Downtown Travel Guide
Santa Cruz
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop
Capitola Private Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz
Top hotels in Downtown
Ocean Pacific Lodge
"Good"
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
"Beautiful hotel, perfect walking location to pier and wharf"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
"Loud early in the morning. Otherwise perfect."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
"Thank you"
Reviewed on 17 May 2026
Chaminade Resort & Spa
"The staff were super nice and very helpful. The location was beautiful. The spa area is wonderful and includes a sauna that is just perfect for after a massage. The adjacent trails were green and easy to access. The restaurant had yummy food and gorgeous views. This was the perfect location for a ..."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
"One of the best new hotel in Santa Cruz. Beautiful and clean with amazing view and complimentary amenities."
Reviewed on 16 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown
Mission Hill
While visiting Mission Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
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.
Westside Santa Cruz
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 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
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 Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.
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.
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.