A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wilmington vs. Santa Cruz for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Wilmington or Santa Cruz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington 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.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a charming, historic, and welcoming city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums. See Wilmington 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.

Wilmington and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Santa Cruz?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Cruz than Wilmington. While Wilmington 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 Wilmington is known for its historical sights. Santa Cruz is more touristy than Wilmington and is popular for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. It is also home to Santa Cruz Wharf. Wilmington is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Wilmington different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Wilmington or Santa Cruz.

Wilmington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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

Both Wilmington and Santa Cruz offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Santa Cruz. 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 Wilmington or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Santa Cruz is great for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice 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 Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Wilmington or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Both Wilmington and Santa Cruz have very good beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wilmington. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

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 Wilmington or Santa Cruz Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Santa Cruz does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Wilmington to see the historical old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Santa Cruz does not have a historic old town.

Is Wilmington or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Santa Cruz?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

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

Is Wilmington or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

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

Wilmington is a very family-friendly destination. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Santa Cruz is a very kid-friendly 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 Wilmington or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

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

Wilmington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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 Wilmington or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Cruz is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Wilmington or Santa Cruz Better for Students?

Wilmington is a popular place for students. However, Santa Cruz is not popular with students.

Wilmington is a good city to visit for students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Santa Cruz is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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

Is Wilmington or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Wilmington or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Wilmington 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 Wilmington, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Cruz than Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Santa Cruz?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Wilmington, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the coastal town of Santa Cruz, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Cruz, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Wilmington or Santa Cruz?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wilmington, 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 city.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Cruz, 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.

Five days in Wilmington or Santa Cruz?

Wilmington, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Santa Cruz, a popular town, 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.

A week in Wilmington or Santa Cruz?

Wilmington 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.

Santa Cruz 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Santa Cruz?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Santa Cruz in the Summer?

Both Santa Cruz and Wilmington during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Wilmington is a little warmer than Santa Cruz in the summer. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually gets more rain in July than Santa Cruz. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Santa Cruz. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Wilmington is around the same temperature as Santa Cruz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wilmington in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In October, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wilmington or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Santa Cruz. The winter months attract visitors to Wilmington 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, Wilmington is generally cooler than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 45°F (7°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Wilmington usually gets more rain in January than Santa Cruz. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

Both Santa Cruz and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the beaches.

Wilmington is a little warmer than Santa Cruz in the spring. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 63°F (17°C) in April, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Wilmington