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

Should you visit Lewisburg or Santa Cruz?

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

Should I visit Lewisburg 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.

Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a quaint, charming, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for shopping and museums. See Lewisburg 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.

Lewisburg and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Lewisburg or Santa Cruz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Cruz. Although Lewisburg 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 food, nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Lewisburg is known for its historical sights and small town charm. Santa Cruz is more touristy than Lewisburg and is known for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. It is also home to Santa Cruz Wharf. Lewisburg is popular for its historical charm and friendly personality.

How is Lewisburg different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lewisburg
Santa Cruz

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

Lewisburg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several cultural and historical museums in town as well as a fun children's museum.

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

Lewisburg
Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Santa Cruz offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Lewisburg. There are bistros and cafes as well as all the standard chain restaurants.

Is Lewisburg or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Lewisburg
Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is well known for nightlife. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Santa Cruz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Lewisburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. While there are some bars, most people don't come here for the nightlife.

Is Lewisburg or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Lewisburg
Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is well known for its beaches. However, Lewisburg is not a beach destination.

Santa Cruz is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Lewisburg is not a beach destination.


Is Lewisburg or Santa Cruz Better for its Old Town?

Lewisburg
Santa Cruz

Lewisburg is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Santa Cruz does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lewisburg to see the historical old town. There are a huge number of historical buildings in the downtown area that contribute to the town's charm and character.

Santa Cruz does not have a historic old town.

Is Lewisburg or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Lewisburg
Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Lewisburg 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.

Lewisburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lewisburg or Santa Cruz?

Lewisburg
Santa Cruz

Shopping is a popular activity in both Santa Cruz and Lewisburg.

Lewisburg is a great destination for shopping. There are some quaint local shops that sell local items and unique art works.

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


Is Lewisburg or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Lewisburg
Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lewisburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Santa Cruz is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Lewisburg offers lots of family activities. The Lewisburg Children's Museum is worth checking out, as is Reptiland and the many different indoor and outdoor play areas.

Is Lewisburg or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Lewisburg
Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is well known for romance. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Santa Cruz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Most people don't think of Lewisburg as a couple's destination. There are several quaint inns and beautiful gardens that you can explore. There are also spas and restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal.

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

Lewisburg
Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a popular place for backpackers. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known 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.

Lewisburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the radar for most backpackers.


Is Lewisburg or Santa Cruz Better for Students?

Lewisburg
Santa Cruz

Lewisburg is a popular place for students. However, Santa Cruz is not popular with students.

Lewisburg is a good town to visit for students. Many students enjoy living here while they attend Bucknell University.

Santa Cruz is not popular with students.

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

Lewisburg
Santa Cruz

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

Public transit is generally limited in Lewisburg. Public transportation in the area is limited.

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

Is Lewisburg or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Lewisburg
Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Lewisburg 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.

Lewisburg is a somewhat walkable place. It's small with a relatively compact downtown.


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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Lewisburg?

How long in Lewisburg or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lewisburg or Santa Cruz to fill your time. In our opinion, Santa Cruz has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Cruz than Lewisburg. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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


  • How many days in Lewisburg or Santa Cruz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lewisburg 1-2 
    Santa Cruz 1-2

One day in Lewisburg or Santa Cruz?

With museums and shopping around the historical town of Lewisburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lewisburg, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Santa Cruz. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Cruz has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Lewisburg or Santa Cruz?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Lewisburg, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Santa Cruz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Lewisburg or Santa Cruz?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic town of Santa Cruz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Lewisburg or Santa Cruz?

Lewisburg 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 popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Santa Cruz or Lewisburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Lewisburg Prices
    USA Prices
    Santa Cruz Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Lewisburg $161
    Santa Cruz $156

The average daily cost (per person) in Lewisburg is $161, while the average daily cost in Santa Cruz is $156. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lewisburg and Santa Cruz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lewisburg $70
    Santa Cruz $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lewisburg $140
    Santa Cruz $122
Compare Hotels in Lewisburg and Santa Cruz

Looking for a hotel in Lewisburg or Santa Cruz? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Lewisburg


Hotels in Santa Cruz


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Santa Cruz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lewisburg $53
    Santa Cruz $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Lewisburg or Santa Cruz?

Prices for flights to both Santa Cruz and Lewisburg change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lewisburg $59
    Santa Cruz $70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Cruz

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Cruz.

  • Capitola Friday Night Food Tour: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lewisburg $18
    Santa Cruz $18

Tours and Activities in Santa Cruz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Cruz are as follows:

  • Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories : $20
  • Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour: $30
  • Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz: $35
  • Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour : $110
  • Santa Cruz 2Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups: $110
  • Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike): $110
  • Guided eBike Tour: $120
  • Mermaid Experience & Photoshoot: $220
  • Capitola Watercolor Journaling Experience: $297

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lewisburg $12
    Santa Cruz $8.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Cruz

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Santa Cruz:

  • Wine Tasting Experience: $25
  • Private Brewery Tour: $500


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


Which is Bigger, Lewisburg or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lewisburg. When comparing the sizes of Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg or Santa Cruz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lewisburg and Santa Cruz. The summer months attract visitors to Lewisburg because of 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.

Lewisburg is a little warmer than Santa Cruz in the summer. The daily temperature in Lewisburg averages around 74°F (24°C) in July, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Lewisburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Lewisburg usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Lewisburg gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lewisburg 74°F (24°C) 
    Santa Cruz 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Lewisburg or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lewisburg as well as Santa Cruz. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Lewisburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Lewisburg is cooler than Santa Cruz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lewisburg in October average around 54°F (12°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Lewisburg usually gets more rain in October than Santa Cruz. Lewisburg gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lewisburg 54°F (12°C) 
    Santa Cruz 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Lewisburg or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

Both Santa Cruz and Lewisburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lewisburg for the museums, 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.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lewisburg. In January, Lewisburg is generally much colder than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Lewisburg average around 27°F (-3°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In January, Lewisburg usually receives less rain than Santa Cruz. Lewisburg gets 2.5 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lewisburg 27°F (-3°C) 
    Santa Cruz 51°F (10°C)

Should I visit Lewisburg or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

Both Santa Cruz and Lewisburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lewisburg in the spring for the small town charm. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the beaches during these months.

Lewisburg is cooler than Santa Cruz in the spring. The daily temperature in Lewisburg averages around 51°F (11°C) in April, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Lewisburg usually gets more rain in April than Santa Cruz. Lewisburg gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lewisburg 51°F (11°C) 
    Santa Cruz 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Lewisburg

Lewisburg Santa Cruz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°F (-3°C) 2.5 inches (65 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Mar 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Apr 51°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1 inches (26 mm)
May 62°F (16°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 62°F (16°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 65°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 74°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 67°F (20°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 67°F (19°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Dec 33°F (1°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)