A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Santa Cruz for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Santa Cruz are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Santa Cruz is known for its nightlife and hiking. Saint Augustine is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter. Santa Cruz is popular for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches.

How is Saint Augustine different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime 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 Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine 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, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Santa Cruz is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Santa Cruz know how to have a good time. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Both Saint Augustine and Santa Cruz have very good beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Augustine. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

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 Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is very popular for its historic old town. However, Santa Cruz does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine has a world-famous historical area. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Santa Cruz does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz?

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

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz More Beautiful?

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

Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Santa Cruz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Saint Augustine and Santa Cruz are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and Santa Cruz are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Santa Cruz is a great city 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Cruz is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is very popular for its walkability. Also, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable city. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Augustine than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the colonial city of Saint Augustine, 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 coastal destination of Santa Cruz offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Augustine, 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.

The town of Santa Cruz offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz?

Saint Augustine, 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.

Santa Cruz is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz?

Saint Augustine 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. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Santa Cruz. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the summer for the beaches 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.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Santa Cruz in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Saint Augustine gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Santa Cruz. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in October than Santa Cruz. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

Both Santa Cruz and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.

In January, Saint Augustine is generally a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In January, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

Both Santa Cruz and Saint Augustine during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the beaches.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Santa Cruz in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in April than Santa Cruz. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Saint Augustine