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
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
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour
Santa Cruz Ice Cream Tour 4 Stops Samples Full Scoops
Top hotels in Downtown
Ocean Pacific Lodge
"Very nice stay but never got my $100.00 deposit I paid in cash.. so recommend if you pay cash get your receipt because I didnt so I lost out on that. Ugh!!"
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Chaminade Resort & Spa
"Perfect stay. Highly recommend here then going to Oak and Ale on pleasure point!"
Reviewed on 31 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
"The spa turned out to be inaccessible without pre-booking. That went for the sauna also which we would have liked to use. The location was perfect for downtown strolls. Be forewarned, but if you have a car, valet parking is $50 a day. The facilities are lovely and not overcrowded. even on Memorial ..."
Reviewed on 30 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
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Reviewed on 30 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown
Mission Hill
While visiting Mission Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park and Mission Santa Cruz.
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 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay.
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.
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.
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.
