Downtown Santa Cruz Travel Guide
Santa Cruz
Visit Downtown 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.
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.
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
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.
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
Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour
UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Capitola Private Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz
Pacific Blue Inn
Parking was good locations was perfect for walking to the Boardwalk and to Downtown. Our second time staying here and will always be our go to hotel when in Sant Cruz.
Reviewed on 24 Apr 2026
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Terrific location in great views. It was really nice that they also accept small dogs. We had a lovely visit.
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
5 stars
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Staff was super helpful!
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Room was spacious and clean
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
Beautiful place. Love my stay even just for 1 night
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
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 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Pacific Avenue are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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 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.
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 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
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.
