Why should I book my Santa Cruz holiday with Expedia?

Expedia has you covered for every detail of your Santa Cruz holiday. You'll always land the best deal possible, but when you bundle your accommodation, flights and/or hire car into a holiday package, you'll get even bigger savings. Keen to really make the most of your adventure? Add a few fun tours and activities to your customised package. We offer flexible cancellation policies on most bookings, so there's no need to stress if your plans change. Head over to our Customer Service Portal link to find out more.

When is the best time of year to holiday in Santa Cruz?

If you love the buzz of peak season, head to Santa Cruz in March, April and July. If you want a more relaxed vibe, October, November and December are better times to visit. Arrange your escape to Santa Cruz according to what style of holiday you're looking for. January is the coolest time of year, when daytime temperatures average 11ºC. In August, the warmest period, expect temperatures of around 17ºC during the day.

What are the top hotels for my holiday in Santa Cruz?

Travellers heading to Santa Cruz often stay in Westside Santa Cruz. Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz and Continental Inn are favourites in this neighbourhood. But it's not the only exciting place in town! Pleasure Point is another fantastic area and where you'll find Dream Inn Santa Cruz and Hyatt Place Santa Cruz .

How do I get a cheap holiday to Santa Cruz?

Bundling your hotel and flight with Expedia won't just save you time — it'll save you a few pounds too. A Santa Cruz holiday makes it a cinch to organise the ideal trip. With more than 400 airlines across the world to pick from, finding convenient flights that suit your schedule won't be an issue. Not only that, we have over 321,000 properties globally to pick from. Now that's what you call choice. No matter who you are, Expedia can show you the world. Learn more about how you can save money on your next holiday when you book a flight and hotel together with Expedia.

What should I do on my Santa Cruz holiday?

Make sure your holiday in Santa Cruz is one to remember by taking in its major attractions. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk , Mystery Spot , University of California, Santa Cruz and Natural Bridges State Park are a few of the things worth discovering while you're here.

What is the best neighbourhood to stay in when on holiday in Santa Cruz?

There are loads of exciting neighbourhoods to stay in Santa Cruz, but Westside Santa Cruz is up there with the best. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of the top reasons it's such a hit.

Do I need a visa for my Santa Cruz holiday?

Research the latest information on official government websites. Your nationality and whether you're travelling for leisure, study or business will determine if you'll require a visa for Santa Cruz. Find out about the application process, including the required documentation, turnaround times and fees. Start your application well in advance to allow sufficient processing time. Some visas may take weeks or even months to obtain, depending on the country.

What should I wear on my Santa Cruz holiday?

Do some research into the types of things people in Santa Cruz wear, and maybe even browse style blogs for some fashion tips. Whatever your look, aim to create a versatile wardrobe with pieces that work for your destination and showcase your unique sense of style. Daytime temperatures during January, Santa Cruz's coolest month, average around 11ºC. August marks this city's warmest month when the average reaches 17ºC. Our suggestion? Take the guesswork out of packing and check the weather forecast.

What does an Expedia Santa Cruz holiday include?

Expedia has all you need to lock in your Santa Cruz trip, but what goes into your package is totally up to you. Select from any combination of hotels, hire cars and flights. Searching for some activities or tours to keep you on the move? Once you've made your booking, you can add them too. Whatever your style or budget, there's a package to match your needs. Explore an excellent range of property types and choose one that matches your group size and travel needs. The most sought-after rentals here are private holiday homes and apartments. With Expedia, it's easy to customise your Santa Cruz escape just the way you like.

Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Santa Cruz holidays?

Expedia has partnered with online lender Klarna to make booking your next trip easier on the purse strings. Paying in instalments means you can spread the costs of your dream holiday, leaving you with more cash to play with while you're travelling. Klarna has several payment plans to choose from, so you're sure to find something that works with your budget. Consider these flexible payment options: Pay monthly holidays : Make your holiday dreams come true sooner with Klarna's easy monthly instalment plans. If paying across multiple instalments works for you, pick this option at checkout. No-deposit holidays : Clicking the "book now" button is easier with this option. With no upfront fee for your getaway, you can Book Now, Pay Later and start packing your suitcase.

Can I choose my airline with a Santa Cruz Expedia holiday?

With a holiday package, you're in charge. Whether you're looking to fly to Santa Cruz in coach or business class, simply choose from the available airline options. Expedia has access to over 400 partner airlines globally.

Santa Cruz Holidays 2025 from $480

Name: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Price range: £126
Rating: 9.2

Top Santa Cruz Flight + Hotel Deals

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto

per person

19 Sept - 23 Sept

found 1 day ago

Return direct flight included

London (LON) to San Jose (SJC)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,007 reviews)

Excellent all around.

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Global Luxury Suites at Mountain View

Shoreline West

per person

29 Sept - 5 Oct

found 7 hours ago

Return direct flight included

Aberdeen (ABZ) to San Jose (SJC)

8.2/10 Very Good! (182 reviews)

Absolutely wonderful place to stay - except could never ever contact anyone by phone to help in any way. After a long delay they'd send an email and call (which I always missed due to flights so go voicemail) and if I replied to email immediately I'd still not get a response until too late. The Latch system (instead of keys, to enter every door and use elevators) did not work for my phone and no employees understood how it worked. I absolutely needed to have service which I did not inside of the elevator so an employee at the leasing office had to let me in so I could get service at the top floor . It took hours and hours of everyone's time. We were given late checkout as an apology, which I appreciated. (the leasing office people were really uncomfortable because it was not their rental situation, but helped as much as they could. We had just wandered in because we had the wrong address and thankfully they could access our floor in our building)

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Hotel Valencia Santana Row

per person

30 Sept - 6 Oct

found 1 hour ago

Return direct flight included

Aberdeen (ABZ) to San Jose (SJC)

9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)

Excellent customer service, was greeted with a drink at check in.

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Sonesta Silicon Valley

per person

29 Sept - 5 Oct

found 7 hours ago

Return direct flight included

Aberdeen (ABZ) to San Jose (SJC)

9/10 Wonderful! (1,569 reviews)

Hotel staff was very friendly and helpful. Hotel was perfect for a business trip. The breakfast was good and the waitress was excellent. The room was very large and clean.

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Fremont Marriott Silicon Valley

per person

29 Sept - 5 Oct

found 7 hours ago

Return direct flight included

Aberdeen (ABZ) to San Jose (SJC)

8.8/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)

Next time as a courtesy, it would be nice to know if our room that we will be staying in is going to be right next-door to the laundry room. Our stay was quiet and pleasant for the most part, however we were woken up about 3 or 4 AM to the sound of slamming of washer and dryer doors next to us which caused the pictures in our room to shake and wake us up.

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Where to stay in Santa Cruz

Find the best Santa Cruz areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Cruz

Things to do in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is an ideal destination for outdoor family beach holidays, offering a variety of activities such as amusement parks, a lively boardwalk, and expansive recreational areas. Enjoy scenic drives along the coast, visit thrilling theme parks, indulge in shopping experiences, and explore the great outdoors. With its stunning landscapes and vibrant attractions, Santa Cruz promises a memorable getaway for all ages.

Shopping

For shopping in Santa Cruz, explore Ocean Street for a vibrant local experience. Swift Street Courtyard offers a mix of entertainment and shopping. If you're up for a drive, visit Capitola Mercantile, just 6.4km away, for more family-friendly shopping options.

Recreation

At Seascape Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by stunning coastal views, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Treks and Tracks Rock Climbing Trips offers invigorating climbing adventures, promoting wellness and relaxation. For a serene experience, visit Luminescence Healing Haven for rejuvenating body treatments that focus on holistic well-being.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Zip Line at TreeTop Walk, an exhilarating adventure 9.7km from Santa Cruz, surrounded by nature. For family-friendly fun, enjoy the Boardwalk Bowl arcade zone right in Santa Cruz, or take a scenic ride on the Sky Glider, perfect for entertainment seekers.

Nightlife

In Santa Cruz, the nightlife is vibrant, with bustling areas like Pacific Avenue and the Wharf. Enjoy live music at The Catalyst, craft cocktails at The Red Room, or dance at The Boardwalk's Neptune's Kingdom. The atmosphere is lively, perfect for an unforgettable evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is perfect for outdoor and family beach holidays, offering a variety of attractions such as stunning beaches, state parks, and amusement parks. Visitors can enjoy a blend of beach activities, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're seeking relaxation by the shore or thrilling rides, Santa Cruz has something for everyone to explore and cherish during your stay.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Experience a classic Californian seaside amusement park with thrilling rides, games, and delicious treats. The vibrant atmosphere offers fun for all ages, with beautiful ocean views enhancing the adventure.
Mystery Spot: Discover the quirky and fascinating Mystery Spot, where gravity seems to behave strangely. This cultural exhibit combines science and fun, making it a unique stop that challenges your perception of reality.
Capitola Beach: Enjoy the sun and surf at Capitola Beach, a picturesque spot just 6.4km from Santa Cruz. With its colourful beach huts and relaxed vibe, it's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply unwinding by the ocean.

Best time to go to Santa Cruz

The best time to visit Santa Cruz is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	54.7°F (12.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	60.1°F (15.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	63.3°F (17.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	63.9°F (17.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
October	61.5°F (16.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
November	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Santa Cruz

Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
Consider traveling to Santa Cruz during the low season (November to January) for more affordable options.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Language	English
Currency	U.S dollars
Closest Airport	Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC)
Population	64,200
Max Temp Winter	16ºC
Max Temp Summer	24ºC
Top Sights	Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Rio Del Mar Beach and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Language

English

Currency

U.S dollars

Closest Airport

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC)

Population

64,200

Max Temp Winter

16ºC

Max Temp Summer

24ºC

Top Sights

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Rio Del Mar Beach and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Top hotels in Santa Cruz

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

611 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

£110

19 Aug - 20 Aug

includes taxes & fees

8.4/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)

"We loved our stay - the hotel pool and hot tubs were our favorite. The weekend pool party with a DJ was a fun scene. The lobby decor and games had a unique vibe. The restaurant food was good and we enjoyed eating at the pool. Our room was cute and clean, but a little tight for a family of four. Overall ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Ocean Pacific Lodge

301 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA

£85

1 Sept - 2 Sept

includes taxes & fees

8.6/10 Excellent! (1,111 reviews)

"Room was clean. We got a room with a jetted tube but didn’t use it. It looked old and we weren’t supposed to use it past 10 pm. Pool/hot tub was nice. Hotel was close to boardwalk"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

550 2nd St, Santa Cruz, CA

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

£126

1 Sept - 2 Sept

includes taxes & fees

9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,191 reviews)

"Wonderful"

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

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.