A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guadalajara vs. Santa Cruz for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Guadalajara or Santa Cruz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara 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.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a cultural, historical, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a laid back, coastal, and scenic town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Santa Cruz travel costs.

Guadalajara and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Santa Cruz?

You'll generally find more things to do in Guadalajara than Santa Cruz. Guadalajara is bigger than Santa Cruz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Guadalajara is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Santa Cruz is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Santa Cruz is more touristy than Guadalajara and is popular for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. Guadalajara is well known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. Also, Guadalajara is famous for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Guadalajara is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Guadalajara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

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

Guadalajara 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, Guadalajara makes for a great culinary experience. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

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 Guadalajara or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Guadalajara and Santa Cruz.

Many people head to Guadalajara for the nightlife scene. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

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.

Is Guadalajara or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Santa Cruz is great for the beach. However, Guadalajara 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.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Guadalajara or Santa Cruz Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is notable for its historic old town. However, Santa Cruz does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Guadalajara. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Santa Cruz does not have a historic old town.

Is Guadalajara or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

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

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Santa Cruz?

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

Guadalajara is an extremely popular place for shoppers. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

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

Is Guadalajara or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Santa Cruz is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Guadalajara is not the most family-friendly destination. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

Is Guadalajara or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Santa Cruz is great for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Santa Cruz is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Guadalajara is a nice destination for couples. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

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

Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

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

Guadalajara and Santa Cruz both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Guadalajara. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

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

Is Guadalajara or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Guadalajara is very walkable. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Santa Cruz?

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

Families should spend more time in Santa Cruz than Guadalajara. 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 Guadalajara. 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 Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara.

One day in Guadalajara or Santa Cruz?

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant city of Guadalajara, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back town of Santa Cruz. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Guadalajara or Santa Cruz?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Guadalajara, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 city.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Santa Cruz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Guadalajara or Santa Cruz?

Guadalajara, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The scenic town of Santa Cruz offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Guadalajara or Santa Cruz?

Guadalajara 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Cruz. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara Expensive? and Is Santa Cruz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Santa Cruz?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara 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.