Lower Ocean Travel Guide
Santa Cruz
Visit Lower Ocean
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.
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.
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
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour
UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Top hotels in Lower Ocean
The Aqua Pacific Hotel
"This place is was near by boardwalk but not as close to walk up and down and then back . You will be tired ! The pool and spa wasn’t available , not bad but not a Return visit for us . Property states Expedia doesn’t describe as is they were right !"
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Surf City Inn and Suites
"The staff were very nice, and the room was very clean. Theres plenty of parking, and the pool/ hottub is open until 10. I wasn't aware of the $100 deposit upon checking in, which you don't get back until 3 buisness days later, which felt sketchy especially because the room itself was $160. The phone ..."
Reviewed on 23 May 2026
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
"Really big rooms! I was in the end suite.. about three blocks maybe four to the boardwalk/roller coaster area.. but in the master bedroom, the walls are thin and so all night long. I could hear the couple in the other room…. So yes, the rooms are great clean and very spacious and I couldn’t figure ..."
Reviewed on 24 May 2026
Hotel Solares
"The rooms were spacious and we had a little private patio that was so nice! It was close to the beach and boardwalk and the pool was fun for our grandkids. It’s a very busy hotel so the parking got tricky as it filled up. We would definitely stay there again."
Reviewed on 23 May 2026
Torch Lite Inn
"The Torch Lite Inn is the perfect spot for an affordable (on non-peak days) overnight near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It’s simple but well-maintained & only a short walk to the beach. We especially like the 2nd floor room balconies & free parking!"
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Drift Inn
"The room was clean and comfortable; check-in was a breeze. The Drift Inn is located near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Downtown Santa Cruz, and the Riverwalk. My only negative is that the towels were a little threadbare."
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Lower Ocean
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.
Seabright
While visiting Seabright, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Cruz Harbor and Seabright Beach.
Downtown
While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Pacific Avenue and Williams-Reynolds House.
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.
Midtown
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Midtown and surrounding area, you can visit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Ocean Street.
