Title: 10 TOP Things to Do in Santa Cruz January 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Santa Cruz Travel Guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz.dx6666)[Hotels in Santa Cruz](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Hotels.d6666.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Santa Cruz](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Santa-Cruz.d6666.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Santa Cruz Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Santa-Cruz.d6666.Car-Hire-Guide)[Santa Cruz Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz.d6666.Holidays-City-Breaks) # What to do in Santa Cruz, CA ## Activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Santa Cruz Types of activities Where to stay [Santa Cruz travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz.dx6666) ![Santa Cruz showing rocky coastline, a sandy beach and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/0b206b03-8d0c-450f-9a89-e6b2f0f903f6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Santa Cruz showing rocky coastline, a sandy beach and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/0b206b03-8d0c-450f-9a89-e6b2f0f903f6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Santa Cruz showing general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/cc959ba1-2f2e-4d91-a2fc-ebf00e6be977.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Santa Cruz which includes bird life](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/db0fbcbb-bee9-46b9-8264-a463dfe0ec2e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Santa Cruz featuring rugged coastline, flowers and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/3bb7d4da-bcec-4ee8-b607-de015c738546.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Santa Cruz Attractions Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Santa Cruz has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Santa Cruz, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Santa Cruz with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes. #### Places of interest in Santa Cruz Santa Cruz is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Santa Cruz, and make it a breeze to explore Santa Cruz and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Santa Cruz to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind. If you’re planning a visit to Santa Cruz, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Santa Cruz. #### Santa Cruz attractions Santa Cruz has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Santa Cruz to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Santa Cruz. Looking for things to do in Santa Cruz can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Santa Cruz or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Santa Cruz attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails! --- - ![find price illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__find_price.svg) ### Explore activities Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. - ![calendar shield illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__calendar_shield.svg) ### Book with ease Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. - ![trophy illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__trophy.svg) ### Treat yourself One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and holiday rentals. [Learn about One Key](https://www.expedia.co.uk/welcome-one-key) --- ### Most fun & popular experiences in Santa Cruz ### Tours & day trips [See all 11 activities](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/search?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&filter.categories=ToursDayTrips) ![Redwoods Forest Swimming](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4252920/81677566-18a6-4e11-abfe-6b1d4f48d69b.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Redwoods Forest Swimming 2h 30m Free cancellation available £64 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/santa-cruz-redwoods-forest-therapy.a4252920.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46593425/92f8db64-01a6-4910-8d45-a3218df558f4.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz 4h Free cancellation available £25 includes taxes & fees per traveller\* \*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/half-day-private-beach-tour-in-santa-cruz.a46593425.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/5204449/43dc9f95-f013-4b9a-b724-1190dca566bd.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour 2h Free cancellation available £22 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/capitola-private-2-hour-walking-tour.a5204449.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4727123/b0039426-a2f4-40df-84b8-4989144625a3.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz 2h 30m Free cancellation available £101 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/pacifica-or-santa-cruz-2-day-learn-how-to-surf-programme.a4727123.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47178731/1548d3e5-e5e6-4438-b9c3-b01c5bb45f5c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories 3h Free cancellation available £14 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/self-guided-uc-santa-cruz-walking-tour-unlock-secret-stories.a47178731.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4127881/688aa0f2-af6a-4909-a637-aed0fb1dd66a.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt 2h 10/10 3 reviews Free cancellation available £21 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/santa-cruz-ade-scavenger-hunt.a4127881.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47179410/3c8df453-e7b9-4882-8712-68fe12a42649.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour 2h Free cancellation available £80 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/santa-cruz-guided-e-bike-ride-most-fun-ebike-tour.a47179410.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover City centre & Mission Hill](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/50993017/8a21b820-26b5-47c3-9d4a-dad416fd21c9.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover City centre & Mission Hill 1h 30m Free cancellation available £35 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/santa-cruz-walking-tour-discover-city-centre-mission-hill.a50993017.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike)](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47173658/da7a8278-a24e-4f17-95d0-fd18acd7111e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike) 2h Free cancellation available £80 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/santa-cruz-family-friendly-guided-e-bike-tour-ebike-ride-ca.a47173658.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Mermaid Experience & Photoshoot](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/50896815/8d48ddf4-554f-4b26-a3b3-7340d6f859f0.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Mermaid Experience & Photoshoot 1h Free cancellation available £159 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/mermaid-experience-photoshoot.a50896815.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ### Adventure & outdoor [See all 4 activities](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/search?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&filter.categories=AdventureOutdoor) ![Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47179410/3c8df453-e7b9-4882-8712-68fe12a42649.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour 2h Free cancellation available £80 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/santa-cruz-guided-e-bike-ride-most-fun-ebike-tour.a47179410.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike)](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47173658/da7a8278-a24e-4f17-95d0-fd18acd7111e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike) 2h Free cancellation available £80 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/santa-cruz-family-friendly-guided-e-bike-tour-ebike-ride-ca.a47173658.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Santa Cruz 2Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47178402/793d0c5d-dc70-4c22-8e61-180f1c40dcf6.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santa Cruz 2Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups 2h Free cancellation available £80 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/2hour-guided-e-bike-tour-for-small-groups-santa-cruz.a47178402.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Introduction to Wilderness Survival Clinic in Santa Cruz](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1391599/4a44f5a0-ea94-4c83-888e-17d627b0be2f.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Introduction to Wilderness Survival Clinic in Santa Cruz 5h Free cancellation available £105 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/introduction-to-wilderness-survival-clinic-in-santa-cruz.a1391599.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ### Classes & workshops [See all 3 activities](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/search?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&filter.categories=ClassesWorkshops) ![Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4727123/b0039426-a2f4-40df-84b8-4989144625a3.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz 2h 30m Free cancellation available £101 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/pacifica-or-santa-cruz-2-day-learn-how-to-surf-programme.a4727123.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2262173/5e1c9c51-0e8d-438a-bf60-efbabfd1eb34.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz 2h 30m Free cancellation available £101 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/beginner-surf-lesson-in-santa-cruz.a2262173.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![5-Hour Wilderness Skills & Survival Clinic](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4819328/705e4b93-b037-4d70-b76f-a95c1cc04db1.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### 5-Hour Wilderness Skills & Survival Clinic 5h Free cancellation available £101 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/5-hour-wilderness-skills-survival-clinic.a4819328.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ## Recommended things to do in Santa Cruz | Number of things to do | 18 | | ------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories](/things-to-do/self-guided-uc-santa-cruz-walking-tour-unlock-secret-stories.a47178731.activity-details): £15 | | Top 5 things to do | [Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz](/things-to-do/half-day-private-beach-tour-in-santa-cruz.a46593425.activity-details)[Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt](/things-to-do/santa-cruz-ade-scavenger-hunt.a4127881.activity-details)[Santa Cruz Scavenger Hunt Walking Activity](/things-to-do/santa-cruz-scavenger-hunt-walking-activity.a51298187.activity-details)[Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour](/things-to-do/capitola-private-2-hour-walking-tour.a5204449.activity-details)[Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories](/things-to-do/self-guided-uc-santa-cruz-walking-tour-unlock-secret-stories.a47178731.activity-details) | | Half-day tours | [Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt](/things-to-do/santa-cruz-ade-scavenger-hunt.a4127881.activity-details)[Santa Cruz Scavenger Hunt Walking Activity](/things-to-do/santa-cruz-scavenger-hunt-walking-activity.a51298187.activity-details)[Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour](/things-to-do/capitola-private-2-hour-walking-tour.a5204449.activity-details)[Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories](/things-to-do/self-guided-uc-santa-cruz-walking-tour-unlock-secret-stories.a47178731.activity-details)[Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz](/things-to-do/pacifica-or-santa-cruz-2-day-learn-how-to-surf-programme.a4727123.activity-details) | | With kids | [Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour](/things-to-do/capitola-private-2-hour-walking-tour.a5204449.activity-details)[Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories](/things-to-do/self-guided-uc-santa-cruz-walking-tour-unlock-secret-stories.a47178731.activity-details)[Capitola Friday Night Food Tour](/things-to-do/capitola-friday-night-food-tour.a50146719.activity-details)[Redwoods Forest Swimming](/things-to-do/santa-cruz-redwoods-forest-therapy.a4252920.activity-details) | ## What to do in Santa Cruz --- ### 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 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 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) ![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) ![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) ![Sunrise at Walton Lighthouse ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/5efa86b1-6902-415a-9ffb-268e96cf0614.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santa Cruz Harbor Explore the waterfront in Santa Cruz with a trip to Santa Cruz Harbor. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Harbor-Eastside-Santa-Cruz.d6153463.Attraction) ![T4D055 Sunset, Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz, California, United States](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621557937450/fe21f93d-bfaa-46a2-a425-8cd03914b5a9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cowell's Beach Explore the waterfront of Cowell's Beach and enjoy activities such as surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cowells-Beach-Santa-Cruz.d553248621557937450.Attraction) ### Explore areas of Santa Cruz ![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) ![Carmel California. Point Lobos National Park. Pinnacle Point panorama.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248633938969699/060c3d42-eae5-418b-80d1-a16092a76e93.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Eastside Santa Cruz 4/5(1 area review) Travellers come to Eastside Santa Cruz for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Eastside-Santa-Cruz.dx553248633938969699) ![Nice place to have coffee and watch the waves. Great surf spot. NO bathrooms! #beach #ocean #surf #shops #view](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635975748864/5f61b0cb-bdcf-464a-ae21-c8a26e252bd9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Pleasure Point While visiting Pleasure Point, you might make a stop by sights like Monterey Bay and 38th Avenue Beach Access. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Pleasure-Point.dx553248635975748864) ![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) ![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) ![Evening stroll at the Seabright Beach. If you are lucky, you might run into Matt performing amazing bike tricks by the lighthouse. #LifeAtExpedia #sunset #goldenBeach #blueSky ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/bd262d99-b232-4469-b402-cfcb7088bfdf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Upper Seabright While Upper Seabright isn't home to many top sights, Santa Cruz Harbor and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk are some notable places to visit nearby. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Upper-Seabright.dx553248635976384107) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. --- ## Day trip destinations from Santa Cruz ![Los Gatos Beach in Zihuatanejo, Mexico](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/8421/584ce0cd-bd9d-447b-8f68-8195e5d346b3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Los Gatos ![Bay Area showing landscape views, a small town or village and tranquil scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/9765/ff3bf8dd-e937-4bf1-87e4-dc3792f3ae62.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Scotts Valley ![Panoramic view of deer creek in the morning near nevada city california ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/182960/51d2e208-0436-4789-af35-7e93c4990611.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Boulder Creek ![Roaring Camp' Dixiana Shay Steam Train Crossing Redwoods in Santa Cruz Mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/182973/bdda4012-6c7c-4bf9-a87f-55b44b713cb8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Felton ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Santa Cruz worth visiting? ### How do I spend a day in Santa Cruz? ### What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz? ### Is three days enough to stay in Santa Cruz? ### Is Santa Cruz a walkable city? ### What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids? > - [Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/capitola-private-2-hour-walking-tour.a5204449.activity-details) > - [Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/self-guided-uc-santa-cruz-walking-tour-unlock-secret-stories.a47178731.activity-details) > - [Capitola Friday Night Food Tour](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/capitola-friday-night-food-tour.a50146719.activity-details) > - [Redwoods Forest Swimming](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/santa-cruz-redwoods-forest-therapy.a4252920.activity-details) ### What to do in Santa Cruz for adults? ### Are there free things to do in Santa Cruz? ## Explore a world of travel with Expedia - Accommodation - Flights - Packages - Cars - Holiday Homes - Other - [4 Star Hotels in Scotts Valley ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/4Star-Scotts-Valley-Hotels.s40-0-d9765.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Beach Resorts & in Aptos ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Aptos-Hotels-Beach-Hotels.0-0-d6435-tBeachHotels.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - 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[Cottages in Brookdale ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Brookdale-Cottages.d6085017-aaCottages.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) - [Hotels near Capitola Beach ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Capitola-Beach-Hotels.0-l6068437-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Capitola Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Capitola-Hotels.d177416.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Corralitos Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Corralitos-Hotels.d3000427283.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Hotels near Cowell's Beach ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cowells-Beach-Hotels.0-l553248621557937450-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Davenport Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Davenport-Hotels.d6085019.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Santa Cruz County Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Destinations-In-Santa-Cruz-County.d553248635996998000.Hotel-Destinations) - [Downtown Santa Cruz Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Downtown-Santa-Cruz-Santa-Cruz-Hotels.0-n553248633938969818-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Eastside Santa Cruz Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Eastside-Santa-Cruz-Santa-Cruz-Hotels.0-n553248633938969699-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - 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[Hotels near Mystery Spot ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Mystery-Spot-Hotels.0-l6065921-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Hotels near New Brighton State Beach ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/New-Brighton-State-Beach-Hotels.0-l6327660-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Hotels near Pleasure Point Park ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Pleasure-Point-Park-Hotels.0-l6153453-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Pleasure Point Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Pleasure-Point-Santa-Cruz-Hotels.0-n553248635975748864-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Redwood Lodge Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Redwood-Lodge-Hotels.d553248635975853674.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Hotels near Rio Del Mar Beach ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Rio-Del-Mar-Beach-Hotels.0-l6220825-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Rio del Mar Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Rio-Del-Mar-Hotels.d553248635975870464.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Hotels near Roaring Camp Railroads ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Roaring-Camp-Railroads-Hotels.0-l6208390-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Hotels near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Beach-Boardwalk-Hotels.0-l6065915-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Hotels near Santa Cruz Surfing Museum ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Surfing-Museum-Hotels.0-l6065911-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Scotts Valley Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Scotts-Valley-Hotels.d9765.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Seabright Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Seabright-Santa-Cruz-Hotels.0-n553248635976472102-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Hotels near Seascape Golf Club ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Seascape-Golf-Club-Hotels.0-l553248621558560622-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Soquel Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Soquel-Hotels.d3000428779.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Twin Lakes Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Twin-Lakes-Hotels.d553248635975869324.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Hotels with Early Check-in in Westside Santa Cruz ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Westside-Santa-Cruz-Santa-Cruz-Hotels-Hotel-With-Early-Check-In.0-n553248633938969903-0-thotelwithearlycheckin.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Flights to Aptos ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Aptos.d6435.Travel-Guide-Flights) - [Flights to Ben Lomond ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Ben-Lomond.d9834.Travel-Guide-Flights) - [Flights to Capitola ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Capitola.d177416.Travel-Guide-Flights) - [Flights to Mount Hermon ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Mount-Hermon.d3000428378.Travel-Guide-Flights) - [Flights from Capitola ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/177416/flights-from-capitola) - [Flights from Boulder Creek ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/182960/flights-from-boulder-creek) - [Flights from Bonny Doon ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/3000426617/flights-from-bonny-doon) - [Flights from Aptos ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/6435/flights-from-aptos) - [Aptos Holidays ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Aptos.d6435.Holidays-City-Breaks) - [Visit Aptos ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Aptos.dx6435) - [Visit Boulder Creek ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Boulder-Creek.dx182960) - [Davenport Landing Beach ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Davenport-Landing-Beach-Davenport.d6327832.Attraction) - [Davenport Holidays ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Davenport.d6085019.Holidays-City-Breaks) - [Felton Holidays ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Felton.d182973.Holidays-City-Breaks) - [Visit Felton ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Felton.dx182973) - [Visit Holy City ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Holy-City.dx3000748625) - [Monterey Bay ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Monterey-Bay-California.d553248621532640233.Attraction) - [Mystery Spot ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Mystery-Spot-Santa-Cruz.d6065921.Attraction) - [Pacific Garden Mall ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Pacific-Garden-Mall-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6068439.Attraction) - [Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Beach-Boardwalk-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6065915.Attraction) - [Visit Westside Santa Cruz ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Westside-Santa-Cruz.dx553248633938969903) - [Visit Scotts Valley ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Scotts-Valley.dx9765) - [Sky Glider ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Sky-Glider-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d553248621563218770.Attraction) - [Wilder Ranch State Park ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Wilder-Ranch-State-Park-Santa-Cruz.d6328116.Attraction) - [U-Save Rental Cars in Forest Park ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/U-Save-Car-Rentals-In-Forest-Park.d553248635975850058-c34.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers) - [Capitola Holiday Rentals ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Capitola-Holiday-Rentals.d177416.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals) - [Things to do in Alameda ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Alameda.d5969.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Bay Area ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Bay-Area.d6056043.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Belmont ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Belmont.d6845.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Burlingame ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Burlingame.d7146.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Capitola ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Capitola.d177416.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Carmel ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Carmel.d6026.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Cupertino ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Cupertino.d6494.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Daly City ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Daly-City.d6764.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Felton ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Felton.d182973.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Fremont ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Fremont.d8148.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Half Moon Bay ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Half-Moon-Bay.d8250.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Hayward ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Hayward.d7766.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Menlo Park ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Menlo-Park.d7994.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Monterey ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Monterey.d180045.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Morgan Hill ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Morgan-Hill.d8970.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Mountain View ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Mountain-View.d9030.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Oakland ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Oakland.d601762.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Pacifica ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Pacifica.d9065.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Palo Alto ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Palo-Alto.d9355.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Pebble Beach ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Pebble-Beach.d9303.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Redwood City ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Redwood-City.d9465.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Salinas ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Salinas.d9904.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in San Bruno ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-San-Bruno.d6633.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in San Francisco ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-San-Francisco.d178305.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in San Jose ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-San-Jose.d602703.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in San Mateo ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-San-Mateo.d6653.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Santa Clara ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Santa-Clara.d6172.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Seaside ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Seaside.d6524.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Silicon Valley ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Silicon-Valley.d6023769.Travel-Guide-Activities) - [Things to do in Sunnyvale ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Sunnyvale.d9806.Travel-Guide-Activities) ![](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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