Downtown Santa Cruz Travel Guide

Santa Cruz

Downtown Santa Cruz
Photo by MF Shearer
Photo by MF Shearer
Photo by Trevor Cleveland
Photo by Trevor Cleveland

Popular places to visit

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

4/5(41 reviews)

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.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Mystery Spot

Mystery Spot

4.5/5(2 reviews)

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.

Mystery Spot
Santa Cruz Wharf

Santa Cruz Wharf

5/5(1 review)

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.

Santa Cruz Wharf
Natural Bridges State Park

Natural Bridges State Park

4/5(9 reviews)

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.

Natural Bridges State Park
Ocean Street

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.

Ocean Street
Santa Cruz Harbor

Santa Cruz Harbor

Explore the waterfront in Santa Cruz with a trip to Santa Cruz Harbor. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Santa Cruz Harbor

Things to do

Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt

Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt

Rp469.655
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt
Santa Cruz Redwoods Forest Therapy

Santa Cruz Redwoods Forest Therapy

Rp1.376.575
per adult
Santa Cruz Redwoods Forest Therapy
Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour

Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour

Rp485.688
per adult
Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour
Secret Beach Location

Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz

Rp566.825
per traveller
Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Rp2.251.105
per adult
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz
Train Ride Adventure through Mother Natures Giant Redwoods Park

Train Ride Adventure through Mother Natures Giant Redwoods Park

Rp4.082.853
per adult
Train Ride Adventure through Mother Natures Giant Redwoods Park
See all activities in Santa Cruz

Top hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz

Pacific Blue Inn
Pacific Blue Inn
3 out of 5
636 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is Rp2.416.482 per night from 15 Jul to 16 Jul
Rp2.416.482
Rp2.842.853 total
15 Jul - 16 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (860 reviews)
"We loved our stay. The room was clean. Fresh made cookies out daily. Courtyard to sit in with fire pits. A table with two chairs is outside each room. Great location to walk to the beach or dinner in town."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Pacific Blue Inn
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
3 out of 5
550 2nd St, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is Rp3.553.688 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
Rp3.553.688
Rp4.054.365 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,219 reviews)
"It’s a great place to stay. Will return."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
3.5 out of 5
7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos, CA
The price is Rp2.711.650 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
Rp2.711.650
Rp3.109.640 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Aptos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,108 reviews)
"I always stay here. Its great."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
4 out of 5
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is Rp4.948.112 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
Rp4.948.112
Rp5.618.726 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a beach locale. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Great service, and very clean."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
3 out of 5
313 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is Rp2.740.842 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
Rp2.740.842
Rp3.142.392 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (864 reviews)
"The room was very clean and comfortable and the pool and Bistro were excellent. Quick and easy check in and check out."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

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 Rp2.740.842 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
Rp2.740.842
Rp3.142.393 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Loved it!"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
See all 1,173 properties in Downtown 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz which includes general coastal views and views as well as an individual male

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(31 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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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
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Mission Hill

While visiting Mission Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.

Mission Hill
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Midtown

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Midtown and surrounding area, you can visit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Ocean Street.

Midtown
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Upper Seabright

While Upper Seabright isn't home to many top sights, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Harbor are some notable places to visit nearby.

Upper Seabright
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Seabright

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

Seabright

Downtown Santa Cruz Travel Guide