Santa Cruz

Travel Guide
Santa Cruz which includes a beach, flowers and rugged coastline
This Californian city attracts visitors looking for sun and sand, and has one of the strongest surfing cultures in the country.

For many, Santa Cruz embodies the laid-back spirit of coastal California. The city has strong surfing and skateboarding cultures, beautiful beaches and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.There are many options for outdoor recreation in and around Santa Cruz. Rent a kayak and paddle out to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Try to spot sea lions, seals and even whales (during winter and spring) as you paddle along. Hiking enthusiasts will also enjoy the numerous scenic trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Wilder Ranch State Park.No trip to Santa Cruz would be complete without delving into the city’s surfing heritage. Catch a wave at one of the well-known surfing breaks or rent a car and cruise along the scenic West Cliff Drive to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. This museum is located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse and overlooks the famous Steamer Lane surf break. Downtown Santa Cruz is known for its eclectic shops, cafés and restaurants and is a short stroll from the beach. Families will love the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This amusement park opened in 1907 and is full of old-world charm. Take a spin on one of its historic rides, such as the wooden Giant Dipper Roller Coaster. Foodies should check out the Santa Cruz Wharf, home to many seafood restaurants and shops. Wine aficionados will love the Santa Cruz Mountains, where many local wineries have tasting rooms.You can cover much of Santa Cruz’s main downtown and city attractions on foot, by bike or with the Santa Cruz Metro bus services. If you want to venture farther afield, it’s best to rent a car as the roads near the Santa Cruz Mountains can get very steep.

Where to stay in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz which includes watersports

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.

Westside Santa Cruz
41.5 feet tall, 350,000 pounds and able to withstand a quarter million pounds of wave energy: Walton Lighthouse

Eastside Santa Cruz

Eastside Santa Cruz is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town.

Eastside Santa Cruz
What better way to start your day!

Pleasure Point

While visiting Pleasure Point, you might make a stop by sights like Monterey Bay and Pleasure Point Park.

Pleasure Point
Evening stroll at the Seabright Beach. If you are lucky, you might run into Matt performing amazing bike tricks by the lighthouse. #LifeAtExpedia #sunset #goldenBeach #blueSky

Seabright

While visiting Seabright, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Cruz Harbor and Seabright Beach.

Seabright
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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.

Downtown Santa Cruz
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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.

Beach Hill - Beach Flats
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
4 out of 5
611 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is P8,096 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
P8,096
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Nice property and cool and funky vibe. My only negative feedback is that when we got there they told me that apparently we requested an ADA compliant room (I hadn’t), that they were fully booked and there were no other rooms in the property, so they put us into a shoebox room."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
3 out of 5
407 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA
Fully refundable
The price is P8,392 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
P8,392
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Great location and value in the middle of town. Walked to downtown and beach/boardwalk. I don’t usually use valet parking but it is the only option at the hotel and it was quick and easy to access our car."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
3 out of 5
313 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P8,110 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
P8,110
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (334 reviews)
Great Place to Stay
"Great place to stay with family. Enjoyed our stay as the rooms were clean, professional staff and convenient walk to the beach and boardwalk."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
3 out of 5
219 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (279 reviews)
"Very convenient location with within walking distance of metro and other public transport. Walking distance to a lot of great sights within the city. The actual location though had a lot of vagrants within the area. Would not recommend walking around at night alone."

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
3.5 out of 5
1091 Pinehurst Ln, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,492 reviews)
"Great property"

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
4 out of 5
3075 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Carlsbad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,083 reviews)
"Room was a bit dated and not the cleanest. Love the location and view from the pool and jacuzzi area. Staff was friendly."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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