Downtown
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
Explore the waterfront of Santa Cruz Wharf and enjoy activities such as surfing 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.
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
Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz 2Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups
Top hotels in Downtown
Ocean Pacific Lodge
nice hot tubs/pool. clean & quiet. excellent
Reviewed on 15 Dec 2025
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Great location, walking distance from downtown. Front desk, restaurant staff and housekeeping personnel very professional and friendly.
Reviewed on 15 Dec 2025
Chaminade Resort & Spa
It’s a unique place in the midst of nature trails and old Redwood trees. It’s also positioned with a direct overland path to the ocean. All around a good choice for a stay.
Reviewed on 13 Dec 2025
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Clean room nice view comfortable beds hot tub
Reviewed on 12 Dec 2025
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
I have many good things to say about our stay however I would have preferred a room with a garden view. We were put in a room overlooking the parking lot and at night a light shined into our room and bed.
Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
Location was great, close to a lot of restaurants and stores. Love that the property is surrounded by trees. Staff was the best! Quick and easy check-in and check-out. I would 100% come back again!
Reviewed on 14 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.
