springs is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Palm Springs is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While the city is more famous for its upscale clientele, there's actually a hostel in town for backpackers.

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

Both Palm Springs and Santa Cruz offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

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

Is Palm Springs or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Palm Springs is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Palm Springs?

How long in Palm Springs or Santa Cruz?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Cruz than Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs or Santa Cruz?

With museums and nightlife around the ritzy city of Palm Springs, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Santa Cruz, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this coastal town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Palm Springs or Santa Cruz?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Palm Springs, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Santa Cruz is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Palm Springs or Santa Cruz?

Palm Springs, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic destination of Santa Cruz. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palm Springs or Santa Cruz?

Palm Springs is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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 to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Palm Springs or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs or Santa Cruz in the Summer?

Both Santa Cruz and Palm Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Palm Springs for the hiking 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.

Palm Springs is a little warmer than Santa Cruz in the summer. The daily temperature in Palm Springs averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In July, Palm Springs usually receives less rain than Santa Cruz. Palm Springs gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palm Springs or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

Both Santa Cruz and Palm Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.

In the autumn, Palm Springs is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palm Springs in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Palm Springs usually gets less rain in October than Santa Cruz. Palm Springs gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palm Springs or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Palm Springs and Santa Cruz. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Palm Springs is generally a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Palm Springs average around 57°F (14°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In January, Palm Springs usually receives less rain than Santa Cruz. Palm Springs gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palm Springs or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Palm Springs as well as Santa Cruz. Also, many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the spring for the beaches.

Palm Springs is a little warmer than Santa Cruz in the spring. The daily temperature in Palm Springs averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Palm Springs usually gets less rain in April than Santa Cruz. Palm Springs gets 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Palm Springs