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

Should you visit Newport or Santa Cruz?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newport and Santa Cruz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newport

Newport is a coastal, seaside, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Newport is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums. See Newport 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.

Newport and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newport or Santa Cruz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newport than Santa Cruz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newport is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Santa Cruz is more popular for its nightlife and hiking. Newport is well known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. Also, Newport is famous for Thames Street. Santa Cruz is well known for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches.

How is Newport different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Newport 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.

Newport offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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

Newport 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, Newport makes for a great culinary experience. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Santa Cruz is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Santa Cruz has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Newport or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Newport and Santa Cruz are great choices for a beach vacation.

Newport is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

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.

Is Newport or Santa Cruz Better for its Old Town?

Newport 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 Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Santa Cruz does not have a historic old town.

Is Newport or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is very good for its hiking trails. However, Newport is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Santa Cruz. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Newport is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Newport or Santa Cruz?

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

Newport is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

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

Is Newport or Santa Cruz More Beautiful?

Newport is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Cruz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Newport is a gorgeous place to visit. The coastal setting and charming architecture give it a lot of character.

Santa Cruz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Newport or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Newport or Santa Cruz.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Newport. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

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.

Is Newport or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

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

Newport makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples 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 Newport or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Cruz is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.

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

Newport is a popular place for its public transit. However, Santa Cruz is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Newport has a few public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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

Is Newport or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Newport is very walkable. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Newport?

How long in Newport or Santa Cruz?

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

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the seaside town of Newport, 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.

In Santa Cruz, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Newport or Santa Cruz?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Newport, 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.

In Santa Cruz, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Cruz has to offer.

Five days in Newport or Santa Cruz?

Newport, 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 great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Newport or Santa Cruz?

Newport 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Cruz. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Cruz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

Which is Bigger, Newport or Santa Cruz?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Newport as well as Santa Cruz. Most visitors come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Newport is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newport in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 67°F (19°C).

Newport usually gets more rain in July than Santa Cruz. Newport gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newport or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

Both Santa Cruz and Newport are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Newport because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.

In October, Newport is generally cooler than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Newport average around 53°F (12°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Newport usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Newport gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newport or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

Both Santa Cruz and Newport during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Newport this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Newport in the winter. Newport is much colder than Santa Cruz in the winter. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Newport usually gets more rain in January than Santa Cruz. Newport gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newport or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newport and Santa Cruz. Many travelers come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Newport is much colder than Santa Cruz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newport in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Newport usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Newport gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Newport