A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key West vs. Santa Cruz for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Key West or Santa Cruz?

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

Should I visit Key West or Santa Cruz? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Key West

Key West is a bustling, active, and lively town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Key West is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Key West travel costs.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a scenic, laid back, and coastal town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Santa Cruz travel costs.

Key West and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Santa Cruz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Santa Cruz are popular destinations, Key West has more sights and attractions for tourists. Key West is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Santa Cruz attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping. Key West is more touristy than Santa Cruz and is known for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. It is also well known for Duval Street. Santa Cruz is famous for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches.

How is Key West different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Cruz is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Key West or Santa Cruz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Key West 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, Key West makes for a great culinary experience. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, but the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

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 Key West or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality in both Key West and Santa Cruz.

Key West has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

Santa Cruz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Is Key West or Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

Key West is notable for its resorts. However, Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Key West is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Key West or Santa Cruz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Key West has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Santa Cruz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Key West and Santa Cruz are high quality choices.

Key West is considered a top beach destination. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

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 Key West or Santa Cruz Better for its Old Town?

Key West 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 Key West. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Santa Cruz does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

Santa Cruz is a good destination for hiking. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

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

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Key West or Santa Cruz More Beautiful?

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

Key West is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.

Santa Cruz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key West or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Key West or Santa Cruz.

Key West is a very kid-friendly town. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

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.

Is Key West or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Santa Cruz make for a high quality place to visit.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for couples. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

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 Key West or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Cruz is a popular place for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Key West is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Key West is a pretty expensive destination, but there are Airbnbs and even a hostel or two that cater to budget backpackers.

Is Key West or Santa Cruz Better for Students?

Key West is notable for students. However, Santa Cruz is not popular with students.

Key West is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Santa Cruz is not popular with students.

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

Santa Cruz is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Key West or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Key West is a somewhat walkable town. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Key West?

How long in Key West or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Key West or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Key West than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

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

Couples should spend more time in Santa Cruz than Key West. 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 Key West 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 Key West or Santa Cruz?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the eclectic town of Key West, 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.

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 Key West or Santa Cruz?

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

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 Key West or Santa Cruz?

Key West, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. 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 Key West or Santa Cruz?

Key West is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Key West or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West 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 Key West 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 Key West or Santa Cruz in the Summer?

Both Santa Cruz and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.

In July, Key West is generally much warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 84°F (29°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In July, Key West usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key West or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

Both Santa Cruz and Key West during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Key West is much warmer than Santa Cruz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually gets more rain in October than Santa Cruz. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Should I visit Key West or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Santa Cruz. Many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Key West is much warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key West in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 51°F (10°C).

In January, Key West usually receives less rain than Santa Cruz. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key West or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key West as well as Santa Cruz. Many visitors come to Key West in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the beaches during these months.

In April, Key West is generally much warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 77°F (25°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Key West usually gets less rain in April than Santa Cruz. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Key West