Downtown Santa Cruz
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.
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.
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.
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
Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt
UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill
Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz
Pacific Blue Inn
"Great!"
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
"The only thing we disliked was that the air conditioner was very loud. Hotel has free valet parking which was a nice surprise. We enjoyed the restaurant with ocean view and our room was also ocean view."
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
"Excellent hotel, five start team and amenities. Feels like a true gem with amazing poolside service you don’t find often. Beds are amazing! Family friendly, walking distance to the boardwalk. Can’t wait to go back!"
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
"Excelente todo, lo que mas me gusto la limpieza implacable en toda el Hotel al entrar à la habitacion las cama super dormí muy bien el baño y las toallas 15 de 10 el servicio las Muchachas muy amables y segura de su atencion, el desayuno muy bien, Lo recomiendo.💯."
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
"Great aesthetic and amenities!"
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
Chaminade Resort & Spa
"great property with nice amenities for whole family. close to beach and boardwalk."
Reviewed on 30 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 Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park and Mission Santa Cruz.
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 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay.
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.
