Visit Downtown Santa Cruz
Popular places to visit
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Have a fun-filled day with the family at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk during your visit to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.
Mystery Spot
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.
Santa Cruz Wharf
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.
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.
Things to do
Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing - Bay Area
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz
Pacific Blue Inn
Great hidden gem
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Great
Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Great outdoor hot tub and direct beach access
Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
The room was clean, a little loud though.
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
Location was great close to the beach and the Redwoods.
Reviewed on 2 Dec 2025
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG
Very normal hotel, staff was very friendly, breakfast was fresh. Would stay here again.
Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Santa Cruz
Downtown
While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Pacific Avenue and Williams-Reynolds House.
Lower Ocean
Lower Ocean might not have many top sights, but Pacific Avenue and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Westside Santa Cruz
Travellers to Westside Santa Cruz praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Monterey Bay and Pacific Avenue.
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 Main Beach and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.
Mission Hill
While visiting Mission Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
Midtown
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Midtown and surrounding area, you can visit Ocean Street and Pacific Avenue.
