Downtown Travel Guide
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
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.
Things to do
Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing - Bay Area
Top hotels in Downtown
Ocean Pacific Lodge
We loved the two room, two king sized beds option. It was great for our family. The hotel is also perfectly situated near the beach and downtown Santa Cruz. Free parking and great price for great location.
Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Our heater did not work. The light in the bathroom did not work. Usually a perfect stay. This was the first time things were not working.
Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Breakfast was good, close to boardwalk!
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Spotless, comfortable room, great room service, very nice staff, breakfast was great. 10/10 would stay here again.
Reviewed on 23 Dec 2025
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
Great staff. Comfortable accommodations.
Reviewed on 22 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
Mission Hill
While visiting Mission Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
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.
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.
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.
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 Cowell's Beach and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.
