A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santa Cruz vs. Edmonton for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Santa Cruz or Edmonton?

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

Should I visit Santa Cruz or Edmonton? 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.

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.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a cultural, authentic, and friendly city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Edmonton travel costs.

Santa Cruz and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Cruz or Edmonton?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Cruz than Edmonton. While Edmonton is larger than Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Cruz is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Edmonton is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Santa Cruz is more touristy than Edmonton and is known for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. It is also home to Santa Cruz Wharf. Edmonton is popular for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Santa Cruz different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edmonton 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.

Edmonton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

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

Santa Cruz is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

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 Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Santa Cruz or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Santa Cruz is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Santa Cruz offers plenty to do in the evening. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Edmonton. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Is Santa Cruz or Edmonton Better for Beaches?

Santa Cruz is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Edmonton is not a beach destination.

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.

Edmonton is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Cruz or Edmonton Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Edmonton 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.

Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Cruz or Edmonton?

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

Edmonton is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

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

Is Santa Cruz or Edmonton Better for Families?

Santa Cruz is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Edmonton is a family-friendly town. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.

Is Santa Cruz or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Santa Cruz is a well-known place for romance. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Edmonton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.

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

Santa Cruz is very good for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Edmonton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers overlook this city, but there is a hostel in town where you can stay.

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

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

Edmonton has a few public transit options. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

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

Is Santa Cruz or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Edmonton is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Santa Cruz?

How long in Santa Cruz or Edmonton?

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

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

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.

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

A weekend in Santa Cruz or Edmonton?

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.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Edmonton, 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 city.

Five days in Santa Cruz or Edmonton?

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.

Edmonton, a popular city, 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.

A week in Santa Cruz or Edmonton?

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.

Edmonton 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Santa Cruz or Edmonton?

Edmonton has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Santa Cruz and Edmonton, 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.