Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Vacations & Packages

Photo by Susana Neri
Photo by Brad and Wi-Wi
Photo by Adri VDM Photography
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Photo by Rachel Gilman


If you're planning to stick around a while in Westside Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a great place to start your sightseeing. This amusement park is one of numerous attractions that'll keep you busy here. University of California, Santa Cruz, Natural Bridges State Park, and Main Beach are also waiting to be discovered nearby.

Plan a trip to see Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

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Chaminade Resort & Spa
Aqua Breeze Inn
La Bahia Hotel and Spa

Browse tours and tickets to explore Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Adventure & outdoor

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Reviews of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1064
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
724
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
176
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
34
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
15
1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Can’t bring dogs on the beach walks.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful landscape, terrible smell of human waste from hundreds of homeless people

5/5 - Excellent

Sandra

We went on Tuesday, Sept 10; the rides were closed, but that's ok; it was early, foggy, empty, eerie,which was great for art photography! With the exception of the maintenance crew, we had the run of the place. Score! Probably not what most visitors want from a review, but for those who are into art photography, you get it!!

4/5 - Good

DonH

Parking is a mess. Maybe put a traffic officer or two out there to help out?

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Good for family with young children who want to enjoy fun fair rides and tons of junk food

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Get there early!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge

2 out of 5
301 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Marea Sol Hotel

Marea Sol Hotel

2 out of 5
301 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA
Marea Sol Hotel
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
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

4 out of 5
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites

2 out of 5
619 Riverside Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
Surf City Inn and Suites
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
611 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
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
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

3 out of 5
407 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Continental Inn

Continental Inn

2 out of 5
414 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA
Continental Inn
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.

Things to do near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers a range of exciting activities, including scenic walks along the boardwalk, thrilling water rides, and opportunities for surf lessons. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful sunsets, engage in various sports, and soak up the vibrant outdoor experiences that the area has to offer. Whether you're strolling by the shore or seeking adventure, the Boardwalk provides a perfect blend of fun and relaxation.

Shopping

For shopping near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, check out Ocean Street, only 1 mile away, offering a vibrant mix of shops. Swift Street Courtyard, 2 miles away, features entertainment and family-friendly options. Capitola Mercantile, located 4 miles away, provides a charming shopping experience with local flair.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Pasatiempo Golf Course, where beautiful landscapes meet a challenging course just 3 miles from the Boardwalk. For adventure, Treks and Tracks Rock Climbing Trips, located 6 miles away, offers thrilling climbing experiences in a serene environment. Relax at Pinto Lake Park, 14 miles away, surrounded by nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Zip Line at TreeTopWalk, located 7 miles from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where you can soar through the treetops. For a different adventure, head to Santa Clara Paintball, 25 miles away, for an action-packed day of paintball fun. Don’t miss the scenic Ox Trailhead, just 5 miles away, perfect for hiking amidst beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy bowling and arcade games at Boardwalk Bowl, located 0.3 miles away, or experience thrills on the Sky Glider theme ride just 0.2 miles from the boardwalk. For a cultural evening, catch a show at Flint Center for the Performing Arts, 25 miles away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers a vibrant blend of attractions, including stunning beaches, scenic state parks, and the iconic Santa Cruz Wharf. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor experiences and cultural activities. Popular points of interest nearby include the lively boardwalk, sandy beaches, and picturesque piers, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and adventure.

  • Capitola Beach: Experience the quintessential California beach vibes at Capitola Beach, located 4 miles from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This charming beach offers picturesque views, colorful beach houses, and opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying local eateries along the scenic waterfront.
  • Mystery Spot: Discover the captivating Mystery Spot, an exhibit located 4 miles away that blends curiosity with culture. This quirky attraction features gravitational anomalies and optical illusions, making it a fun and intriguing stop for visitors of all ages.
  • Santa Cruz Wharf: Just 0.5 miles from the Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Wharf invites you to enjoy a friendly atmosphere filled with local shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the ocean. Stroll along the pier, watch sea lions, or indulge in fresh seafood while soaking up the vibrant coastal scene.

Best time to go to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The best time to visit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 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 low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
February52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
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 RainSunnyHighSlightly High
July62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnyHighSlightly High
August63.3°F (17.4°C)No RainSunnyHighSlightly High
September63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October61.5°F (16.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnyLowSlightly Low
December52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

To save money on your visit to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, plan your trip between November and January when hotel prices are lower. Opt for a Monday stay for the best rates, and avoid Saturdays for the highest costs. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by sorting results by price, and consider booking a package that includes flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and help you earn rewards for future stays. Don't forget to explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can sort the results by price, displaying the lowest rates first, so you can quickly find the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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