Santa Cruz Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Santa Cruz showing rocky coastline, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz which includes bird life
Santa Cruz featuring rugged coastline, flowers and general coastal views
Santa Cruz featuring general coastal views, rocky coastline and tropical scenes

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 general coastal views and views as well as an individual male

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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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
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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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Upper Seabright

While Upper Seabright isn't home to many top sights, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Harbor are some notable places to visit nearby.

Upper Seabright
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
4 out of 5
611 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is ฿5,482 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
฿5,482
฿6,286 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Great pool area and wonderful staff. The renovation is really nice. The rooms are a little strange, the bed is literally a foot away from a huge window that faces the walkway, so it was very noisy. But, that can’t really be helped, just something people with noise sensitivity might want to consider. ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
4 out of 5
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is ฿10,348 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
฿10,348
฿11,745 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a beach locale. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
Top choice of Beach Front Hotel
"Excelelnt Hotel with great service and View!!! Many amenties for resort fee!!"

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
3 out of 5
313 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is ฿5,482 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
฿5,482
฿6,286 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (846 reviews)
"It was so nice to stay everything to close easy to walk every were beach broad walk"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Courtyard by Marriott 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.
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
3.5 out of 5
1091 Pinehurst Ln, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 7 outdoor pools and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,973 reviews)
"Doesn’t have the feel and look of a hotel. These are condominiums."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1736 State St, San Diego, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (8 reviews)
"This was the first time staying in Little Italy and I enjoyed the experience. The place, including the kitchen was spotless. I enjoyed being able to cook my own meals 😁"

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
Marriott's Shadow Ridge
Marriott's Shadow Ridge
3.5 out of 5
9003 Shadow Ridge Road, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,578 reviews)
"What’s not to love the room was beautiful the golfing was top notch my Dad had the best time!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Marriott's Shadow Ridge
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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