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

Should you visit Cherokee or Santa Cruz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee or Santa Cruz, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a cultural, genuine, and fascinating town. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Cherokee travel costs.

Santa Cruz

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

Cherokee and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cherokee or Santa Cruz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Cruz. Although Cherokee 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 nightlife and beaches, while Cherokee is known for its hiking. Santa Cruz is more touristy than Cherokee and is known for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. It is also home to Santa Cruz Wharf. Cherokee is popular for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Cherokee different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Cherokee and Santa Cruz have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cherokee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cherokee and Santa Cruz can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Cherokee offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

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 Cherokee or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Santa Cruz is notable for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

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 Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Cherokee or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Santa Cruz. 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.

Cherokee is not a beach destination.

Is Cherokee or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is a popular spot for hiking. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

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 Cherokee or Santa Cruz?

Both Cherokee and Santa Cruz are good shopping destinations.

Cherokee is a great destination for shopping. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

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

Is Cherokee or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Cherokee and Santa Cruz are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Cherokee is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

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 Cherokee or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Cherokee and Santa Cruz are both very good to visit as a couple.

Cherokee is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

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 Cherokee or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Cherokee and Santa Cruz are good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cherokee. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

Santa Cruz is a good town to visit for backpackers. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel in town.

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

Both Cherokee and Santa Cruz offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

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

Is Cherokee or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town 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.

Cherokee is generally not a very walkable town. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Santa Cruz?

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

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

With museums and food around the cultural town of Cherokee, 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.

The town of Santa Cruz offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cherokee or Santa Cruz?

With food and shopping around the destination of Cherokee, there's plenty to do. 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.

Santa Cruz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Cruz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cherokee or Santa Cruz?

Cherokee, a popular town, 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.

Santa Cruz is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cherokee or Santa Cruz?

Cherokee 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 great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee or Santa Cruz in the Summer?

Both Santa Cruz and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cherokee in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite rainy in Cherokee. In July, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cherokee or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

Both Santa Cruz and Cherokee during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cherokee for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

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

Cherokee usually gets more rain in October than Santa Cruz. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Santa Cruz. The winter months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.

The weather in Cherokee can be very cold. In January, Cherokee is generally much colder than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 40°F (5°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Cherokee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cherokee or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Santa Cruz. Also, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the beaches.

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

Cherokee usually gets more rain in April than Santa Cruz. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Cherokee