Downtown Travel Guide
Santa Cruz
Visit Downtown
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
Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill
Santa Cruz Scavenger Hunt Walking Activity
Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour
UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Top hotels in Downtown
Ocean Pacific Lodge
"Reasonable place , worked for us"
Reviewed on 6 Jun 2026
Chaminade Resort & Spa
"Great location"
Reviewed on 4 Jun 2026
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
"Fabulous views, service and food!"
Reviewed on 5 Jun 2026
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
"Great family place. Rooms were clean & updated to a very cool surf vibe!"
Reviewed on 5 Jun 2026
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
"Stayed here for my kids tournament games and decided to stay a few days as a mini vacay. Kids loved the jacuzzi and pool. I really like how they offered popcorn & s’mores. Staff was super friendly and accommodating. Will stay here next time I come visit."
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
"Great staff and room was cozy!!"
Reviewed on 5 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Downtown
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 Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Eastside Santa Cruz
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.
Pleasure Point
While visiting Pleasure Point, you might make a stop by sights like Monterey Bay and Pleasure Point Park.
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.
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.
