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

Should you visit Santa Cruz or Juneau?

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

Should I visit Santa Cruz or Juneau? 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 scenic, laid back, and coastal town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Santa Cruz travel costs.

Juneau

Juneau is a scenic, breathtaking, and historic city. You'll find world class beauty in Juneau as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Juneau travel costs.

Santa Cruz and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Cruz or Juneau?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Cruz. Although Santa Cruz and Juneau are popular destinations, Santa Cruz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Cruz is very popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Juneau attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Santa Cruz is famous for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. It is also well known for Santa Cruz Wharf. Juneau is famous for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880.

How is Santa Cruz different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Juneau 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 Juneau?

Juneau 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.

Juneau offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State 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 Santa Cruz or Juneau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Juneau 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, Juneau makes for a great culinary experience. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

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 Santa Cruz or Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Santa Cruz is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Santa Cruz or Juneau Better for Beaches?

Santa Cruz is a well-known place for the beach. However, Juneau 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.

Juneau is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Cruz or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Juneau is very popular for the nearby hiking options. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Juneau specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Cruz or Juneau?

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

Juneau is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

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 Juneau More Beautiful?

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

You'll find world class beauty in Juneau as well. The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.

Santa Cruz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Santa Cruz or Juneau Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Santa Cruz or Juneau.

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Juneau is very family-friendly. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

Is Santa Cruz or Juneau Better for Couples?

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

Juneau makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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 Santa Cruz or Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Juneau is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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.

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

Both Santa Cruz and Juneau offer reasonable public transit options.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Is Santa Cruz or Juneau a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Juneau is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Juneau is a very walkable destination. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Santa Cruz?

How long in Santa Cruz or Juneau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santa Cruz and Juneau. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Juneau than in Santa Cruz. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Santa Cruz, and 2-3 days is enough time in Juneau.

Couples should spend more time in Juneau than Santa Cruz. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Juneau that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Juneau than Santa Cruz 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 Juneau.

One day in Santa Cruz or Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santa Cruz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With museums and food around the breathtaking city of Juneau, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Santa Cruz or Juneau?

Santa Cruz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Juneau, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Santa Cruz or Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Cruz. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Juneau, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Juneau?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Santa Cruz. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Juneau is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Santa Cruz or Juneau?

Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Juneau. When comparing the sizes of Santa Cruz and Juneau, 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 Santa Cruz or Juneau?

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 Santa Cruz or Juneau in the Summer?

Both Juneau and Santa Cruz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Juneau this time of year.

In the summer, Santa Cruz is a little warmer than Juneau. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santa Cruz in July average around 67°F (19°C), and Juneau averages at about 56°F (13°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. In July, Santa Cruz usually receives less rain than Juneau. Santa Cruz gets 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Santa Cruz or Juneau in the Autumn?

Both Juneau and Santa Cruz during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Juneau for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Santa Cruz is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Santa Cruz average around 63°F (17°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Santa Cruz usually gets less rain in October than Juneau. Santa Cruz gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Cruz or Juneau in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Cruz and Juneau. Many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Juneau in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Juneau can get quite cold in the winter. Santa Cruz is much warmer than Juneau in the winter. The daily temperature in Santa Cruz averages around 51°F (10°C) in January, and Juneau fluctuates around 24°F (-4°C).

Juneau receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Santa Cruz usually receives less rain than Juneau. Santa Cruz gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Santa Cruz or Juneau in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Santa Cruz as well as Juneau. Many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Juneau for the natural beauty during these months.

Juneau can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Santa Cruz is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santa Cruz in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Juneau averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Santa Cruz usually gets less rain in April than Juneau. Santa Cruz gets 1 inches (26 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Juneau and Santa Cruz