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Santa Cruz Holiday
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.
Top Santa Cruz Hotel & Accommodation Deals
Per night/room
12 Dec. - 13 Dec.
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CALaying in bed in the morning looking at the surf. xxxx
Per night/room
7 Jan. - 8 Jan.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz
1410 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CAVery spacious and comfortable room. Good indoor garage access. Very appealing range of breakfast offerings.
Per night/room
15 Dec. - 16 Dec.
Ocean Pacific Lodge
301 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CAThe gentleman that checked my family in was so kind and wonderful to us. Our room was lovely, beds are very comfortable and the hotel is very clean. Cannot wait for our next visit, we have found our hotel for our Santa Cruz visits.
Per night/room
16 Dec. - 17 Dec.
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
407 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CAMost of the off marks are probably due to location and size. Space seemed very limited. It was a hassle to have to use valet parking, as we were in and out frequently. Window shades seemed very worn and were automatic but jerky and sticking.
Per night/room
12 Dec. - 13 Dec.
Casablanca On The Beach
101 Main St, Santa Cruz, CAGreat location. Terrific bartender. Exotic room with great views.
Per night/room
17 Dec. - 18 Dec.
Hilton Santa Cruz - Scotts Valley
6001 La Madrona Drive, Santa Cruz, CAExcellent hotel, wonderful location. would recommend.
Per night/room
18 Dec. - 19 Dec.
Chaminade Resort & Spa
1 Chaminade Ln, Santa Cruz, CAThe resort fee is a total ripoff. It adds almost $40 a person. Expedia and the property should stop the fraudulent practice of not including the fee in the rate so people know what the real rate is— not the false Rae with hidden fees. The problem is as much with Expedia using this practice as the ...
Per night/room
18 Dec. - 19 Dec.
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
611 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CAAgree with others, better than the pictures and on a central location in town. We reserved the wrong days but the staff worked it out so it wasn’t a problem.
Santa Cruz Flight Deals
These prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices quoted are per person, return, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.
Top 10 Things To Do In Santa Cruz
#1Redwood Forest Steam Train Adventure
Live a piece of California’s history and see captivating 1,500-year-old, 250-foot-tall (75 m) redwood trees on a vintage steam train ride up to Bear Mountain...
recommend90% of travellers recommend
Free Cancellation Free Cancellation
#2Beginner Surfing Lessons - Santa Cruz
Hit the beach for an introduction to the killer swells and radical breaks off California’s coast. Choose a 1- or 2-day excursion to learn how paddle out to s...
recommend20% of travellers recommend
Free Cancellation Free Cancellation
#3Wilderness Survival Skills Clinic
Discover the secrets of making it in the wild as you learn to make fires, build shelters, trap animals and identify edible plants. This all-encompassing intr...
recommend100% of travellers recommend
Free Cancellation Free Cancellation
#44 Hour Summer Whale Watch
Look for whales as they spend time in the waters of the Pacific Ocean off of California on this half-day whale watching cruise from Monterey. Your naturalist...
recommend96% of travellers recommend
Free Cancellation Free Cancellation