Eastside Santa Cruz Travel Guide
Santa Cruz
Visit Eastside Santa Cruz
Popular places to visit
Santa Cruz Harbor
Explore the waterfront in Santa Cruz with a trip to Santa Cruz Harbor. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.
Seabright Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Seabright Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.
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.
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.
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
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.
Things to do
Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories
Top hotels in Eastside Santa Cruz
Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages
Several dead birds at beach access and the he beach access once entering the beach area was flooded so it was tricky getting to the beach
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
Hitching Post Studios Inn
The room was just as expected. We chose this hotel because of location, price & the kitchen. Our son is attending UCSC, and we wanted to find a hotel that wouldn’t break the bank & allow us to not spend a fortune at restaurants. Thank you. We will be back.
Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
yes
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
They had a nice restaurant/bar. It was a clean room.
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Hidden gem in the mountains
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
This was our 2nd trip to Santa Cruz and we only stay on this hotel. Will go again soon!!!
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Eastside Santa Cruz
Upper Seabright
While Upper Seabright isn't home to many top sights, Santa Cruz Harbor and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk are some notable places to visit nearby.
Midtown
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Midtown and surrounding area, you can visit Ocean Street and Pacific Avenue.
Seabright
While visiting Seabright, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Cruz Harbor and Seabright Beach.
Bananna Belt
Bananna Belt might not have many top sights, but Ocean Street and Pacific Avenue are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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.
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.
