What to do in Santa Cruz

Activities, attractions and tours

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Calangute Beach

The tourist-oriented Calangute Beach is packed with practical amenities and is full of life and excitement. All tastes and budgets are catered to here, whether you want to laze away an afternoon in the sun, sample the wonderful local cuisine or take part in waterspouts out on the water.
Learn more
Calangute Beach featuring a beach bar and a sandy beach

2. Baga Beach

One of Goa’s most well-known seaside resorts, Baga Beach is famous for its beachside bars and nightclubs, where revelers party throughout the night. During the day, the wide, expansive stretch of sand is energetic and exuberant, with numerous options for water-based activities. Sunbathe and soak up the lively atmosphere, take part in exhilarating watersports activities and stick around post sunset for a taster of Baga’s nightlife.
Learn more
Baga Beach showing a beach, a beach bar and general coastal views

3. Arambol Beach

Arambol Beach has an alternative, laid-back ambience, which attracts many bohemian travellers. Despite its popularity, there are no major resorts in the area thanks to local campaigns to preserve the area’s tranquil atmosphere. There are cafés and restaurants along this stretch of fine, white sand.
Learn more
Arambol Beach featuring tropical scenes, a beach and landscape views

4. Ashvem Beach

Ashvem Beach is a hidden gem with stunning scenery and range of nice beach hotels and resorts. Most people come to this beach during the day for sunbathing and swimming, but there are some great options for dinner and accommodation too. Walk a little inland, through the forest, to see some authentic Goan villages and temples.
Learn more
Ashvem Beach featuring tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach

5. Mandrem Beach

A quiet, away-from-it-all area, Mandrem Beach offers a taste of how North Goa would have appeared prior to tourist development. It’s one of the few places in the region where crabs, kingfishers and fish eagles still outnumber sunbathers. Go wildlife spotting, practice yoga on the soft sands or lie out and daydream on the blissful shores.
Learn more
Mandrem Beach featuring a beach bar, a beach and general coastal views

What to do in Santa Cruz

Popular places to visit

Basilica of Bom Jesus showing heritage architecture

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Venture inside a Baroque-style basilica to study its religious art and to see the tomb of a saint, the founder of a Catholic religious order.

Basilica of Bom Jesus
Dona Paula Beach

Dona Paula Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Dona Paula Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Dona Paula. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Dona Paula Beach
Panaji which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

After visiting Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Panaji. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
Panaji which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

18th June Road

You can take time to visit 18th June Road during your travels to Panaji. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

18th June Road
Mahalaxmi Temple

Mahalaxmi Temple

Mahalaxmi Temple is just one of the places to see in Panaji, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Mahalaxmi Temple
Azad Maidan

Azad Maidan

You can learn about the history of Panaji with a stop at Azad Maidan. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Azad Maidan

Deltin Royale Casino

Why not try your luck with a visit to Deltin Royale Casino during your visit to Panaji? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Deltin Royale Casino

Goa University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Goa University during your trip to Panaji. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Goa University

Kala Academy

Explore the campus of Kala Academy during your trip to Panaji. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Kala Academy

Day trip destinations from Santa Cruz

Panaji featuring street scenes

Panaji

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor activities and history, there are many interesting things to do in Santa Cruz. Remember to enjoy the area's mix of cool sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Santa Cruz?
Vainguinim Beach and Dona Paula Jetty are two good places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Santa Cruz while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz is Vainguinim Beach, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Cruz?
Three days will give you time to tick off the leading city attractions, such as Vainguinim Beach, Odxel Beach and Sé Cathedral. The average stay in Santa Cruz is three days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Panaji isn't far away.
Is Santa Cruz a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to see and do in Santa Cruz. Several key sights, such as Vainguinim Beach and Odxel Beach, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Santa Cruz's best neighbourhoods, Bambolim is 2 kilometers away from downtown, while Vainguinim is 3 kilometers away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids?
Deciding what to do in Santa Cruz with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Santa Cruz for adults?
18th June Road and Jama Masjid are just a few of the things to do in Santa Cruz. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Santa Cruz?
From visiting parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Santa Cruz. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Vainguinim Beach is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing activities.