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 Monterey Bay and Pacific Avenue, 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 Main Beach and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Upper Seabright
When in Upper Seabright, you can plan a visit to Santa Cruz Harbor and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
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.
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Great place, location was excellent
Reviewed on Mar 14, 2026
Chaminade Resort & Spa
I had an amazing experience and the staff was top notch .
Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
This is a gem in Santa Cruz, everything about this hotel from the food to the room to the service was great.
Reviewed on Mar 13, 2026
Charming Romantic Yacht Harbor Beach Cottage
Well appointed in a desirable location. We really enjoyed the hot tub and outdoor space. Inside was a bit cramped and some minor repairs are needed but overall a nice stay.
Reviewed on Feb 28, 2026
Large Santa Cruz Beach Home. Walk to Beach. Families. Corporate. Pet friendly.
Great place!
Reviewed on Feb 18, 2026
Adorable Seabright Bungalow - Steps to the Beach!
We loved staying in this historic home near the ocean. The fireplace was so nice during a rainy winter day that we had.
Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026
Popular places to visit
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Enjoy the thrill rides with your kiddos at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as part of your trip to 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.
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.
Santa Cruz Wharf
After visiting Santa Cruz Wharf, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the surfing spots.
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.
Pacific Avenue
During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Pacific Avenue. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.
Things to do
Capitola Private Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour
5-Hour Wilderness Skills & Survival Clinic
Other places like Santa Cruz
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
- Inns in Rio del Mar
- Cheap Hotels in South San Jose
- Motels in Felton
- Motels in Mount Hermon
- Rv Parks in Twin Lakes
- Hotels near Santa Teresa Station
- Hotels near Mystery Spot
- Inns in Campbell
- Rv Parks in Santa Cruz County
- Inns in Capitola
- Apartments in Los Gatos
- Hotels near Rio Del Mar Beach
- Hostels in Santa Cruz
- Inns in Moss Landing
- Hotels near Pacific Avenue
- Hotels near Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
- Hotels near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Rv Parks in Moss Landing
- B&B in Interlaken
- Resorts in Mount Hermon
- Corralitos Hotels
- Beach Hotels in Santa Cruz
- Aparthotels in Boulder Creek
- Motels in Saratoga
- Hotels near Cocoanut Grove
- B&B in Bonny Doon
- Luxury Hotels in Saratoga
- Interlaken Hotels
- Cheap Hotels in Watsonville
- Cheap Hotels in Freedom
- Farmstay in Mount Hermon
- B&B in Santa Cruz
- Apartments in Santa Cruz
- Rv Parks in Capitola
- Hotels near Pasatiempo Golf Course
- Hotels near Santa Cruz Wharf
- Moss Landing Hotels
- Resorts in Los Gatos
- Resorts in Pajaro Dunes
- Resorts in Moss Landing
- San Tomas Hotels
- Lodges in Ben Lomond
- Hotels near La Selva Beach
- B&B in Los Gatos
- Resorts in Ben Lomond
- Farmstay in Bonny Doon
- Downtown Santa Cruz Hotels
- Hotels near Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Santa Cruz Hotels
- Business Hotels in Saratoga
- Makati Hotels
- Hotels near University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum
- Rv Parks in Watsonville
- Hotels near Capitola Beach
- Resorts in Saratoga
- Luxury Hotels in Campbell
- Hotels near Blossom Hill Station
- Rv Parks in Boulder Creek
- Hotels near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
- Business Hotels in Felton
- Hotels near Mountain Winery
- B&B in Elkhorn
- Scotts Valley Hotels
- Saratoga Hotels
- Hotels near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Hotels near Seascape Golf Club
- Resorts in Elkhorn
- Country Houses in Los Gatos
- Resorts in Twin Lakes
- B&B in Redwood Lodge
- Monte Sereno Hotels
- Hotels near Hakone Gardens
- Inns in Saratoga
- Almaden Valley Hotels
- Rv Parks in Corralitos
- Cheap Hotels in Saratoga
- Hotels with an Indoor Pool in Downtown Santa Cruz
- B&B in Mount Hermon
- Rv Parks in Santa Cruz
- Mount Hermon Hotels
- Lodges in Brookdale
- Hotels near Testarossa Winery
- Los Gatos Hotels
- Hotels near Kirigin Cellars Winery
- Aparthotels in Los Gatos
- Hotels near Monterey Bay
- Cheap Hotels in Interlaken
- Capitola Hotels
- Hotels near University of California
- Luxury Hotels in Interlaken
- Lodges in Mount Hermon
- Aparthotels in Brookdale
- Hotels near eBay Inc. Headquarters
- Guest Houses in Bonny Doon
- Felton Hotels
