Santa Cruz

Travel Guide
Santa Cruz featuring rocky coastline, flowers and general coastal views
This Californian city attracts visitors looking for sun and sand, and has one of the strongest surfing cultures in the country.

For many, Santa Cruz embodies the laid-back spirit of coastal California. The city has strong surfing and skateboarding cultures, beautiful beaches and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.There are many options for outdoor recreation in and around Santa Cruz. Rent a kayak and paddle out to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Try to spot sea lions, seals and even whales (during winter and spring) as you paddle along. Hiking enthusiasts will also enjoy the numerous scenic trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Wilder Ranch State Park.No trip to Santa Cruz would be complete without delving into the city’s surfing heritage. Catch a wave at one of the well-known surfing breaks or rent a car and cruise along the scenic West Cliff Drive to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. This museum is located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse and overlooks the famous Steamer Lane surf break. Downtown Santa Cruz is known for its eclectic shops, cafés and restaurants and is a short stroll from the beach. Families will love the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This amusement park opened in 1907 and is full of old-world charm. Take a spin on one of its historic rides, such as the wooden Giant Dipper Roller Coaster. Foodies should check out the Santa Cruz Wharf, home to many seafood restaurants and shops. Wine aficionados will love the Santa Cruz Mountains, where many local wineries have tasting rooms.You can cover much of Santa Cruz’s main downtown and city attractions on foot, by bike or with the Santa Cruz Metro bus services. If you want to venture farther afield, it’s best to rent a car as the roads near the Santa Cruz Mountains can get very steep.

Where to stay in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz which includes water sports

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(31 area reviews)

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.

Westside Santa Cruz
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Eastside Santa Cruz

4/5(1 area review)

Travellers come to Eastside Santa Cruz for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town.

Eastside Santa Cruz
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Pleasure Point

While visiting Pleasure Point, you might make a stop by sights like Monterey Bay and Pleasure Point Park.

Pleasure Point
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Seabright

While visiting Seabright, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Cruz Harbor and Seabright Beach.

Seabright
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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.

Downtown Santa Cruz
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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 Main Beach.

Beach Hill - Beach Flats
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
3 out of 5
313 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €152 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
€152
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (333 reviews)
"The only caveat was their restaurant/bistro was closed on Sunday- and ironically that was the only night u stayed - so I was not really happy about that"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
4 out of 5
611 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is €153 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
€153
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"This was a staycation for us, celebrating our daughter’s birthday. The lobby and restaurant had a great Santa Cruz vibe.. very stylish and fun. The room was ok, it had a strong bleach smell when we first walked in .. the bedsheets were actually amazing. The pool and hot tub were fun and made us feel ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
3 out of 5
407 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA
Fully refundable
The price is €158 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
€158
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Great location and value in the middle of town. Walked to downtown and beach/boardwalk. I don’t usually use valet parking but it is the only option at the hotel and it was quick and easy to access our car."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
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.
2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee!
2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee!
Santa Cruz
Stay at this hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and 2 bedrooms. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Pacific Garden Mall are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
Birthday trip
"We stayed here for a birthday weekend getaway and this was place was nice! There were slight annoyances like they won’t bring water up to your room, you have to pay for it and it is cash only and I did not see an ATM. We received a noise complaint around 8 pm Friday night when in our opinion we’re ..."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee!
Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor BEACH Cottage ...  small pet considered
Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor BEACH Cottage ... small pet considered
Santa Cruz
Stay at this cottage in Santa Cruz. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and barbecue grills. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Santa ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (263 reviews)
Convenient and Cozy
"It is a great off-season getaway location, with a walkable beach and dining access."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor BEACH Cottage ... small pet considered
Hear the ocean from this historic cottage. Almost beachfront.
Hear the ocean from this historic cottage. Almost beachfront.
Santa Cruz
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Sunny Cove Beach and Santa Maria's Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (152 reviews)
Charming cottage
"Had a two month stay while my girlfriend and I were looking for housing. The accommodation was a perfect fit and in a great location. Would recommend!"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Hear the ocean from this historic cottage. Almost beachfront.
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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