A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Santa Cruz for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a historic, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Blue Ridge is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Santa Cruz

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

Blue Ridge and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Cruz. Although Blue Ridge and Santa Cruz are both popular with visitors, Santa Cruz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Cruz is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and beaches, while Blue Ridge is known for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Santa Cruz is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is popular for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. It is also home to Santa Cruz Wharf. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Cruz is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

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

Blue Ridge 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, Blue Ridge makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

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 Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Santa Cruz is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Santa Cruz has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

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

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.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

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 Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz?

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

Blue Ridge is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Cruz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Blue Ridge is a gorgeous place to visit. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Santa Cruz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Both Blue Ridge and Santa Cruz are superb family-friendly destinations.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Santa Cruz is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge and Santa Cruz both superb destinations for a couple.

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

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 Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

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 Blue Ridge 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, Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Blue Ridge than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

Families should spend more time in Santa Cruz than Blue Ridge. 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 Blue Ridge. 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.

One day in Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the scenic town of Santa Cruz, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Cruz, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz?

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Cruz, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz?

Blue Ridge, a popular town, 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 town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Santa Cruz, 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 Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz?

Blue Ridge 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Blue Ridge and Santa Cruz, we can see that Santa Cruz is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Blue Ridge Expensive? and Is Santa Cruz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz in the Summer?

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

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

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Santa Cruz. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

Both Santa Cruz and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

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

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

Both Santa Cruz and Blue Ridge during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Blue Ridge is generally much colder than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Santa Cruz. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Santa Cruz. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the beaches.

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

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Blue Ridge