Downtown
Santa Cruz
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
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.
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
Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz
Top hotels in Downtown
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Very clean, absolutely amazing location, we definitely enjoyed the hot tubs. Coffee maker, fridge and microwave, very big rooms. Only complaint, beds and pillows are too hard but enjoyed our stay.
Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
yes
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Very clean. We were switched seamlessly to a room with a bath. Breakfast food was good.
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026
Chaminade Resort & Spa
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
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Made beds and new towels everyday. Restaurant probably one of the better ones in Santa Cruz, although a bit expensive
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
The moment you pull into this hotel you feel luxurious. The staff is amazing from the time you get out of your car. Everyone was helpful and smiling.The room was awesome, we had a King room with a balcony view of the ocean. The pool is amazing with firepits and views of the beach.Our bartender at ...
Reviewed on 16 Jan 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 Pacific Avenue.
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.
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.
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 Cowell's Beach and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.
