Santa Cruz, CA

Travel Guide

Santa Cruz featuring rugged coastline, general coastal views and a beach
Santa Cruz showing general coastal views
Santa Cruz which includes bird life
Santa Cruz featuring general coastal views, flowers and a beach
Santa Cruz which includes a beach, general coastal views and tropical scenes
This Californian city attracts visitors looking for sun and sand, and has one of the strongest surfing cultures in the country.

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.

Where to stay in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz showing general coastal views and views as well as an individual male

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(2,586 area reviews)

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.

Westside Santa Cruz
41.5 feet tall, 350,000 pounds and able to withstand a quarter million pounds of wave energy: Walton Lighthouse

Eastside Santa Cruz

4.5/5(78 area reviews)

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.

Eastside Santa Cruz
What better way to start your day!

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.

Pleasure Point
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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.

Beach Hill - Beach Flats
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Downtown Santa Cruz

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

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.

Downtown Santa Cruz
Evening stroll at the Seabright Beach. If you are lucky, you might run into Matt performing amazing bike tricks by the lighthouse. #LifeAtExpedia #sunset #goldenBeach #blueSky

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.

Upper Seabright
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
3 out of 5
550 2nd St, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is ¥33,411 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
¥33,411
¥38,093 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,211 reviews)
Liked our stay
"Highly recommended place to stay for family with kids: clean, safe hotel rooms with shallow pool for kids, walking distance to the beach and amusement park Boardwalk. Free breakfast is included. Parking garage is available ( with $25 per night )."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
4 out of 5
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is ¥57,641 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
¥57,641
¥65,275 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"This was a very nice place to stay. We will be returning here for our next stay in Santa Cruz. Amazing view of the ocean and boardwalk"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
4 out of 5
611 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is ¥27,706 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
¥27,706
¥31,693 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
"Good location for walking"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee!
2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee!
Santa Cruz
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi and air conditioning. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Mystery Spot are located ...
7/10 Good! (22 reviews)
Some noisy neighbours
"Some of the neighbours wore definitely noisy. Walls are a bit thin."

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025

2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee!
The Midtown Cabana- w/ Private Entrance and Views
The Midtown Cabana- w/ Private Entrance and Views
Santa Cruz
Stay at this cottage in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Mystery Spot are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (87 reviews)
Great spot, great location, great stay!
"We had a great stay! The place was very nice and exceptionally clean, which made it feel comfortable and welcoming from the start. The host was quick to respond to any questions and made the whole process super easy. But the real highlight was the view; absolutely incredible! It made mornings and ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

The Midtown Cabana- w/ Private Entrance and Views
2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk
2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk
Santa Cruz
Stay at this guesthouse in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Mystery Spot are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (24 reviews)
Nice place to stay
"Had a hit tub and a pool was a decent place to stay staff was very nice"

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2025

2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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