For many, Santa Cruz embodies the laid-back spirit of coastal California. The city has strong surfing and skateboarding cultures, beautiful beaches and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
There are many options for outdoor recreation in and around Santa Cruz. Rent a kayak and paddle out to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Try to spot sea lions, seals and even whales (during winter and spring) as you paddle along. Hiking enthusiasts will also enjoy the numerous scenic trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Wilder Ranch State Park.
No trip to Santa Cruz would be complete without delving into the city’s surfing heritage. Catch a wave at one of the well-known surfing breaks or rent a car and cruise along the scenic West Cliff Drive to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. This museum is located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse and overlooks the famous Steamer Lane surf break.
Downtown Santa Cruz is known for its eclectic shops, cafés and restaurants and is a short stroll from the beach. Families will love the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This amusement park opened in 1907 and is full of old-world charm. Take a spin on one of its historic rides, such as the wooden Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.
Foodies should check out the Santa Cruz Wharf, home to many seafood restaurants and shops. Wine aficionados will love the Santa Cruz Mountains, where many local wineries have tasting rooms.
You can cover much of Santa Cruz’s main downtown and city attractions on foot, by bike or with the Santa Cruz Metro bus services. If you want to venture farther afield, it’s best to rent a car as the roads near the Santa Cruz Mountains can get very steep.
Santa Cruz, CA
Travel Guide
Visit Santa Cruz
Where to stay in Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.
Eastside Santa Cruz
Eastside Santa Cruz is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town.
Pleasure Point
World-renowned surf spot with a strong surf culture, Pleasure Point offers picturesque ocean views along East Cliff Drive and a walkable path with separate bike lanes. Enjoy amenities at Pleasure Point Park and nearby 41st Ave commercial district.
Beach Hill - Beach Flats
Beach Hill - Beach Flats might not have many top sights, but Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Unique features of Downtown Santa Cruz include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Pacific Avenue or Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History while you're exploring the area.
Upper Seabright
When in Upper Seabright, you can plan a visit to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Harbor, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Clean room. Pleasant staff.
Reviewed on Nov 2, 2025
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Great location. Room was spacious and had a balcony. Room was very clean and had enough towels. Staff was friendly and helpful. Breakfast was great! Had everything that we wanted for breakfast. We will stay again when we come back.
Reviewed on Oct 31, 2025
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG
Very nice place
Reviewed on Nov 2, 2025
Large Santa Cruz Beach House. Steps to beach. Pets welcome. Family. Reunions.
Our family enjoyed out stay at this property, which was just a very short walk to a great beach. Also, loved the ample off street parking.
Reviewed on Oct 2, 2025
OCEANFRONT! BEST LOCATION! EXTRAORDINARY VIEWS! HOT TUB! FIRE PIT!
We had a wonderful family reunion at this home in Santa Cruz! The location couldn’t be more perfect—right on West Cliff Drive, with stunning ocean views and just a 10-minute walk to the Boardwalk. We loved sitting out front, watching the waves and all the people biking, walking, and walking their ...
Reviewed on Oct 13, 2025
Large Home on Quiet Street Steps from Sunny Cove Beach, Private Pickleball Court
House was clean, family friendly, plenty of room for the 15 of us
Reviewed on Oct 12, 2025
Popular places to visit
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Enjoy the thrills at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and find out why people love this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
Mystery Spot
Find out about the history of Santa Cruz with a stop at Mystery Spot. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the surfing spots.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Explore the waterfront of Santa Cruz Wharf and enjoy activities such as surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
Natural Bridges State Park
You can take time to visit Natural Bridges State Park during your travels to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
Ocean Street
During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can enjoy retail therapy at Ocean Street. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Santa Cruz Main Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Santa Cruz Main Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
Things to do
