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.
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.
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.
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
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill
Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour
Top hotels in Downtown
Ocean Pacific Lodge
"Great location, but parking was tight. Room was clean but run down. The tub tiles looked like it had mold and had the white paint covering the tiles."
Reviewed on 23 May 2026
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
"Beach view. Truly heated pool. Great staff."
Reviewed on 23 May 2026
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
"Amazing new, much needed location, here in Santa Cruz. I felt as if I was at a San Diego Resort. The rooms were amazing, decor was was cohesive with the Spanish flair and elegance of the lobby. Bedding was amazing. No cut corners. Will definitely go back."
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
"Fabulous 4-night stay ."
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Chaminade Resort & Spa
"Beautiful location! Short hike through the forest was awesome! Dog friendly. My key didn’t work to get into the hot tub. And room service was great but didn’t open the wine. I should have noticed but didnt. Plumbing issues. I enjoyed my visit overall"
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Casablanca On The Beach
"This is my 2nd time booking for my birthday, i love the view of the beach from my room! It’s very peaceful and relaxing"
Reviewed on 23 May 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 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay.
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.
