Santa Cruz, CA
Travel Guide
Visit Santa Cruz
Where to stay in Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Monterey Bay and Pacific Avenue, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.
Eastside Santa Cruz
Eastside Santa Cruz is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town.
Pleasure Point
World-renowned surf spot with a strong surf culture, Pleasure Point offers picturesque ocean views along East Cliff Drive and a walkable path with separate bike lanes. Enjoy amenities at Pleasure Point Park and nearby 41st Ave commercial district.
Beach Hill - Beach Flats
Beach Hill - Beach Flats might not have many top sights, but Main Beach and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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.
Upper Seabright
When in Upper Seabright, you can plan a visit to Santa Cruz Harbor and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Love staying here
Reviewed on 8 January 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Rooms are nice, staff is nice, excellent full breakfast.
Reviewed on 5 January 2026
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG
Clean room. In room coffee was good. Staff was friendly
Reviewed on 5 January 2026
Large Santa Cruz Beach House. Steps to beach. Pets welcome. Family. Reunions.
Perfect home for big families. Well stocked and clean. Beautiful location. Host was very informative on the workings of the house. The layout of the house is a bit odd, but it worked for our group of 10. Space for everyone.
Reviewed on 31 December 2025
OCEANFRONT! BEST LOCATION! EXTRAORDINARY VIEWS! HOT TUB! FIRE PIT!
Our family stayed for the Thanksgiving holiday and we couldn’t have picked a better home for our trip. The kitchen was stocked perfectly for our cooking needs, the house was beautiful and very clean, and the hot tub and outdoor shower was a great bonus! We highly recommend this for any guests wanting ...
Reviewed on 30 November 2025
Beautiful View...and a short walk to Boardwalk!
Lauren communicates well and is quite responsive. We very much enjoyed out stay in her house.
Reviewed on 28 December 2025
Popular places to visit
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Enjoy the thrill rides with your kiddos at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as part of your trip to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
Mystery Spot
Find out about the history of Santa Cruz with a stop at Mystery Spot. 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 biking 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 enjoy retail therapy at Ocean Street. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Main Beach
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Main Beach during your travels in Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
Other places like Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- University of California
- Mystery Spot
- Natural Bridges State Park
- Santa Cruz Wharf
- Ocean Street
- Main Beach
- Pacific Avenue
- University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum
- Santa Cruz Main Beach
- Pasatiempo Golf Course
- Santa Cruz Harbor
- Twin Lakes State Beach
- Seabright Beach
- Cowell's Beach
- Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
- Sunny Cove Beach
- Pleasure Point Park
- Mission Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
- Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory
- Dominican Hospital
- Wilder Ranch State Park
- Lighthouse Point Park
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Boardwalk Bowl
- 38th Avenue Beach Access
- Laguna Creek Beach
- Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
- Cocoanut Grove
- Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
