A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pocono Mountains vs. Santa Cruz for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a scenic, beautiful, and magnificent region. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Santa Cruz

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

Pocono Mountains and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Cruz. Although Pocono Mountains and Santa Cruz are popular destinations, Santa Cruz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Cruz is very popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Pocono Mountains attracts visitors for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Pocono Mountains is famous for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. Santa Cruz is famous for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. It is also well known for Santa Cruz Wharf.

How is Pocono Mountains different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is notable for snow skiing. However, Santa Cruz is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Santa Cruz is not a skiing destination.

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Pocono Mountains and Santa Cruz.

Pocono Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

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.

Is the Food Better in Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Pocono Mountains and Santa Cruz offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Pocono Mountains. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Santa Cruz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Santa Cruz is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

Is Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

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

Pocono Mountains has a handful of resorts to choose from. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Santa Cruz is notable for the beache. However, Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

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 Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz?

Both Pocono Mountains and Santa Cruz are nice shopping destinations.

Pocono Mountains offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Santa Cruz has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

Is Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Both Pocono Mountains and Santa Cruz are excellent to visit with kids.

Pocono Mountains is a very kid-friendly region. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

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 Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Both Pocono Mountains and Santa Cruz are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural 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.

Is Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

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

Both Pocono Mountains and Santa Cruz offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

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

Is Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region 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.

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable region. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Pocono Mountains?

How long in Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Pocono Mountains than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pocono Mountains, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.

One day in Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz?

With museums and skiing around the scenic region of Pocono Mountains, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Santa Cruz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz?

With skiing and food around the destination of Pocono Mountains, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the scenic town of Santa Cruz. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz?

Pocono Mountains, a popular region, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this region. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Santa Cruz is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz?

Pocono Mountains is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this region makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Santa Cruz is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz in the Summer?

Both Santa Cruz and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking 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, Pocono Mountains is generally a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Pocono Mountains average around 75°F (24°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite rainy in Pocono Mountains. In July, Pocono Mountains usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Pocono Mountains gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

Both Santa Cruz and Pocono Mountains during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Pocono Mountains is cooler than Santa Cruz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pocono Mountains averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in October than Santa Cruz. Pocono Mountains gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pocono Mountains and Santa Cruz. Most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the skiing, 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.

Pocono Mountains can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Pocono Mountains is much colder than Santa Cruz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pocono Mountains in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 51°F (10°C).

In January, Pocono Mountains usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Pocono Mountains gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

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

In April, Pocono Mountains is generally cooler than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Pocono Mountains average around 51°F (11°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in April than Santa Cruz. Pocono Mountains gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Pocono Mountains