Westside Santa Cruz Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Westside Santa Cruz
Popular places to visit
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
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 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.
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 cycling trails.
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.
Pacific Avenue
During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Pacific Avenue. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.
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.
Activities
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour
Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz
UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Our pick of the best Westside Santa Cruz Hotel Deals
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
"The only thing we disliked was that the air conditioner was very loud. Hotel has free valet parking which was a nice surprise. We enjoyed the restaurant with ocean view and our room was also ocean view."
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
"Lovely, upscale property and close to the action. Friendly staff."
Reviewed on 1 June 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
"Didn’t know that Ice is only on the 2nd floor and wasn’t told at the check in until searching during the evening. Parking was safe, but did cost $25 and wasn’t listed online or else could have considered that price with other hotels. Overall the staff was nice and attentive. I’d stay there ..."
Reviewed on 2 June 2026
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
"46 and 48 year old couple from the UK: I booked this hotel as part of a trip we are doing down the west coast. Keeping our hotel costs to a minimum we booked to stay here for 1 night with no real expectations. From our arrival to leaving we have been really impressed from start to finish. Highlights ..."
Reviewed on 1 June 2026
The Aqua Pacific Hotel
"Great convenient location for boardwalk activities. It felt safe and clean."
Reviewed on 1 June 2026
Marea Sol Hotel
"I loved this hotel, it’s been years since I went to the beach, I definitely recommend coming here at a reasonable price near the beach! Loved the room, and staff is very friendly!"
Reviewed on 2 June 2026
Check Westside Santa Cruz hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Westside Santa Cruz
Mission Hill
While visiting Mission Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park and Mission Santa Cruz.
Downtown
While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Pacific Avenue and Williams-Reynolds House.
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.
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.
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.
Nobel
While Nobel may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum and Swift Street Courtyard.
