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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Santa Cruz Harbor

Explore the waterfront in Santa Cruz with a trip to Santa Cruz Harbor. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Santa Cruz Harbor

Activities

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Santa Cruz Redwoods Forest Therapy

AU$128
Per adult
Santa Cruz Redwoods Forest Therapy
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
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Santa Cruz Must Sees: A Self-Guided Driving Tour

AU$6
Per adult
Santa Cruz Must Sees: A Self-Guided Driving Tour
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$229 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
AU$229
per night
30 Jun - 1 Jul
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! (777 reviews)
"Had a great one-night stay at Pacific Blue Inn. Bed was comfortable. It is walking distance to shops and restaurants. I felt safe. We checked in late. We were provided with details of check -in and parking from Calvin. He also gave us his cell number if we had questions. All went very well and it ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jun. 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$356 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
AU$356
per night
1 Jul - 2 Jul
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! (473 reviews)
"The Courtyard by Marriott, located just two blocks from the boardwalk, is the best place to stay if you’re visiting Santa Cruz. The building itself is beautiful and stands out from surrounding hotels. The hotel staff were welcoming, and the rooms were immaculate. However, parking is not included, ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jun. 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
3.5 out of 5
6001 La Madrona Drive, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is AU$289 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
AU$289
per night
25 Jul - 26 Jul
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! (1,072 reviews)
"Everyone was friendly and the hotel was very clean (maybe even too clean - we could smell cleaner everywhere). The staff was really friendly and helpful!"

Reviewed on 24 Jun. 2024

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
Los Gatos Lodge
Los Gatos Lodge
3 out of 5
50 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road, Los Gatos, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$262 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
AU$262
per night
30 Jun - 1 Jul
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Gatos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Nice and neat. Air conditioning is a bit noisy, front desk check in clerk is not as welcoming but she did her job well. The check out one is better in term of hospitality."

Reviewed on 24 Jun. 2024

Los Gatos Lodge
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
3 out of 5
407 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is AU$359 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
AU$359
per night
2 Jul - 3 Jul
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Awesome place to stay! Walking distance from the board walk. Clean quiet place to stay! The best part was the breakfast! Egg , bacon, waffle and French toast!!"

Reviewed on 26 Jun. 2024

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
4 out of 5
611 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is AU$325 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
AU$325
per night
1 Jul - 2 Jul
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! (1,009 reviews)
"The team is great. Valet opens your door every time. The bar and restaurant staff are great. Rainbow, crystal, Chris, Jeff, and Gabriel are all fabulous. Although understaffed. We were there three days and never had our room serviced. The lobby restrooms were a mess, but again, not enough staff. ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jun. 2024

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
See all 1,133 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

Downtown Santa Cruz Travel Guide

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