A Travel Price Comparison for California Santa Cruz vs. Santa Monica for Beaches, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Santa Cruz or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Santa Cruz or Santa Monica? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Santa Cruz

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

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a active, lively, and funfilled town. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Santa Cruz and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Cruz or Santa Monica?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica than Santa Cruz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Santa Monica is very popular for its food, beaches, and shopping, while Santa Cruz attracts visitors for its hiking. Santa Monica is more touristy than Santa Cruz and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Santa Cruz is famous for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches.

How is Santa Cruz different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Santa Cruz and Santa Monica have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Santa Cruz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

Santa Monica offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

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

Santa Monica 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, Santa Monica makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Santa Cruz or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality in both Santa Cruz and Santa Monica.

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.

Santa Monica has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

Is Santa Cruz or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

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 Santa Cruz or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Santa Cruz is a good destination for hiking. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Cruz or Santa Monica?

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

Santa Monica is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

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

Is Santa Cruz or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica 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, Santa Monica is a very family-friendly destination. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Santa Cruz or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Santa Cruz and Santa Monica make for a high quality place to visit.

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.

Santa Monica makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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

Both Santa Cruz and Santa Monica are nice destinations for 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.

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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

Santa Monica is notable for its public transit. However, Santa Cruz is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Santa Monica can move around easily with public transportation. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

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

Is Santa Cruz or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

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

Santa Monica is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Santa Cruz?

How long in Santa Cruz or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santa Cruz and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santa Monica than in Santa Cruz. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Santa Cruz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Santa Cruz or Santa Monica?

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.

With museums and nightlife around the energetic town of Santa Monica, 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Monica, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Santa Cruz or Santa Monica?

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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Monica, 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 town.

Five days in Santa Cruz or Santa Monica?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal 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.

Santa Monica, a popular town, 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.

A week in Santa Cruz or Santa Monica?

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.

Santa Monica 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Santa Cruz or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Santa Cruz and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Cruz or Santa Monica?

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 Santa Cruz or Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Santa Cruz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In the summer, Santa Cruz is around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santa Cruz in July average around 67°F (19°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

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

Should I visit Santa Cruz or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica and Santa Cruz during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

In October, Santa Cruz is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Santa Cruz average around 63°F (17°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Santa Cruz usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Santa Cruz gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Cruz or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Cruz and Santa Monica. Many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Santa Cruz is cooler than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Santa Cruz averages around 51°F (10°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Santa Cruz usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Santa Cruz gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Santa Cruz or Santa Monica in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Santa Cruz as well as Santa Monica. Many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Santa Cruz is cooler than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santa Cruz in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Santa Cruz usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Santa Cruz gets 1 inches (26 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Santa Cruz