Title: Downtown Santa Cruz Travel Guide: Best of Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz](https://expedia.co.uk/Downtown-Santa-Cruz-Santa-Cruz-Hotels.0-n553248633938969818-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Santa Cruz](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Santa-Cruz.d6666.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Santa Cruz](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Santa-Cruz.d6666.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Downtown Santa Cruz Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Downtown-Santa-Cruz.d553248633938969818.Car-Hire-Guide)[Downtown Santa Cruz Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Downtown-Santa-Cruz.d553248633938969818.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Downtown Santa Cruz Travel Guide ## Santa Cruz ![Downtown, Santa Cruz, California, USA, during autumn. The image shows the street with trees in fall colors, buildings, and a bus. The photo shows the city's architecture.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248633938969818/f79caaa9-8341-416d-bfd4-b5257e0727fe.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Downtown, Santa Cruz, California, USA, during autumn. The image shows the street with trees in fall colors, buildings, and a bus. The photo shows the city's architecture.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248633938969818/f79caaa9-8341-416d-bfd4-b5257e0727fe.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Clock tower in downtown Santa Cruz, California, USA. The tower is a local landmark and gathering place, decorated with flowers and pumpkins.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248633938969818/ccdf1b5f-664c-4feb-b290-4f36fc24f424.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![CWFJJA USA California CA Santa Cruz clock tower and trolley on Pacific Avenue](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327592/765dd2b7-8dc8-43e9-a63e-99581f2057c7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Downtown Santa Cruz Things to do Hotels Where to stay [Santa Cruz travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz.dx6666) --- ### Popular places to visit ![Gotta ride this 100 year old wooden roller Coaster on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/b45be7dc-b7ee-4e2f-913e-96687d20622a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 4/5(41 reviews) Have a fun-filled day with the family at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk during your visit to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Beach-Boardwalk-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6065915.Attraction) ![The place where you can't stay straight.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065921/d28cfec3-0a62-49c3-8c59-000ebb30e504.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mystery Spot 4.5/5(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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Mystery-Spot-Santa-Cruz.d6065921.Attraction) ![USA-Santa Cruz-Natural Bridges State Beach; Shutterstock ID 101070745](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065917/43bea666-ed08-4f82-a646-075da65a2a91.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Natural Bridges State Park 4/5(9 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 cycling trails. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Natural-Bridges-State-Park-Santa-Cruz.d6065917.Attraction) ![Pier at Santa Cruz, California](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6209895/eb65cea1-184a-499c-ae20-633fad3592be.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santa Cruz Wharf 5/5(1 review) 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Wharf-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6209895.Attraction) ![EN5XP1 Street scene in autumn with shops art galleries on Ocean Avenue Carmel Monterey County California](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6351808/ef056b2b-5188-40e2-985c-ead470ec0f72.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Ocean-Street-Santa-Cruz.d6351808.Attraction) ![CWFJJA USA California CA Santa Cruz clock tower and trolley on Pacific Avenue](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327592/765dd2b7-8dc8-43e9-a63e-99581f2057c7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Pacific-Avenue-Santa-Cruz.d6327592.Attraction) ### Things to do ![Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/5204449/43dc9f95-f013-4b9a-b724-1190dca566bd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Capitola Private Personalized Self-Guided App Tour £4 per traveller [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/capitola-private-personalized-self-guided-app-tour.a5204449.activity-details) ![Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories ](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47178731/1548d3e5-e5e6-4438-b9c3-b01c5bb45f5c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour £4 per traveller [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/uc-santa-cruz-personalized-self-guided-app-tour.a47178731.activity-details) ![Santa Cruz Redwoods Forest Therapy ](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4252920/81677566-18a6-4e11-abfe-6b1d4f48d69b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Redwoods Forest Bathing £66 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/redwoods-forest-bathing.a4252920.activity-details) ![Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2262173/5e1c9c51-0e8d-438a-bf60-efbabfd1eb34.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz £103 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/beginner-surf-lesson-in-santa-cruz.a2262173.activity-details) ![5-Hour Wilderness Skills & Survival Clinic](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4819328/705e4b93-b037-4d70-b76f-a95c1cc04db1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 5-Hour Wilderness Skills & Survival Clinic £103 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/5-hour-wilderness-skills-survival-clinic.a4819328.activity-details) ![Mermaid family photoshoot Santa Cruz](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/50896815/8d48ddf4-554f-4b26-a3b3-7340d6f859f0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mermaid Experience & Photoshoot £163 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/mermaid-experience-photoshoot.a50896815.activity-details) [See all activities in Santa Cruz](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Santa-Cruz.d6666.Travel-Guide-Activities) --- ## Top hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz ![Pacific Blue Inn](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3040000/3038300/3038261/dd409df9_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Pacific Blue Inn 636 Pacific Avenue Santa Cruz CA £79 12 Mar - 13 Mar includes taxes & fees Stay at this guesthouse in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ... 9/10 Wonderful! (906 reviews) Close the Catalyst, which was the reason for our stay in Santa Cruz. Very clean, well-taken care of property, but the ice machine did not work. Other than that, the stay was great. Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=12%2F03%2F2026&endDate=13%2F03%2F2026&selected=3038261&PinnedHotelID=3038261&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248633938969818) ![Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/3700/3633/708ac094_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton 7500 Old Dominion Court Aptos CA £118 12 Mar - 13 Mar includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Aptos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (1,096 reviews) The hotel is always clean staff are friendly. 1 negative is why they charge for guest parking. How else would i get there Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=12%2F03%2F2026&endDate=13%2F03%2F2026&selected=3633&PinnedHotelID=3633&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248633938969818) ![Dream Inn Santa Cruz](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/23500/23409/0f675563_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Dream Inn Santa Cruz 175 W Cliff Dr Santa Cruz CA £191 11 Mar - 12 Mar includes taxes & fees Stay at this beach resort in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a beach locale. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,014 reviews) Property is kept beautiful with lots of amenities near by. All room views are exceptional! Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=11%2F03%2F2026&endDate=12%2F03%2F2026&selected=23409&PinnedHotelID=23409&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248633938969818) ![Chaminade Resort & Spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/27600/27566/9f8bd72a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Chaminade Resort & Spa 1 Chaminade Ln Santa Cruz CA £155 11 Mar - 12 Mar includes taxes & fees Stay at this spa resort in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ... 8.2/10 Very Good! (1,012 reviews) I had an amazing experience and the staff was top notch . Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=11%2F03%2F2026&endDate=12%2F03%2F2026&selected=27566&PinnedHotelID=27566&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248633938969818) ![Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/11100/11056/ed4e7c2d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection 611 Ocean St Santa Cruz CA £123 12 Mar - 13 Mar includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (1,230 reviews) Loved the pool, staff and fire pit outside my room! Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=12%2F03%2F2026&endDate=13%2F03%2F2026&selected=11056&PinnedHotelID=11056&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248633938969818) ![La Bahia Hotel and Spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/117000000/116230000/116228500/116228420/d4fd4c92_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### La Bahia Hotel and Spa 215 Beach Street Santa Cruz CA £348 19 Mar - 20 Mar includes taxes & fees Stay at this luxury hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Capitola ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (149 reviews) This place is fantastic! Everything about it is above and beyond. Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=19%2F03%2F2026&endDate=20%2F03%2F2026&selected=116228420&PinnedHotelID=116228420&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248633938969818) [See all 1,174 properties in Downtown Santa Cruz](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=11%2F03%2F2026&endDate=12%2F03%2F2026®ionId=553248633938969818) 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. ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-uk-fr-de.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Holiday Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and holiday homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. [Book now](https://expedia.co.uk/cheap-deals?rfrr=DX-NH_SPRING_PROMO_553248633938969818) ## Check Downtown Santa Cruz hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969818&startDate=2026-03-10&endDate=2026-03-11)[10 Mar - 11 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969818&startDate=2026-03-10&endDate=2026-03-11) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969818&startDate=2026-03-11&endDate=2026-03-12)[11 Mar - 12 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969818&startDate=2026-03-11&endDate=2026-03-12) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969818&startDate=13%2F03%2F2026&endDate=15%2F03%2F2026)[13 Mar - 15 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969818&startDate=13%2F03%2F2026&endDate=15%2F03%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969818&startDate=20%2F03%2F2026&endDate=22%2F03%2F2026)[20 Mar - 22 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969818&startDate=20%2F03%2F2026&endDate=22%2F03%2F2026) --- ### Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Santa Cruz ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Downtown While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Pacific Avenue and Williams-Reynolds House. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Downtown.dx980414823093735424) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Lower Ocean Lower Ocean might not have many top sights, but Pacific Avenue and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk are two attractions nearby that you can check out. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Lower-Ocean.dx980416250031603712) ![CWFJJA USA California CA Santa Cruz clock tower and trolley on Pacific Avenue](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327592/765dd2b7-8dc8-43e9-a63e-99581f2057c7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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 Main Beach and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Beach-Hill-Beach-Flats.dx553248635976479150) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Mission Hill While visiting Mission Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Mission-Hill.dx896314430246297600) ![This is a small state park at the northern end of Santa Cruz' scenic West Cliff Drive and a little over a mile from the Boardwalk, wharf and Main Beach. A couple of times a year you can see Monarch butterflies during their migration. They are not in the numbers of years past, but you'll still see some. If you walk north towards the rocks during low tide you will find some amazing tidepools full of sea anenomes, sea urchins, starfish, crabs, hermit crabs, and all sorts of marine life. The tidepools are on a ledge, so the tide needs to be quite high](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/b5aae69b-1420-44c5-9700-09c18e2d48b0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Westside Santa Cruz 4/5(31 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 Monterey Bay and Pacific Avenue. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Westside-Santa-Cruz.dx553248633938969903) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Midtown If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Midtown and surrounding area, you can visit Ocean Street and Pacific Avenue. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Midtown.dx891418713702551552) --- --- - [Stays](?pwaLob=wizard-hotel-pwa-v2) - [Packages](?pwaLob=wizard-package-pwa) - [Flights](?pwaLob=wizard-flight-pwa) - [Things to do](?pwaLob=wizard-lx-pwa) - [Cruises](?pwaLob=wizard-cruise-pwa) - [Cars](?pwaLob=wizard-car-pwa) # Downtown Santa Cruz Travel Guide ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app