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Top reasons to visit Santa Cruz

• Stunning Beaches: Santa Cruz boasts beautiful beaches like Main Beach, perfect for sunbathing and surfing.
• Iconic Boardwalk: The historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features thrilling rides and classic carnival games.
• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy hiking, biking, and surfing in the scenic coastal environment.
• Local Culture: Explore the Santa Cruz Museum and indulge in local food and wine tours.
• Vibrant Neighbourhoods: Discover charming shops and eateries in the lively downtown area.

Find great hotels near Santa Cruz

Discover the diverse range of accommodation options in Santa Cruz, California, perfect for every type of traveller. Whether you're seeking a pet-friendly hotel, a resort for an adventure holiday, or business-focused amenities, Santa Cruz has something to suit your needs. With a selection of the best hotels and charming lodgings, you'll find the ideal base to explore this coastal paradise.

• La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley: Nestled 37.0km from Santa Cruz, La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley is a 3.5-star hotel that caters primarily to business travellers. With its distinctive Spanish-inspired architecture and decor, the hotel creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Essential business amenities such as multiple meeting rooms, conference space, and a dedicated conference centre make it ideal for corporate events and meetings. Guests can enjoy a blend of comfort and functionality in a setting that promotes productivity.
• Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Campbell: Located 35.4km from Santa Cruz, Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Campbell offers a unique blend of business and pet-friendly accommodation. This 3.5-star lodging is designed for those who seek a home-like experience while travelling for work. The hotel features a business district site location and meeting room facilities. Additionally, it is accommodating to pets with a policy that allows dogs and cats, ensuring a convenient stay for animal lovers. The thoughtful amenities create a welcoming environment for both you and your furry companions.
• Los Gatos Lodge: Situated just 27.4km from Santa Cruz, Los Gatos Lodge is a charming 3-star hotel that combines pet-friendly policies with business-focused amenities. The lodge's rustic charm and scenic surroundings provide a relaxing retreat for guests. Equipped with multiple meeting rooms, an accessible business centre, and conference space, it caters to the needs of business travellers while welcoming pets. This makes it a perfect choice for those who wish to combine work and leisure, all in a pleasant environment.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz offers an unforgettable experience with its stunning ocean views and family-friendly atmosphere. Explore the vibrant beaches, indulge in luxury accommodations, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals. Nearby regions are perfect for excursions, relaxation, and discovering the essence of Californian culture. Whether you're soaking up the sun or exploring charming neighbourhoods, Santa Cruz is a delightful destination for a memorable holiday.

• Capitola: Nestled a mere 6.4km from Santa Cruz, Capitola is a charming coastal city that thrives on its stunning beach scenery and outdoor allure. Visitors flock here especially during the peak months of April through July, drawn by its picturesque beaches and vibrant boardwalk. Capitola boasts a delightful mix of amusement parks and recreational areas, making it a perfect spot for family fun and relaxation. The local beaches and bay offer a serene escape, while the nearby theme park adds an element of excitement for all ages. Experience the unique seaside atmosphere and indulge in the local culinary delights as you explore this vibrant destination.
• Westside Santa Cruz: This inviting neighbourhood, located around Santa Cruz, welcomes visitors year-round, though it sees a surge in arrivals from June to August. Known for its family-friendly vibe, Westside Santa Cruz is an excellent spot for outdoor activities and beach enjoyment. The iconic amusement park and boardwalk are must-visit attractions, providing fun for both kids and adults. Additionally, the area is rich in educational opportunities, making it a great choice for families wanting to combine leisure with learning. With stunning beaches and the beautiful bay at your doorstep, Westside Santa Cruz is sure to offer a memorable experience.
• Aptos: Situated 11.3km from Santa Cruz, Aptos is a picturesque city that captures the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. Its seasonal visitor pattern peaks from April through July, making it a lively destination during the warmer months. Aptos is home to beautiful beaches and the nearby national state park, providing ample opportunities for exploration and adventure. Popular activities include visits to the amusement park and relaxing at the recreational areas. With its scenic views and welcoming atmosphere, Aptos promises a delightful getaway for those seeking both relaxation and outdoor excitement.

Things to do in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is perfect for outdoor family beach holidays, with plenty of activities to enjoy. You can visit the iconic amusement park and boardwalk, embark on surf trips, explore local shops at the mall, indulge in wine tours, and discover a variety of restaurants. With its scenic recreational areas, Santa Cruz offers a vibrant mix of fun and relaxation for all ages.

Shopping

For shopping in Santa Cruz, explore Ocean Street for its vibrant local businesses. Swift Street Courtyard offers entertainment alongside shopping. Capitola Mercantile, located 6.4km away, provides a fun family atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, check out the various boutiques in nearby Capitola.

Recreation

Pasatiempo Golf Course offers a stunning golfing experience with its lush fairways and panoramic views, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For a unique adventure, Treks and Tracks Rock Climbing Trips provides exhilarating climbs, promoting wellness and relaxation. Lastly, Luminescence Healing Haven offers rejuvenating body treatments in a tranquil setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Zip Line at treeTopWalk, located 9.7km from Santa Cruz, where you can soar above the canopy. For a scenic adventure, hike the Ox Trailhead, situated 6.4km away, offering stunning views and outdoor excitement. Visit Cupertino Sports Center, 26.4km from Santa Cruz, for more adventure activities.

Nightlife

Experience the lively atmosphere at Boardwalk Bowl for arcade fun and adventure vibes. For a thrilling ride, hop on the Sky Glider in the theme park. If you're in the mood for a film, catch a romantic flick at Cinemark Century Oakridge 20, located 33.8km from Santa Cruz.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Cruz

To save money on your Santa Cruz holiday, visit during the off-peak months of November to January for lower accommodation rates, particularly on Mondays. Enjoy free attractions like the University of California, Santa Cruz, and Cowell's Beach. For transport, consider using buses over taxis or rental cars. Use Expedia to find the best deals on hotels, including eco-certified options, and consider booking a package that combines flights and activities for additional savings. Look for free cancellation offers to maintain flexibility in your plans.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Santa Cruz are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Santa Cruz is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Santa Cruz is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodation options first. Additionally, you have the ability to refine your search by hotel type—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Santa Cruz hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is perfect for a family beach holiday, offering a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Explore beautiful beaches, visit the Santa Cruz Museum, stroll along the Santa Cruz Wharf, or enjoy the local amusement parks. Whether you're soaking up the sun at Santa Cruz Main Beach or discovering local churches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant coastal city.

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Experience the thrill of the rides and the charm of classic seaside fun at this iconic amusement park. With its family-friendly atmosphere, outdoor activities, and adventure vibes, it’s perfect for all ages looking to enjoy the sun and surf.
• Mystery Spot: Delve into the intriguing world of optical illusions and gravitational anomalies at this unique exhibit. With its rich cultural history, the Mystery Spot offers a fascinating experience that will leave you questioning your perceptions of reality.
• Capitola Beach: Just a short drive from Santa Cruz, this picturesque beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. With its stunning views and laid-back beach vibes, Capitola Beach is a perfect spot to relax and unwind.

Best time to go to Santa Cruz

The best time to visit Santa Cruz can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Santa Cruz falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Santa Cruz falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	54.7°F (12.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	60.1°F (15.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	63.3°F (17.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	63.9°F (17.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
October	61.5°F (16.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
November	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Cruz

To reach Santa Cruz, you have several major airport options. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located 77.2km away, with luxurious hotels nearby like the Fairmont San Francisco and Four Seasons Hotel, both offering transport services. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is closer at 45.1km, with top hotels such as the Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto and Santa Clara Marriott providing convenient access. Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 83.7km away, featuring fine options like 1 Hotel San Francisco and Claremont Resort & Club. Each airport has nearby hotels that offer transportation services for a smooth journey to Santa Cruz.