Main Beach Tours and Activities

Main Beach
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Find a spot to sit, kick back and just enjoy the sound of the water hitting the shore at Main Beach. If you're craving some sun and sea, this is the place to get your fix.

Westside Santa Cruz is where you'll find Main Beach. And it doesn't cost a thing, so you can visit more than once! There are tons of other things to discover around this commercial neighborhood if you're an eager explorer. We recommend Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Mystery Spot and Natural Bridges State Park after you've ticked off the stretch of coastline.

Plan a trip to see Main Beach

The Ameswell Hotel

The Ameswell Hotel

4.5 out of 5
North Whisman
Price was $384, price is now $295 per person
per person
Sep 1 - Sep 3
Roundtrip flight included
Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (389 reviews)
The staff at the front desk was super friendly and excellent!

Reviewed on May 31, 2023

Sheraton San Jose Hotel

Sheraton San Jose Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Price was $432, price is now $374 per person
per person
Aug 17 - Aug 20
Roundtrip flight included
Seattle (SEA) to San Jose (SJC)
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
Easy check in, comfortable, near airport.

Reviewed on May 29, 2023

DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose

DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose

4 out of 5
Price was $313, price is now $274 per person
per person
Aug 18 - Aug 20
Roundtrip flight included
Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)
7/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
Stayed to fly the next nice property

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2023

Reviews of Main Beach

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
348
" "5 - Excellent 52.64750378214826%
4 - Good
283
" "4 - Good 42.81391830559758%
3 - Okay
28
" "3 - Okay 4.236006051437216%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0.30257186081694404%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 25, 2019

Ab

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Dec 13, 2019

Nice for walking but dress warm.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Nov 12, 2019

The beach would have been nicer if there had not been 2 dead seals and a dead bird on it.

5/5 - Excellent

Jukie
Sep 11, 2019

Jack’s Peak is a great hike but watch out for poison oak. Monterey Bay is always lovely and Phil’s Fish Market is the place to go for excellent seafood.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Aug 1, 2019

Crowded and travelers should know the water is COLD on the Northern California coast!

5/5 - Excellent

Anonymous
Jul 30, 2019

Beautiful.... just beautiful

Popular places to visit

Image for Santa Cruz Main Beach

Santa Cruz Main Beach

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 biking trails.

Santa Cruz Main Beach
Image for Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

4.5/5(2,013 reviews)

Enjoy the thrills at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and find out why people love this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Image for Santa Cruz Wharf

Santa Cruz Wharf

4.5/5(85 reviews)

Explore the waterfront of Santa Cruz Wharf and enjoy activities such as surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Santa Cruz Wharf
Image for Cowell's Beach

Cowell's Beach

Explore the waterfront of Cowell's Beach and enjoy activities such as surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Cowell's Beach
Image for Pacific Avenue

Pacific Avenue

4.5/5(7 reviews)

During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Pacific Avenue. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Pacific Avenue
Image for Santa Cruz Harbor

Santa Cruz Harbor

Explore the waterfront in Santa Cruz with a trip to Santa Cruz Harbor. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Santa Cruz Harbor

Best Lodging Options Near Main Beach

Torch Lite Inn
Torch Lite Inn
2.5 out of 5
500 Riverside Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
Torch Lite Inn
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
4 out of 5
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
3 out of 5
313 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
Casablanca On The Beach
Casablanca On The Beach
3.5 out of 5
101 Main St, Santa Cruz, CA
Casablanca On The Beach
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
2.5 out of 5
550 2nd St, Santa Cruz, CA
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
3 out of 5
407 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Beach Street Inn and Suites
Beach Street Inn and Suites
2 out of 5
125 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA
Beach Street Inn and Suites
Seaside Inn & Suites
Seaside Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
525 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA
Seaside Inn & Suites
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Ocean Pacific Lodge
2 out of 5
301 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Ocean Pacific Lodge
See all 827 properties in Main Beach
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.