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.
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.
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.
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
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill
UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Santa Cruz 2Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups
Top hotels in Westside Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
We went out and ate locally at restaurants but the hotel was overall pleasant. It has a very nice view of the ocean! If you’re 6’ or taller you might hit the shower head but otherwise quite good! I would go there again. 🙂
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
We loved our stay at this beautiful hotel.
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Clean, close to pier and free breakfast would stay again
Reviewed on 14 Apr 2026
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Pool seating is so comfy and cozy. Hot tub is super warm and has powerful jets!
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Casablanca On The Beach
Marea Sol Hotel
Hotel was very clean except that we didn't have any towels in our bathroom. We had to go down twice and waited for maybe more than 30mins before they brought up some towels. Pool was really small but who cares? The beach is just right in front of the hotel. Our stay was overall enjoyable.
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
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Other neighbourhoods around Westside Santa Cruz
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
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.
