Downtown Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Enjoy the exciting rides at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and see why everyone loves this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.
Mystery Spot
Find out about the history of Santa Cruz when you take a trip to 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 cycling 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 cycling trails.
Ocean Street
During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can search for that perfect souvenir 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 search for that perfect souvenir at Pacific Avenue. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.
Activities
Our pick of the best Downtown Hotel Deals
Ocean Pacific Lodge
One of my favorite hotels on this 13 day journey down the Best Coast. Two blocks up from the wharf, within easy walking distance to everything. As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe.Quiet big room, across from a soccer park. Plus, Santa Cruz is a great place, and being a college town just adds ...
Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Great start! Highly recommend
Reviewed on 10 Nov 2025
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
The room was clean and well-kept. It is in a great location. The lights in the room automatically turn off, which makes it difficult to read. The TV did not offer many channels and was not connected to the internet. We were not able to watch any movies. Other than that, a convenient indoor parking ...
Reviewed on 11 Nov 2025
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG
Ongoing business trips
Reviewed on 7 Nov 2025
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Clean
Reviewed on 12 Nov 2025
Marea Sol Hotel
I can’t believe how fabulous this hotel was for the price. It’s right on the beach, newly renovated, quiet, and clean. The staff was helpful, and let us check in a little early.
Reviewed on 11 Nov 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown
Westside Santa Cruz
Travellers to Westside Santa Cruz praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay.
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.
Mission Hill
While visiting Mission Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
Beach Hill - Beach Flats
While there might not be top attractions in Beach Hill - Beach Flats, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Main Beach and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.
Lower Ocean
Lower Ocean might not have many top sights, but Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Pacific Avenue are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Circles
While Circles may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Cowell's Beach and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.
