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.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Explore the waterfront of Santa Cruz Wharf and enjoy activities such as surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking 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 biking trails.
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.
Santa Cruz Main Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Santa Cruz Main Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
Things to do
Introduction to Wilderness Survival Clinic in Santa Cruz
Top hotels in Downtown
Ocean Pacific Lodge
I loved the size and cleanliness and decor of the deluxe king room. It has 2 separated bedrooms with a large bathroom.
Reviewed on Oct 20, 2025
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Nice spot
Reviewed on Oct 24, 2025
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
It was a lovely property and I really enjoyed my room. I did think that more than doubling the price for Friday night stay was ridiculous. Breakfast was decent but very crowded in a small space. It was nice to have a dining area, but that was also very chilly.
Reviewed on Oct 22, 2025
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Wonderful place to stay😀 Restaurant and pool 😀
Reviewed on Oct 23, 2025
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Rooms are nice, the trails are great. Pool area and Joanne very nice. Only issue is the restaurant food wasn’t great and the service was really bad.
Reviewed on Oct 23, 2025
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG
It was nice and convenient
Reviewed on Oct 23, 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown
Westside Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.
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.
Mission Hill
While visiting Mission Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
Beach Hill - Beach Flats
Beach Hill - Beach Flats might not have many top sights, but Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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.
Westlake
When in Westlake, you can plan a visit to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
