Travel to Santa Cruz

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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

Shopping

Experience shopping along Ocean Street, offering a blend of family and city vibes. Swift Street Courtyard provides a lively atmosphere with entertainment options. For a broader selection, if you're up for a drive, visit the Pacific Garden Mall, which combines business and family-friendly environments.

Recreation

Orchid Beauty & Spa, located 33.8km from Santa Cruz, offers a tranquil body treatment experience, perfect for relaxation. Similarly, Massage Envy Spa, 38.6km away, provides rejuvenating massages in a serene environment. For outdoor enthusiasts, Pasatiempo Golf Course in Santa Cruz presents an invigorating golfing experience amidst beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

Boardwalk Bowl is an exciting arcade adventure zone in Santa Cruz, perfect for family fun and thrilling games. For a breathtaking experience, try the Zip Line, a tree top walk 9.7km away, offering stunning views of nature. Don't miss the Sky Glider for exhilarating rides and entertainment in Santa Cruz.

Nightlife

Santa Cruz's nightlife is vibrant and eclectic. For a lively atmosphere, visit The Catalyst for live music or enjoy cocktails at The Blue Lagoon. If you're in the mood for dancing, head to 11th Hour, where DJs spin tunes until late. Don't miss the beach bonfires for a unique experience.

*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 family beach holidays, offering attractions such as stunning beaches, scenic state parks, and the iconic jetty pier. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying various outdoor experiences. Don't miss out on exploring the vibrant surroundings to make the most of your time in Santa Cruz.

  • Main Beach: Experience the vibrant beach culture at Main Beach, located in the heart of Santa Cruz. With its golden sands and lively atmosphere, it's an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching, making it a quintessential Californian beach experience.
  • Wilder Ranch State Park: Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of Wilder Ranch State Park, where you can hike or bike along scenic trails with breathtaking coastal views. This park offers an adventurous escape into nature, complete with fascinating historical sites and diverse wildlife.
  • Seacliff State Beach: Visit Seacliff State Beach, situated 11.3km from Santa Cruz, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and serene atmosphere. Enjoy leisurely walks along the shore and stunning sunset views, perfect for a peaceful retreat by the ocean.

Best time to go to Santa Cruz

The best time to visit Santa Cruz is dependent 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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.7°F (12.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May56.7°F (13.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June60.1°F (15.6°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.3°F (17.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October61.5°F (16.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Santa Cruz

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Santa Cruz.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically November to January) for more affordable package holidays to Santa Cruz.
  • 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.

Santa Cruz Beach Holiday

If you want a break from the city crowds, a Santa Cruz holiday is just the ticket. There's no end to the gorgeous views to soak up on a trip to Santa Cruz. Those who love the water may already be familiar with Natural Bridges State Park (5 kilometers away) and will probably want to stay nearby. But don't worry if the nearest accommodation options are full. Many visitors to the area also book Santa Cruz packages near Cowell's Beach and Santa Cruz Main Beach.

Things You Should Know About Santa Cruz

  • If ocean breezes and strolls along the shore are your idea of a dreamy escape, why not consider one of our Santa Cruz beach hotels? Staying near the water is the perfect cure for life's daily stresses.
  • Our private holiday homes, including Marea Sol Hotel and Seaside Inn & Suites, are popular with travellers of all types. Check out the amenities and get ready for your holiday in Santa Cruz!
  • Our Santa Cruz things to do page is a terrific place to find activities around here. Of course, there's nothing like a bit of local knowledge. With a population of 64,200 inches Santa Cruz, we're sure you'll find a few people who'll point you in the right direction.
  • Get some great deals with a Santa Cruz holiday package. With all that extra money in your pocket, you won't regret indulging in this destination's best offerings. Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Wharf and Santa Cruz Wharf are amazing places to start.

Top hotels in Santa Cruz

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

4.5 out of 5
215 Beach Street Santa Cruz CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM1,499 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
RM1,499
RM1,910 total
16 Jul - 17 Jul
includes taxes & fees
9.6/10 Exceptional! (380 reviews)
"This is a beautiful property. The staff is wonderful, beautifully appointed. Worth a trip"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2026

La Bahia Hotel and Spa
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

3 out of 5
550 2nd St Santa Cruz CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM952 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
RM952
RM1,085 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,341 reviews)
"Todo muy limpio, el personal muy atento. Solamente a la hr del desayuno es un relajo el aria donde para servirte muy pequeña y ay muncha jente. Pero sobre todo excelente."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
611 Ocean St Santa Cruz CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM896 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
RM896
RM1,022 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,312 reviews)
"Hello folks. Just spent the night at the Paradox. We decided to handle a dual bachelor / bachelorette party in santa cruz last night. Things went great as far as our group was concerned and. The hotel was clean. There was ample parking. And we didn't get and sound or noise complaints, which I thought ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2026

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
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.

Stay near popular Santa Cruz attractions

What to do in Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Santa Cruz holiday package cost?
You can pick up a holiday package to this top destination on Expedia. However, how much your holiday to Santa Cruz costs will depend on factors like the length of stay, hotel choice and season.
What are the cheapest months to go to Santa Cruz?
If you're looking to snag a cheap Santa Cruz holiday package, consider planning a trip in December, January and February. You're likely to find better prices on airfares and hotels during these quieter months — ideal for travellers wishing to save money.
How many days is enough for Santa Cruz?
With about 2 days, you'll have plenty of time to experience popular neighbourhoods such as Westside Santa Cruz and Lower Ocean during your Santa Cruz holiday. Remember to also add Natural Bridges State Park and Cowell's Beach to your must-do list. Looking for more adventures? Consider exploring outside of Santa Cruz on tours and day trips.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz has everything you need for the perfect break — surfing, cycling and history are just the start. Whether you'd like to check out attractions like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf, or take the path less traveled, you'll have plenty to do on your Santa Cruz holiday.
How to find the best Santa Cruz package deals?
Start your search for a Santa Cruz package deal by entering your destination and preferred trip dates under our "Packages" tab. Then apply some filters, like "Popular locations" and "Amenities," to tailor the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and discover offers that come with huge savings. If you don't find the ideal Santa Cruz package deal straight away, just play around with your dates and search again. Keep in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Santa Cruz getaway off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Santa Cruz holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could score you significant savings when compared to booking flights and accommodation separately. Better still, you can customise your Santa Cruz trip to fit your exact style. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Explore our bundles to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Santa Cruz?
If you've got your Santa Cruz holiday dates confirmed, book early to snap up some outstanding deals. With Expedia, you can generally reserve some flights up to one year ahead of time. Prefer spontaneous trips? Our last-minute deals are perfect for impromptu escapes.
How to plan a trip to Santa Cruz?

  1. Pick your travel dates: What you plan to do in Santa Cruz and your preferred season can help you decide when to get away.
  2. Set a budget: Factor in expenses like food, flights and transportation when calculating how much to put aside for your trip to Santa Cruz. Then, choose a property that fits your budget, whether that's a wallet-friendly stay or a high-end retreat.
  3. Decide how long to go away for: Now that you know more about Santa Cruz, you can figure out the perfect length of your holiday. Pull together a rough plan and give yourself enough time to cover everything you want to do.
  4. Bundle your accommodation and airfare: Once you've settled on your trip dates and duration, lock in the ideal Santa Cruz holiday package for you.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.