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

Should you visit Islamorada or Santa Cruz?

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

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

Islamorada

Islamorada is a adventurous, relaxing, and tropical village. Islamorada is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Islamorada 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.

Islamorada and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Santa Cruz?

Both Santa Cruz and Islamorada have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Islamorada is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Santa Cruz is known for its nightlife and hiking. Islamorada is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Santa Cruz is popular for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches.

How is Islamorada different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Islamorada or Santa Cruz.

Islamorada is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

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

Islamorada 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, Islamorada makes for a great culinary experience. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

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 Islamorada or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Santa Cruz is a great town for nightlife. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Islamorada. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

Is Islamorada or Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

Islamorada is a popular place for its resorts. However, Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Islamorada has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Islamorada or Santa Cruz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Islamorada has a few good snorkeling spots. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

Santa Cruz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Both Islamorada and Santa Cruz have very good beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Islamorada. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

The beaches at Santa Cruz attract visitors from all over. 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 Islamorada or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Islamorada 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.

Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Santa Cruz?

If you're looking to go shopping, Islamorada and Santa Cruz both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Islamorada. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Santa Cruz offers some nice shopping areas. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

Is Islamorada or Santa Cruz More Beautiful?

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

Islamorada is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Striking blue water and white sand make this a truly tropical paradise. You can sip frozen drinks and relax in the sun as your troubles slip away.

Santa Cruz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Islamorada or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Islamorada 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, Islamorada is a very family-friendly destination. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

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 Islamorada or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

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

Islamorada makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

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 Islamorada or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Cruz is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Islamorada is not known for backpackers.

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

Islamorada is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels on this key and prices in general can be a bit high so backpackers will find it a bit challenging.

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

Santa Cruz is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known 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 Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is Islamorada or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is renowned for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of 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.

Islamorada is not a walkable village. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Islamorada or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Islamorada than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

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

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

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing village of Islamorada, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

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 Islamorada or Santa Cruz?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Islamorada, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Islamorada or Santa Cruz?

Islamorada, a popular village, 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 village. 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 Islamorada or Santa Cruz?

Islamorada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this village makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Islamorada and Santa Cruz, we can see that Islamorada 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 Islamorada Expensive? and Is Santa Cruz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Santa Cruz?

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

Both Santa Cruz and Islamorada during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Islamorada is much warmer than Santa Cruz in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Islamorada usually gets more rain in July than Santa Cruz. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Santa Cruz. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Islamorada is much warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamorada in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Islamorada gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Islamorada or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Santa Cruz. The winter months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.

In January, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 70°F (21°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Santa Cruz. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

Both Santa Cruz and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the beaches.

Islamorada is much warmer than Santa Cruz in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Santa Cruz. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Islamorada