Santa Cruz, CA

Travel Guide

Santa Cruz featuring rugged coastline, general coastal views and a beach
Santa Cruz showing general coastal views
Santa Cruz which includes bird life
Santa Cruz featuring general coastal views, flowers and a beach
Santa Cruz which includes a beach, general coastal views and tropical scenes

Where to stay in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz showing general coastal views and views as well as an individual male

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(2,586 area reviews)

Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.

Westside Santa Cruz
41.5 feet tall, 350,000 pounds and able to withstand a quarter million pounds of wave energy: Walton Lighthouse

Eastside Santa Cruz

4.5/5(78 area reviews)

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.

Eastside Santa Cruz
What better way to start your day!

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.

Pleasure Point
Default Image

Downtown Santa Cruz

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

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.

Downtown Santa Cruz
Default Image

Beach Hill - Beach Flats

Beach Hill - Beach Flats might not have many top sights, but Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Beach Hill - Beach Flats
Evening stroll at the Seabright Beach. If you are lucky, you might run into Matt performing amazing bike tricks by the lighthouse. #LifeAtExpedia #sunset #goldenBeach #blueSky

Upper Seabright

When in Upper Seabright, you can plan a visit to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Harbor, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Upper Seabright
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
4 out of 5
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is AED 1,098 per night from May 29 to May 30
AED 1,098
AED 1,247 total
includes taxes & fees
29 May - 30 May
Book a stay at this beach resort in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"It was"

Reviewed on 22 May 2025

Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Chaminade Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
1 Chaminade Ln, Santa Cruz, CA
The price is AED 690 per night from Jun 1 to Jun 2
AED 690
AED 938 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Jun - 2 Jun
Book a stay at this spa resort in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Everything was amazing!!"

Reviewed on 18 May 2025

Chaminade Resort & Spa
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
3 out of 5
550 2nd St, Santa Cruz, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AED 559 per night from May 29 to May 30
AED 559
AED 642 total
includes taxes & fees
29 May - 30 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,188 reviews)
"The property was clean, staff was friendly. Great place to stay!"

Reviewed on 24 May 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
See all 691 properties in 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.
2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee!
2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee!
Santa Cruz
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi and air conditioning. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Mystery Spot are located ...
Some noisy neighbours
"Some of the neighbours wore definitely noisy. Walls are a bit thin."

Reviewed on 21 April 2025

2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee!
COZY BEACH HOUSE near YACHT HARBOR
COZY BEACH HOUSE near YACHT HARBOR
Santa Cruz
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Capitola Beach ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (225 reviews)
Perfect Getaway
"This beach house was ideal in every way. The design and style of the decorating was stunning and the layout of the back and front yards with tropical vibes made for the perfect romantic getaway. Plus the bathroom was amazing. This house is spectacular and if we could give it more than 5 stars we ..."

Reviewed on 19 May 2025

COZY BEACH HOUSE near YACHT HARBOR
The Midtown Cabana- w/ Private Entrance and Views
The Midtown Cabana- w/ Private Entrance and Views
Santa Cruz
Stay at this cottage in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Mystery Spot are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (84 reviews)
Awesome View
"My wife and I had a great time. The location was close to everything, bed was very comfortable, and relaxing on the deck with the view was amazing! We hope to enjoy it again soon!"

Reviewed on 2 May 2025

The Midtown Cabana- w/ Private Entrance and Views
See all properties in 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.

Popular places to visit

Another beautiful sunset 🌇

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

4.5/5(2,013 reviews)

Enjoy the thrills at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and find out why people love this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The place where you can't stay straight.

Mystery Spot

4/5(639 reviews)

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.

Mystery Spot
Natural Bridges State Park

Natural Bridges State Park

4.5/5(251 reviews)

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.

Natural Bridges State Park
Santa Cruz Wharf

Santa Cruz Wharf

4.5/5(85 reviews)

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 biking trails.

Santa Cruz Wharf
Ocean Street

Ocean Street

4.5/5(14 reviews)

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.

Ocean Street
Sunrise at Walton Lighthouse

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

Other places like Santa Cruz