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.
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.
City centre Santa Cruz pulses with artistic energy and laid-back surf vibes along the pedestrian-friendly Pacific Avenue. Street musicians serenade shoppers while colourful murals brighten historic Victorian buildings. Bookworms browse indie shops before catching films at the vintage Del Mar Theatre, all within walking distance of the famous Beach Boardwalk. Farm-to-table restaurants and quirky cafes dot the tree-lined streets where locals and visitors mingle freely. Most accommodation feature boutique hotels and charming B&Bs in historic buildings, perfectly positioned for car-free exploration of both city centre and nearby beaches.
Seabright's sun-kissed shoreline beckons with golden sands stretching between Santa Cruz Harbour and the iconic Beach Boardwalk. Families splash in the calm waters of Harbour Beach while adventurous types catch waves at Seabright Beach. The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History offers a fascinating glimpse into coastal ecology when you need a break from the sun. Local cafes serve fresh seafood with ocean views just steps from charming beach cottages and holiday rentals. The neighborhood's flat streets make exploring on foot or bike a breeze, with most attractions within easy walking distance. At sunset, join locals for peaceful beach strolls as the perfect end to your day.
Westside Santa Cruz blends laid-back beach vibes with artsy energy along Mission Street's corridor of craft breweries, vintage surf shops, and indie bookshops. Catch legendary waves at Steamer Lane or watch seals from the iconic Lighthouse Point. Natural Bridges State Beach offers stunning tide pools and a seasonal monarch butterfly sanctuary that feels worlds away from the boardwalk crowds. Beach bungalows and Victorian cottages house charming B&Bs and holiday rentals throughout the area. Getting around is best done on foot or bike via dedicated lanes, with limited bus service connecting to city centre every half hour. Grab breakfast burritos at local cafes before hitting the surf or exploring the coastal trails.
Eastside Santa Cruz delivers a laid-back beach town vibe with a college twist. Twin Lakes State Beach and Seabright Beach invite you to dig your toes in the sand. Arana Gulch's coastal trails and DeLaveaga Park's disc golf course offer perfect outdoor escapes. The nearby UC Santa Cruz campus adds youthful energy with cultural events open to visitors. The area boasts casual cafés where you can fuel up before hitting the trails. Most visitors find holiday rentals in quiet residential areas rather than hotels. Getting around requires a car or bike since public transit is limited, but the peaceful streets and gorgeous Monterey Bay views make it worth the effort.
Surfers, sun-seekers, and wave-watchers find their happy place at Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz's quintessential beach area. Watch pro surfers tackle legendary breaks from the East Cliff Drive scenic overlook, or join the action yourself at The Hook. The clifftop Pleasure Point Park offers perfect picnic spots with sweeping ocean panoramas, while sandy coves below invite barefoot wandering through fascinating tide pools. The area serves up casual beach town vibes with locally-owned cafes specialising in fish tacos and acai bowls. Holiday rentals and boutique inns provide the perfect home base for early-morning surf sessions. Getting around is easiest on foot along coastal paths or by bike on dedicated lanes.
Children and adults alike can have a thrilling day at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, one of the top theme parks located 1.1 mi (1.7 km) from central Santa Cruz. If you have fun at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, you'll love Sky Glider and Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, both a short walk away.
You might want to get your camera out and head to Mystery Spot – just one of the landmarks located 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from central Santa Cruz. Hotels.com travellers also say the area is full of friendly people and that it has lots of nice beaches.
You can stroll along Santa Cruz Wharf for relaxing water views when you're in Westside Santa Cruz. Hotels.com travellers also say the area is walkable and that it has lots of nice beaches. If you carry on walking you'll get to Cowell's Beach, Main Beach, and Santa Cruz Main Beach for some more water views.
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.
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.
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Santa Cruz Main Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.
Surf world-class waves at Steamer Lane or watch pros catch air at the Santa Cruz Skate Park. Ride the Giant Dipper roller coaster on the Beach Boardwalk, then explore tide pools at Natural Bridges State Beach.
We had a very short day stay in Santa Cruz, but I loved everything about the little city. The boardwalk was so fun. We traveled there at the end of November and it was perfect because there was hardly any tourism. The weather was still in the 60s
Robyn
10.0/10
Excellent
I love Santa Cruz. It is a bit costly, but well worth it. Celebrate with a loved one, family, and or heal yourself. The ocean is beautiful and every person should experience these views. Truly humbled by my experience. Staff and others all kind.
Anonymous traveler
8.0/10
Good
The Boardwalk and the Wharf are timeless icons - always brings back a lifetime of memories, especially growing up in the Bay Area. Or visiting for the first time - can't get much better than an amusement park at the beach!
Marla
10.0/10
Excellent
Santa Cruz is a little paradise. Aside from the famous boardwalk beach there anre other beautiful beaches. Sweet downtown with lots of outdoor cafés. Great hiking just a short drive away. It has everything.
Amy
10.0/10
Excellent
I'm a road warrior and have extensive traveled the U.S. Santa Cruz is one of my favorites. Beautiful pier and beaches. Lots of great places to eat with some of the best seafood on the whole west coast.
Lee
10.0/10
Excellent
Rent bikes and check out the town! Rainbow the bartender is cool and provides helpful tips for nearby places to experience that are both beautiful and historically significant. Watch the sunset!
William
10.0/10
Excellent
We walked toward the lighthouse and happened across a surfing competition! Volleyball tournaments on the beach, the Monterey Bay Museum, and the chili cookoff at the Boardwalk in October.
Anonymous traveler
10.0/10
Excellent
I loved Santa Cruz. It's a short stop on a longer trip. I would come back specifically to spend a week here. The beaches, shopping, locals, and Boardwalk were lovely.
Kelly
10.0/10
Excellent
Lots of dinner options on the pier. Fun to watch the birds and sea lions. Tons of volleyball courts right on the huge beach. Cute place.
Meagan
8.0/10
Good
Boardwalk-go early to get decent parking Beaches-Natural Bridges was beautiful and less packed than by boardwalk
"I really liked that there were #3 Queen size beds in the room, which worked out perfectly for our stay.
My apologies to the cleaning staff for not leaving a tip in the room for them. "
Can I book a refundable accommodation option in Santa Cruz?
If you want the flexibility to change your plans to Santa Cruz, most hotels offer refundable* rates that you can book. You can find these properties by searching our site and using the "fully refundable" filter to narrow down the results.
Where can I stay in Santa Cruz if I want a holiday rental instead of a hotel?
If you want a good alternative to a hotel, look over our selection of 307 holiday homes. In addition, there are 26 apartments and 9 condos.
What will the weather in Santa Cruz be like during my visit?
The warmest months in Santa Cruz are usually September and August, with an average temperature of 17°C. February and March are the chilliest months, when the average temperature is 11°C. The rainiest months are December and January.
Why should I book my Santa Cruz hotel with Hotels.com?
There are plenty of reasons to book your Santa Cruz travel with us: our free cancellations on selected hotels* gives you the flexibility you're looking for, our Price Guarantee ensures that you always get the lowest price, and you can earn rewards on every booking.
Find out more about Santa Cruz
Find out more about Santa Cruz
Visitors really like Santa Cruz, especially its entertainment and beaches. Enjoy outdoor activities like camping and cycling. Top attractions include Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. While you're here, make time to enjoy other sights such as Monterey Bay.
