Downtown
Santa Cruz
Popular places to visit
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Enjoy the thrill rides with your kiddos at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as part of your trip to 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.
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
Top hotels in Downtown
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Quiet and easy access from the wharf
Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Very fun hotel!
Reviewed on Dec 6, 2025
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Hotel was very clean. Room was also clean and comfortable.. Wish parking was included, but overall had a great stay and would go back.
Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Great outdoor hot tub and direct beach access
Reviewed on Dec 9, 2025
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
The room was clean, a little loud though.
Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
Location was great close to the beach and the Redwoods.
Reviewed on Dec 2, 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown
Westside Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Monterey Bay and Pacific Avenue, 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 Main Beach 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 Pacific Avenue and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Circles
While there might not be top attractions in Circles, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Cowell's Beach and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.
