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.
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.
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.
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, California Scavenger Hunt
Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour
Capitola Private Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill
Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour
Our pick of the best Westside Santa Cruz Hotel Deals
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
The housekeeping staff was excellent.
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
Very nice staff Bartender was great Beautiful Hotel Would go again
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Walls are thin - can hear the guests next door blowing their nose, coughing, flushing the toilet, etc. Said they would waive parking if we signed up for a Marriott account, which we did, and then they charged our card anyway. Still trying to get a refund on it.
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026
Casablanca On The Beach
Great view friendly staff!
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Premium spot with spotless rooms and friendly staff. Great value, though parking is a bit pricey and was not advertised as paid on the booking page. Breakfast was a letdown, however, as the variety was minimal
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
Marea Sol Hotel
Pros: beautiful rooms, friendly staff, perfect location Cons: shower has no barrier so water gets all over 1/2 the bathroom floor-ridiculous, rooms were loud, beds not the most comfy, parking is insane
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Westside Santa Cruz
Mission Hill
While visiting Mission Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
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.
