Downtown
Santa Cruz
Popular places to visit
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Enjoy the thrills at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and find out why people love this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
Mystery Spot
Find out about the history of Santa Cruz with a stop at 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 biking 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.
Ocean Street
During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can enjoy retail therapy 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 browse for the perfect souvenirs at Pacific Avenue. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.
Things to do
Capitola Private Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour
Top hotels in Downtown
Ocean Pacific Lodge
10 yrs in between stays, just as good as i remembered it.
Reviewed on Apr 28, 2026
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
We were allowed to check in early since our room was ready. The staff were very considerate. Kids enjoyed the stream near the shore. There were a lot of shower areas where you could wash your feet before you go back to your room. The location was perfect, walking distance to the braodway.
Reviewed on Apr 29, 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Staff was friendly. Breakfast only goes until nine. Underground parking lot, more difficult for larger vehicles. And the beds were a little to hard for us.
Reviewed on Apr 29, 2026
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Staff was helpful and very friendly. Loved the uniqueness of the property.
Reviewed on Apr 23, 2026
Marea Sol Hotel
Great location
Reviewed on Apr 28, 2026
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Nice quiet place to stay.
Reviewed on Apr 28, 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown
Mission Hill
While visiting Mission Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
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.
Westside Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.
Beach Hill - Beach Flats
Beach Hill - Beach Flats might not have many top sights, but Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Lower Ocean
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lower Ocean and surrounding area, you can visit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Pacific Avenue.
Circles
While there might not be top attractions in Circles, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Cowell's Beach.
