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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg and Santa Cruz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Cruz than Saint Petersburg. While Saint Petersburg is larger than Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Cruz is more popular for its nightlife and hiking, while Saint Petersburg is known for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, and beaches. Saint Petersburg is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Santa Cruz is popular for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. It is also home to Santa Cruz Wharf.

How is Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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

Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg makes for a great culinary experience. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

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 Petersburg or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Santa Cruz is great for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Santa Cruz for the nightlife scene. 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 Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Saint Petersburg or Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

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

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is very popular for its beaches. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Saint Petersburg. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

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 Saint Petersburg or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is very good for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Santa Cruz?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

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

Is Saint Petersburg or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

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

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Santa Cruz is a very kid-friendly coastal city. 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 Petersburg or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Both Saint Petersburg and Santa Cruz are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Santa Cruz is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Petersburg or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Cruz is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination 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.

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

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

Saint Petersburg and Santa Cruz both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

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

Is Saint Petersburg or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is terrific for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination 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.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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

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

How long in Saint Petersburg or Santa Cruz?

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

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the fun-filled coastal city of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal destination of Santa Cruz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Santa Cruz?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

You'll find shopping and museums around the scenic town of Santa Cruz. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Santa Cruz?

Saint Petersburg, a popular coastal city, 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.

Santa Cruz is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Santa Cruz?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Saint Petersburg and Santa Cruz, we can see that Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg Expensive? and Is Santa Cruz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Santa Cruz?

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

Both Santa Cruz and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches 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.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Santa Cruz. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Santa Cruz. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Santa Cruz. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Santa Cruz. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Santa Cruz and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the spring for the beaches.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Santa Cruz in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Saint Petersburg