Downtown Santa Cruz Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Downtown Santa Cruz

Popular places to visit

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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

4/5(16 reviews)

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.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
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Mystery Spot

3/5(2 reviews)

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.

Mystery Spot
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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 cycling trails.

Santa Cruz Wharf
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Natural Bridges State Park

4/5(5 reviews)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Natural Bridges State Park during your travels in Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

Natural Bridges State Park
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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.

Ocean Street
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Cowell's Beach

Explore the waterfront of Cowell's Beach and enjoy activities such as surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

Cowell's Beach

Activities

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Santa Cruz Redwoods Forest Therapy

AU$128
Per adult
Santa Cruz Redwoods Forest Therapy
Image for Big Sur Private Charter from San Francisco by Luxury SUV 10 hrs

Big Sur Private Charter from San Francisco by Luxury SUV 10 hrs

AU$1,965
Per adult
Big Sur Private Charter from San Francisco by Luxury SUV 10 hrs
Image for Whale Watching Monterey Bay semi-private limited to 6 people max

Whale Watching Monterey Bay semi-private limited to 6 people max

AU$604
Per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Whale Watching Monterey Bay semi-private limited to 6 people max
Image for Santa Cruz Must Sees: A Self-Guided Driving Tour

Santa Cruz Must Sees: A Self-Guided Driving Tour

AU$6
Per adult
Santa Cruz Must Sees: A Self-Guided Driving Tour
Image for Outdoor Rock Climbing - Level 2

Outdoor Rock Climbing - Level 2

AU$165
Per adult
Outdoor Rock Climbing - Level 2
Image for 5-Hour Wilderness Skills & Survival Clinic

5-Hour Wilderness Skills & Survival Clinic

AU$210
Per adult
5-Hour Wilderness Skills & Survival Clinic
See all activities in Santa Cruz

Our pick of the best Downtown Santa Cruz Hotel Deals

Pacific Blue Inn
Pacific Blue Inn
3 out of 5
636 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is AU$161 per night from 27 May to 28 May
AU$161
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (766 reviews)
"Very accessible and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 21 May 2024

Pacific Blue Inn
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
3 out of 5
313 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is AU$205 per night from 27 May to 28 May
AU$205
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (401 reviews)
"The hotels was clean and in a great locations. It was walking distance to the boardwalk. I wish they would include the parking fee in the reservation since they charge $25 parking. However, everything else was great. My wife and I love the hotel, we will stay here again next time we travel to Santa ..."

Reviewed on 23 May 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
4 out of 5
611 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is AU$208 per night from 27 May to 28 May
AU$208
per night
27 May - 28 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"n/a"

Reviewed on 20 May 2024

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
4 out of 5
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is AU$446 per night from 27 May to 28 May
AU$446
per night
27 May - 28 May
Book a stay at this beach resort in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"The boardwalk, wharf and the beach was walking distance. On site restaurant was very nice to have drinks, breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a long trail to walk along the property."

Reviewed on 20 May 2024

Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
3.5 out of 5
6001 La Madrona Drive, Santa Cruz, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$196 per night from 30 May to 31 May
AU$196
per night
30 May - 31 May
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,046 reviews)
"I like everything but the only issue that I have it was a misunderstanding with breakfast they told me from 7 AM to 10:30 PM. And we arrive at 10 o’clock and they already close on the other hand. Another issue that we had was that didn’t tell us that we need to request housekeeping service."

Reviewed on 16 May 2024

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
3.5 out of 5
7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$243 per night from 30 May to 31 May
AU$243
per night
30 May - 31 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Aptos. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"We did not get any service for our room. We requested clean towels and it took over a hour to get them. The TV didn’t work the last night. We got sound, but no picture. The curtain in the room was torn. It was a nice place and I will return, but details do matter."

Reviewed on 20 May 2024

Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
See all 1,151 properties in Downtown 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz which includes water sports

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(16 area reviews)

Travellers to Westside Santa Cruz praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay.

Westside Santa Cruz
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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 Main Beach.

Beach Hill - Beach Flats
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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.

Upper Seabright
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Seabright

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

Seabright
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Circles

While Circles may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Cowell's Beach.

Circles
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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.

Westlake

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