Title: Downtown Travel Guide: Best of Downtown, Santa Cruz Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Downtown](https://expedia.co.uk/Downtown-Hotels.d980414823093735424.Travel-Guide-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 Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Downtown.d980414823093735424.Car-Hire-Guide)[Downtown Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Downtown.d980414823093735424.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Downtown Travel Guide ## Santa Cruz ## Visit Downtown 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://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/b45be7dc-b7ee-4e2f-913e-96687d20622a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Beach-Boardwalk-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6065915.Attraction) ![Mystery Spot](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065921/d28cfec3-0a62-49c3-8c59-000ebb30e504.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mystery Spot 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 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 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) ![0_101070739](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065913/e3360ab9-a54d-436a-babf-59649cbc6bbd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Main Beach Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Main Beach during your travels in Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Main-Beach-Santa-Cruz.d6065913.Attraction) ### Things to do ![Secret Beach Location](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46593425/92f8db64-01a6-4910-8d45-a3218df558f4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz £26 per traveller [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/half-day-private-beach-tour-in-santa-cruz.a46593425.activity-details) ![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) ![Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4727123/b0039426-a2f4-40df-84b8-4989144625a3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz £104 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/beginner-surfing-lesson-pacifica-or-santa-cruz.a4727123.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 £97 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/beginner-outdoor-rock-climbing-bay-area.a1389006.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 £89 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/redwoods-forest-bathing.a4252920.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 ![Ocean Pacific Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1660000/1652500/1652437/0fb90d92_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ocean Pacific Lodge 301 Pacific Avenue Santa Cruz CA £88 26 Apr - 27 Apr includes taxes & fees Stay at this motel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,321 reviews) Stay on 3rd floor if you don’t want to hear kids running around Bring your own water/drinks as the vending machines were sold out everyday Rooms come with lotion, body wash and shampoo attached in bathroom. Pool area was spacious and nice. They have 2 hot tubs so that was nice to see Easy 5 minute ... Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=26%2F04%2F2026&endDate=27%2F04%2F2026&selected=1652437&PinnedHotelID=1652437&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=980414823093735424) ![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 £217 13 Apr - 14 Apr 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! (1,013 reviews) Great stay especially with kids. Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=13%2F04%2F2026&endDate=14%2F04%2F2026&selected=23409&PinnedHotelID=23409&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=980414823093735424) ![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 £361 28 Apr - 29 Apr 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! (202 reviews) Amazing experience Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=28%2F04%2F2026&endDate=29%2F04%2F2026&selected=116228420&PinnedHotelID=116228420&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=980414823093735424) ![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 £117 14 Apr - 15 Apr 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! (1,104 reviews) Comfortable bed, great for our dog, good restaurant onsite. Loved the patio on the ground floor, koi pond and little bridge. Disappointed the hot tub was out of service, was looking forward to that. Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=14%2F04%2F2026&endDate=15%2F04%2F2026&selected=3633&PinnedHotelID=3633&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=980414823093735424) ![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 £147 26 Apr - 27 Apr 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! (1,003 reviews) I love this resort but I miss the movie at the pool and parking is horrible! Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=26%2F04%2F2026&endDate=27%2F04%2F2026&selected=27566&PinnedHotelID=27566&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=980414823093735424) ![La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/8700/8673/996bc4c1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz 550 2nd St Santa Cruz CA £133 27 Apr - 28 Apr includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,248 reviews) very clean , spacious and close to boardwalk Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=27%2F04%2F2026&endDate=28%2F04%2F2026&selected=8673&PinnedHotelID=8673&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=980414823093735424) [See all 1,216 properties in Downtown](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=01%2F04%2F2026&endDate=02%2F04%2F2026®ionId=980414823093735424) 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 hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=980414823093735424&startDate=2026-03-31&endDate=2026-04-01)[31 Mar - 1 Apr](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=980414823093735424&startDate=2026-03-31&endDate=2026-04-01) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=980414823093735424&startDate=2026-04-01&endDate=2026-03-02)[1 Apr - 2 Apr](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=980414823093735424&startDate=2026-04-01&endDate=2026-03-02) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=980414823093735424&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026)[3 Apr - 5 Apr](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=980414823093735424&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=980414823093735424&startDate=10%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026)[10 Apr - 12 Apr](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=980414823093735424&startDate=10%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026) --- ### Other neighbourhoods around Downtown ![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) ![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=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Downtown-Santa-Cruz.dx553248633938969818) ![Westside Santa Cruz](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 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Westside-Santa-Cruz.dx553248633938969903) ![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 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach. [](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) ### Lower Ocean Lower Ocean might not have many top sights, but Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Pacific Avenue 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) ### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Circles.dx553248635976471210) --- --- - [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 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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