A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Santa Cruz for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a scenic, bustling, and spirited coastal city. Fort Lauderdale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Santa Cruz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Fort Lauderdale is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Santa Cruz is known for its museums and attractions and hiking. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Santa Cruz and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also home to The Local Beaches. Santa Cruz is popular for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Cruz is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have 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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Fort Lauderdale 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, Fort Lauderdale makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

The nightlife in Santa Cruz has something for everybody. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is very popular for its resorts. However, Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Fort Lauderdale is a great choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Santa Cruz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few good snorkeling spots. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Santa Cruz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is very popular for its beaches. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Santa Cruz offers some nice hiking trails. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Santa Cruz and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Cruz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Fort Lauderdale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

Santa Cruz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Santa Cruz are superb family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is very popular for romance. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Fort Lauderdale makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Cruz is a good destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Fort Lauderdale is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. You'll find few backpackers heading to the high end city.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Santa Cruz.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable coastal city. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Santa Cruz. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz?

With shopping and nightlife around the high energy coastal city of Fort Lauderdale, 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The coastal destination of Santa Cruz offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The town of Santa Cruz offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz?

Fort Lauderdale, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Santa Cruz is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Cruz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Santa Cruz. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Santa Cruz in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Santa Cruz. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Santa Cruz. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

Both Santa Cruz and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Santa Cruz. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

Both Santa Cruz and Fort Lauderdale during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the beaches.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Santa Cruz in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in April than Santa Cruz. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Fort Lauderdale