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](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/5e379e48d626e89c8836b74cf12ae517.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Downtown Santa Cruz](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/9/a96df2714d5712db9a7374cbae236bbb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Downtown Santa Cruz](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/9/5275e399131adb8c58abe4f4c81b124e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Photo by MF Shearer](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/4aedeffc74cba529bebe668bd6273e7a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) [Photo by MF Shearer](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/4aedeffc74cba529bebe668bd6273e7a.jpg) ![Photo by Trevor Cleveland](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/5fa62d884a9cd43f23d32847f949be2b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) [Photo by Trevor Cleveland](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/5fa62d884a9cd43f23d32847f949be2b.jpg) ## 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 ![Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/d485689f45002b80012841138b6987c3.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) ![Mystery Spot](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/b0371ec2da0cf966a54d5b8952104ad6.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) ![Natural Bridges State Park](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/4a0f868ea6c4a82ef9aa2eeb4c1d38e9.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) ![Santa Cruz Wharf](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/d1ad672cfab9e93f51f1ece77a441c28.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) ![Ocean Street](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/228bc3c25192c8bd06495508b75184bb.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) ![Pacific Avenue](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/5e379e48d626e89c8836b74cf12ae517.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 ![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 £96 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 £104 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 £164 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/mermaid-experience-photoshoot.a50896815.activity-details) ![Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing - Bay Area](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1389006/f88c6e25-e576-4462-9814-d27f0a305b4f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing - Bay Area £88 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/beginner-outdoor-rock-climbing-bay-area.a1389006.activity-details) ![Rock Climbing 2 - Beyond the Basics](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1391601/fe50a3dc-b95f-4815-a331-05cbbc16d855.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Outdoor Rock Climbing - Level 2 £88 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/outdoor-rock-climbing-level-2.a1391601.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/4000000/3040000/3038300/3038261/9c91eb4d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Pacific Blue Inn 636 Pacific Avenue Santa Cruz CA £80 20 Jan - 21 Jan 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! (893 reviews) Unique. Very clean. 2025 was rough. This place was unique. Simple. Very clean which is a lot easier to do when the decor is minimalist. Electric Fireplace functional and cozy. Heatboard on the wall was new to me. Bath was beautiful. Towels plush pristine. Mgr. helped me get in during the horrendous ... Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=20%2F01%2F2026&endDate=21%2F01%2F2026&selected=3038261&PinnedHotelID=3038261&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248633938969818) ![Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/11100/11056/bbbd3a94_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection 611 Ocean St Santa Cruz CA £99 21 Jan - 22 Jan 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! (1,177 reviews) Very cool property with comfortable beds, great lobby and pool area. Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=21%2F01%2F2026&endDate=22%2F01%2F2026&selected=11056&PinnedHotelID=11056&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 £133 21 Jan - 22 Jan 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 ... 8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews) We enjoyed our stay at Chaminade! It was quite, staffs are very friend and the food at The View was fantastic. We will come back again in the future. Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=21%2F01%2F2026&endDate=22%2F01%2F2026&selected=27566&PinnedHotelID=27566&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 £92 25 Jan - 26 Jan 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 ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (1,034 reviews) Great spot. Lovely grounds. Very Safe. No elevator so stay in shape! We stay often to visit friends in area. Central location. It’s a nice hidden place away from crowds. Walking distraction grocery store. Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=25%2F01%2F2026&endDate=26%2F01%2F2026&selected=3633&PinnedHotelID=3633&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248633938969818) ![Dream Inn Santa Cruz](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/23500/23409/ea20759f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Dream Inn Santa Cruz 175 W Cliff Dr Santa Cruz CA £206 25 Jan - 26 Jan 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! (1,000 reviews) Property is clean and well designed. View of the ocean is fantastic. Very nice and helpful staff. Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=25%2F01%2F2026&endDate=26%2F01%2F2026&selected=23409&PinnedHotelID=23409&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248633938969818) ![La Bahia Hotel and Spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/117000000/116230000/116228500/116228420/1de12286_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### La Bahia Hotel and Spa 215 Beach Street Santa Cruz CA £263 20 Jan - 21 Jan 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 ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (86 reviews) We love it Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=20%2F01%2F2026&endDate=21%2F01%2F2026&selected=116228420&PinnedHotelID=116228420&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248633938969818) [See all 1,157 properties in Downtown Santa Cruz](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=20%2F01%2F2026&endDate=21%2F01%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. ## 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=2026-01-19&endDate=2026-01-20)[19 Jan - 20 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969818&startDate=2026-01-19&endDate=2026-01-20) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969818&startDate=2026-01-20&endDate=2026-01-21)[20 Jan - 21 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969818&startDate=2026-01-20&endDate=2026-01-21) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969818&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026)[23 Jan - 25 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969818&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969818&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026)[30 Jan - 1 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969818&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026) --- ### Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Santa Cruz ![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/c45b4d0211ef915f48c55338ecf8dd84.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) ![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) ### 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://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/19c244f917a70c62c9da389ecd883bf6.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) ![Santa Cruz which includes general coastal views and views as well as an individual male](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/59000/59236-Santa-Cruz.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. 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