Santa Cruz Holidays

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Where to stay in Santa Cruz

Find the best Santa Cruz areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Cruz

Things to do in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is perfect for outdoor family beach holidays, offering a variety of exciting activities. Enjoy a trip to the iconic boardwalk and amusement park, explore scenic drives, and indulge in shopping experiences. The region's great outdoors beckons with opportunities for hiking and relaxation amidst stunning landscapes, ensuring a memorable visit for all.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in Santa Cruz, visit Ocean Street for local shops and family-friendly vibes. Swift Street Courtyard also offers a mix of businesses and entertainment. If you’re up for a drive, Kings Court Shopping Center, located 29.0km away, promises further shopping excitement.

Recreation

Experience the serene atmosphere at Luminescence Healing Haven, where you can indulge in rejuvenating body treatments. Alternatively, enjoy the outdoor vibes at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club for a round of golf, or unwind in nature at Pinto Lake Park, perfect for relaxation and leisurely strolls.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of arcade games at Boardwalk Bowl, where family fun meets adventure. For a unique outdoor experience, try the Zip Line, a thrilling treeTopWalk 9.7km from Santa Cruz. Additionally, the Sky Glider offers a delightful theme park ride with entertainment for the entire family.

Nightlife

Santa Cruz boasts a vibrant nightlife with venues like The Catalyst, where live music fills the air, and the laid-back atmosphere of 99 Bottles, perfect for craft beer enthusiasts. For dancing, head to The Blue Lagoon, a lively club that promises an unforgettable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, and beautiful beaches, making it an ideal destination for a vacation. Visitors can explore stunning coastal areas, national and state parks, and the iconic jetty pier. With a focus on beach culture and outdoor experiences, Santa Cruz caters to diverse interests, ensuring an enjoyable getaway for every traveller.

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: This vibrant amusement park offers thrilling rides, classic games, and a lively atmosphere right by the beach. It’s perfect for families seeking adventure and fun, with attractions that cater to all ages, from the historic carousel to the iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster.
  • La Selva Beach: Located 14.5km from Santa Cruz, La Selva Beach is a quaint coastal retreat known for its serene environment and soft sands. It's an ideal spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and enjoying the tranquil ocean waves, away from the hustle and bustle.
  • Four Mile Beach: Situated within Santa Cruz, Four Mile Beach boasts stunning coastal views and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s perfect for leisurely walks, beachcombing, and soaking up the sun in a more relaxed setting, making it a hidden gem for beach lovers.

Best time to go to Santa Cruz

The best time to visit Santa Cruz is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.7°F (12.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May56.7°F (13.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June60.1°F (15.6°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.3°F (17.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October61.5°F (16.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Santa Cruz

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Santa Cruz.
  • Consider traveling to Santa Cruz during the low season (November to January) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Santa Cruz Beach Holiday

If you want a break from the city crowds, a Santa Cruz holiday is just the ticket. There's no end to the gorgeous views to soak up on a trip to Santa Cruz. Those who love the water may already be familiar with Natural Bridges State Park (5 kilometres away) and will probably want to stay nearby. But don't worry if the nearest accommodation options are full. Many visitors to the area also book Santa Cruz packages near Cowell's Beach and Santa Cruz Main Beach.

Things You Should Know About Santa Cruz

  • If ocean breezes and strolls along the shore are your idea of a dreamy escape, why not consider one of our Santa Cruz beach hotels? Staying near the water is the perfect cure for life's daily stresses.
  • Our private holiday homes, including Marea Sol Hotel and Seaside Inn & Suites, are popular with travellers of all types. Check out the amenities and get ready for your holiday in Santa Cruz!
  • Our Santa Cruz things to do page is a terrific place to find activities around here. Of course, there's nothing like a bit of local knowledge. With a population of 64,200 inches Santa Cruz, we're sure you'll find a few people who'll point you in the right direction.
  • Get some great deals with a Santa Cruz holiday package. With all that extra money in your pocket, you won't regret indulging in this destination's best offerings. Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Wharf and Santa Cruz Wharf are amazing places to start.

Top hotels in Santa Cruz

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
611 Ocean St Santa Cruz CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €107 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
€107
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,216 reviews)
We have stayed here well over a dozen times. The last few years the hotel has declined in quality. We still prefer this hotel over other places we have stayed over the past 12 years (we come Santa Cruz 3-4 times a year to visit our daughter) but has moved from “excellent” to “very good”. The shower ...

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

4 out of 5
175 W Cliff Dr Santa Cruz CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €207 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
€207
4 Mar - 5 Mar
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
The room was just perfect. All staff very friendly. Location of hotel with that view cant be beat

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Marea Sol Hotel

Marea Sol Hotel

2 out of 5
301 Beach St Santa Cruz CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €113 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
€113
24 Feb - 25 Feb
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,393 reviews)
Couple stayed for 2 nights. The location and price is best thing about the room, right in gront of boardwalk. The room is small, the bathroom floor was dirty, and the bed was uncomfortable. We also had the corner bottom room next to stairs (106) and it was sooo loud. The heater also took long to ...

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Marea Sol Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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What to do in Santa Cruz

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