Westside Santa Cruz Travel Guide
Santa Cruz
Visit Westside Santa Cruz
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.
Santa Cruz Wharf
After visiting Santa Cruz Wharf, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the surfing spots.
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.
Cowell's Beach
Explore the waterfront of Cowell's Beach and enjoy activities such as surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.
Things to do
Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz
Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour
UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Santa Cruz 2Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups
Capitola Private Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Top hotels in Westside Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
"The only thing we disliked was that the air conditioner was very loud. Hotel has free valet parking which was a nice surprise. We enjoyed the restaurant with ocean view and our room was also ocean view."
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
"Excellent hotel, five start team and amenities. Feels like a true gem with amazing poolside service you don’t find often. Beds are amazing! Family friendly, walking distance to the boardwalk. Can’t wait to go back!"
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
"Excelente todo, lo que mas me gusto la limpieza implacable en toda el Hotel al entrar à la habitacion las cama super dormí muy bien el baño y las toallas 15 de 10 el servicio las Muchachas muy amables y segura de su atencion, el desayuno muy bien, Lo recomiendo.💯."
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
"Great aesthetic and amenities!"
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
The Aqua Pacific Hotel
"The property was clean. The rooms were clean. The staff was good. I felt safe in the building and parking lot. The pool was closed for repairs. The bathroom and the sink area were way too small. Very noisy, the garbage trucks would wake us between 5 and 6 AM every morning."
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
Marea Sol Hotel
"Nice direct view of the beach, clean room"
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Westside Santa Cruz
Mission Hill
While visiting Mission Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park and Mission Santa Cruz.
Downtown
While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Pacific Avenue and Williams-Reynolds House.
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 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Cowell's Beach.
Westlake
When in Westlake, you can plan a visit to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
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.
Nobel
While Nobel may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum and Swift Street Courtyard.
