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Top reasons to visit Santa Cruz

• Stunning Beaches: Santa Cruz boasts beautiful beaches perfect for relaxing or surfing, catering to both novices and experts.
• Vibrant Boardwalk: The lively Santa Cruz Boardwalk features amusement rides and games, making it a family-friendly attraction.
• Scenic National Parks: Explore nearby national and state parks, offering breathtaking coastal views and outdoor adventures.
• Charming Local Culture: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture with local shops, eateries, and friendly locals.
• Diverse Accommodations: Enjoy a range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to charming retreats by the coast.

Find great hotels near Santa Cruz

Discover a diverse array of hotel accommodations in Santa Cruz, designed to meet the needs of every traveller. Whether you seek a business-friendly environment or a pet-friendly retreat for an adventurous getaway, Santa Cruz offers it all. From star-rated hotels to the charming Dream Inn Santa Cruz, you’ll find the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the coastal charm of this iconic Californian destination.

• La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley: Located 37.0km from Santa Cruz, La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley offers a distinctive business-themed atmosphere perfect for corporate travellers. This 3.5-star lodging features multiple meeting rooms and a comprehensive conference centre, making it an ideal choice for those needing professional amenities. Guests can enjoy modern comforts along with a focus on productivity, ensuring a seamless experience for business events while being close to the vibrant Silicon Valley.
• Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Campbell: Situated 35.4km from Santa Cruz, Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Campbell is a 3.5-star accommodation that warmly welcomes both business travellers and their furry companions. With versatile meeting spaces and a convenient location in a business district, it caters to professionals while also allowing pets, ensuring a comfortable stay for all family members. The property offers amenities that include a pet policy accommodating dogs and cats, making it a great choice for those travelling with pets.
• Los Gatos Lodge: Just 27.4km from Santa Cruz, the 3-star Los Gatos Lodge combines a business-friendly environment with a pet-friendly policy. This lodge features accessible business facilities, including a well-equipped business centre and multiple meeting rooms, catering to corporate needs. With its relaxed atmosphere and welcoming approach to pets, guests can balance work and leisure effectively, ensuring a pleasant stay in a scenic location close to nature and local attractions.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, offers an unforgettable holiday experience with its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and family-friendly atmosphere. Explore the picturesque coastal views and enjoy excursions to nearby towns like Capitola and Watsonville. With its laid-back vibe and friendly locals, Santa Cruz is perfect for outdoor adventures or relaxing days by the sea. Don't miss the chance to take in the breathtaking vistas from the area's scenic vantage points, making your getaway truly memorable.

• Capitola: Situated a mere 6.4km from Santa Cruz, Capitola is a charming coastal city that offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities and stunning scenery. This vibrant destination is especially popular during the warmer months, with visitor numbers peaking from April to July. Visitors flock to Capitola for its beautiful beaches and picturesque bay, where you can enjoy a variety of recreational activities. Don't miss the local amusement park and boardwalk, perfect for family fun. The scenic beauty here is complemented by the quaint village feel, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely day by the sea.
• Westside Santa Cruz: Nestled around the Santa Cruz area, Westside Santa Cruz is a lively neighbourhood known for its outdoor and family-friendly experiences. The area tends to attract visitors throughout the year, with peak numbers from June to August. This neighbourhood boasts easy access to a number of attractions, including a popular theme park and nearby beaches. Enjoy a day of family fun at the boardwalk or take part in educational activities that enrich your visit. Westside Santa Cruz is a great place to soak up the sun and enjoy the vibrant local culture.
• Eastside Santa Cruz: Also located around Santa Cruz, Eastside Santa Cruz is another fantastic neighbourhood that offers a blend of outdoor adventures and family-oriented experiences. Like its counterpart, visitor numbers peak in the summer months, providing a bustling atmosphere for exploration. The area is home to a range of attractions, including amusement parks and recreational areas. With its proximity to beautiful beaches and a theme park, Eastside Santa Cruz is perfect for a fun-filled day with family or friends. Enjoy the laid-back vibe and the stunning coastal views that this neighbourhood offers.

Things to do in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz offers a fantastic outdoor family beach vacation with a variety of attractions, including an amusement park, a lively boardwalk, and recreational areas. Surfing enthusiasts will find great waves at popular locations, making it a perfect spot for both beginners and seasoned surfers. Don't forget to check out local travel tips to make the most of your visit to this vibrant coastal city.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in Santa Cruz, explore Ocean Street for a mix of local businesses and family-friendly spots. If you're up for a drive, head to Capitola Mercantile, just 6.4km away, for entertainment and unique gifts. Don't miss Hamlin Antiques, located 29.0km from Santa Cruz.

Recreation

Experience the stunning Pasatiempo Golf Course, where you can enjoy a round of golf in a beautiful outdoor setting. For a unique adventure, try Treks and Tracks Rock Climbing Trips, offering wellness and relaxation while exploring the breathtaking landscapes just a short distance from Santa Cruz.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of a treetop zip line adventure at TreeTop Walk, located 9.7km from Santa Cruz, surrounded by lush greenery. For hiking enthusiasts, Ox Trailhead offers scenic trails and outdoor vibes, just 6.4km away. For an adrenaline rush, head to Santa Clara Paintball, 26.4km from Santa Cruz.

Nightlife

Santa Cruz's nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy some fun at Boardwalk Bowl, where family-friendly vibes meet arcade excitement. For a thrill, take a ride on the Sky Glider. If you're in the mood for a film, catch a flick at Cinemark Century Oakridge, just 33.8km away.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Cruz

To save money on your Santa Cruz vacation, consider visiting between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Aim to book your stay on a Monday, the cheapest day, and avoid Saturdays when prices peak. Utilize public transport like buses for cost-effective travel, and enjoy free attractions such as the University of California, Santa Cruz, and Main Beach. Use Expedia to compare hotel deals and consider bundling your accommodation with flights for extra savings. Look for eco-certified options for a sustainable stay that won’t break the bank.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Santa Cruz are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Santa Cruz is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Santa Cruz is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Santa Cruz hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is perfect for outdoor and family beach holidays, offering a variety of attractions such as stunning beaches, national and state parks, and amusement parks. Visitors can enjoy the Santa Cruz Wharf and its local beaches while immersing themselves in the area's vibrant culture and outdoor activities. With such diverse options, Santa Cruz is sure to provide a memorable experience for all travellers.

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Experience the thrill at this iconic amusement park, where you can enjoy classic rides, games, and delicious fair food right by the beach. The vibrant atmosphere makes it perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.
• Mystery Spot: Discover a unique gravitational anomaly at this intriguing exhibit. The Mystery Spot offers guided tours that delve into its fascinating history and optical illusions, providing a cultural experience that will leave you questioning reality.
• Capitola Beach: Relax at this picturesque beach, just 6.4km from Santa Cruz. With its colourful beachfront and calm waters, Capitola Beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shore.

Best time to go to Santa Cruz

The best time to visit Santa Cruz can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Santa Cruz falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). The coolest average temperature in Santa Cruz falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	54.7°F (12.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	60.1°F (15.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	63.3°F (17.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	63.9°F (17.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	61.5°F (16.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, is conveniently accessible via three major airports. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 77.2km away, with excellent hotels nearby such as the Palace Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton, each 19.3km from the airport, offering shuttle services. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is 45.1km away, with luxury options like the 5-star Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto just 14.5km from SJC. Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 83.7km distant, featuring hotels like the Claremont Resort & Club, located 16.1km away, also facilitating airport transfers. Each airport provides great access to Santa Cruz for your vacation.