Santa Cruz Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Santa Cruz featuring general coastal views, flowers and rugged coastline
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 which includes water sports

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(16 area reviews)

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.

Westside Santa Cruz
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Eastside Santa Cruz

4/5(1 area review)

Travellers come to Eastside Santa Cruz for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town.

Eastside Santa Cruz
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Pleasure Point

While visiting Pleasure Point, you might make a stop by sights like Monterey Bay and Pleasure Point Park.

Pleasure Point
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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.

Downtown Santa Cruz
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Seabright

While visiting Seabright, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Cruz Harbor and Seabright Beach.

Seabright
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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 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach.

Beach Hill - Beach Flats
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
3 out of 5
313 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is NZ$225 per night from 30 May to 31 May
NZ$225
per night
30 May - 31 May
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (382 reviews)
"Our stay at this hotel was great! Our first floor room was very spacious and was well-stocked with everything we needed except body lotion. We would have loved another outlet or two (one on each side of each bed would have been great; one bed did not have an outlet on one side) and drawers vs. shelves ..."

Reviewed on 2 May 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
4 out of 5
611 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is NZ$260 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$260
per night
19 May - 20 May
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Very accommodating and courteous staff."

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
4 out of 5
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is NZ$434 per night from 20 May to 21 May
NZ$434
per night
20 May - 21 May
Book a stay at this beach resort in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Chillin’ !
"We had a wonderful stay ! Loved this hotel . Location & service was amazing. & Such a cool beachy vibe. We will be back !"

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Dream Inn Santa Cruz
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 hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, air conditioning, and an indoor pool. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Mystery Spot are ...
7.6/10 Good! (12 reviews)
"Very nice interior. Room was great with definite upgrades, still some work to be done, but overall very pleased with the room, pool, hot tub, and service."

Reviewed on 31 Mar. 2024

2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee!
Hear the ocean from this historic cottage. Almost beachfront.
Hear the ocean from this historic cottage. Almost beachfront.
Santa Cruz
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Capitola ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (152 reviews)
Charming cottage
"Had a two month stay while my girlfriend and I were looking for housing. The accommodation was a perfect fit and in a great location. Would recommend!"

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2024

Hear the ocean from this historic cottage. Almost beachfront.
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 and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Santa Cruz ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
Wonderful experience
"My friend and I had a very pleasant stay here on our way down the California coast. The room was clean, well stocked with, and the large bed was very comfortable. The balcony view was very nice as well. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 31 Mar. 2024

The Midtown Cabana- w/ Private Entrance and Views
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Santa Cruz