Downtown
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.
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.
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
Capitola Private Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour
Top hotels in Downtown
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Absolutely amazing location, easy walk to the beach and boardwalk, Beach volleyball, the super long dock, and electric bike rentals and the coastal bike path right there. Easy to get to downtown, lots of food options, and even a convenient store within walking distance. A little rough around the ...
Reviewed on 14 Apr 2026
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
We went out and ate locally at restaurants but the hotel was overall pleasant. It has a very nice view of the ocean! If you’re 6’ or taller you might hit the shower head but otherwise quite good! I would go there again. 🙂
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
We loved our stay at this beautiful hotel.
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Restaurant was good
Reviewed on 15 Apr 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Clean, close to pier and free breakfast would stay again
Reviewed on 14 Apr 2026
Chaminade Resort & Spa
I highly recommend if it's your first time doing a resort and spa. I felt it had a little bit of everything. It has a hiking and trailing, himalayan sauna, steam room, a spa/massage, pool, yoga and fitness, pricey-but good food,room service, great staff and even a menu for your dog! My fur baby even ...
Reviewed on 14 Apr 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.
