Santa Cruz Vacations from $439

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Your Santa Cruz Vacation

Its laid-back lifestyle, surfing and progressive thinking are among the many reasons to book a vacation package to Santa Cruz. Whatever is taking you to this coastal city, you're sure to have a fantastic experience. You'll want to go sightseeing during your trip to Santa Cruz. Make time for top attractions such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, University of California, Santa Cruz and Natural Bridges State Park. Expedia will help you escape your daily routine. Tailor your vacation to Santa Cruz to suit your travel style, whatever that may be!

The Latest Santa Cruz vacation packages

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Sonesta San Jose - Milpitas

Sonesta San Jose - Milpitas

$439
per person
Oct 8 - Oct 11
found 24 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,037 reviews)
Aqua Breeze Inn

Aqua Breeze Inn

Westside Santa Cruz
Save 100% on your flight
$443
per person
Oct 24 - Oct 26
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,016 reviews)
If you are on the third level park in the back next to the second level entrance!! We needed towels the second day and the cleaners were very nice to give me more and an extra blanket!!

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2026

Marbella Lane - 3BR Designer Near Valley Fair

Marbella Lane - 3BR Designer Near Valley Fair

Save 100% on your flight
$810
per person
Sep 11 - Sep 14
found 23 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)
No reviews
Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto

Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto

Save 100% on your flight
$607
per person
Oct 1 - Oct 5
found 2 days ago
Roundtrip flight included
Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,398 reviews)
Some mold in shower but everything else was mostly clean. The jacuzzi had a lot of foam, even when the jets were off, which made me not want to use it. Beds were comfortable and immaculately clean. Lighting was so-so and hard to direct, and you could not get the room bright enough for bedtime reading. The Internet reception was very spotty in our room, and the phone to call the front desk had a button for the front desk that did not work. But when my husband went downstairs to ask for an extra blanket, they were very quick to send a clean extra blanket. The complimentary tea sachets and coffee were of very high quality- Rishi is one of my favorite tea brands. And the tea kettle was clean and made of all metal inside. The room was a bit cramped for two kings, in the space could’ve maybe been better utilized.

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2026

Marbellalane-4br Siliconvalley Gem 16min to Levi's

Marbellalane-4br Siliconvalley Gem 16min to Levi's

Berryessa
Save 100% on your flight
$1,297
per person
Sep 18 - Sep 21
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)
No reviews
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Where to stay in Santa Cruz

Find the best Santa Cruz areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Cruz
A coastal cityscape with a beach, pier, and amusement park.

Westside Santa Cruz

6 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.

A rocky coastline with waves crashing against the rocks.

Eastside Santa Cruz

1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

Eastside Santa Cruz is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town.

A crowded beach with numerous boats and people.

Pleasure Point

World-renowned surf spot with a strong surf culture, Pleasure Point offers picturesque ocean views along East Cliff Drive and a walkable path with separate bike lanes. Enjoy amenities at Pleasure Point Park and nearby 41st Ave commercial district.

A street with a clock tower, a tram, and a building with a sign.

Beach Hill - Beach Flats

Beach Hill - Beach Flats might not have many top sights, but Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Main Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A beach with people playing and walking.

Upper Seabright

When in Upper Seabright, you can plan a visit to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Harbor, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Stay near popular Santa Cruz attractions

A pier with colorful cable cars, a beach, and a sign that reads "WORLD FAMOUS."
Photo by Adri VDM Photography

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

8.8/10 (6,089 reviews)
Experience America's classic seaside fun at this historic amusement park, home to two National Historic Landmarks. Ride the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden coaster or enjoy carnival games before stepping onto the sandy beach.
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A yellow sign with red and black text reading "ENTRANCE To MYSTERY SPOT Santa Cruz, Calif. U.S.A."
Photo by Arup Paul

Mystery Spot

8.4/10 (1,594 reviews)
The Mystery Spot bends perception with gravity-defying illusions in a redwood forest setting. Take the 45-minute guided tour to experience balls rolling uphill and people changing height before your eyes.
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A pier extending into the ocean with a roller coaster in the background.

Santa Cruz Wharf

9.0/10 (2,069 reviews)
The longest timber pile pier on the US coast, Santa Cruz Wharf extends half a mile into Monterey Bay. Dine at seafood restaurants while watching sea lions and otters play in the protected marine sanctuary below.
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A natural rock arch formation on a beach with calm waters reflecting the structure.

Natural Bridges State Park

9.0/10 (842 reviews)
This coastal haven features a striking natural arch and tide pools teeming with marine life. From October to January, witness thousands of monarch butterflies clustering in the eucalyptus grove.
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A historic half-timbered building with a stone facade, surrounded by trees and a red brick sidewalk.

Ocean Street

8.6/10 (1,332 reviews)
Ocean Street serves as Santa Cruz's main gateway, lined with hotels and eateries for travelers entering from Highway 17. Stay here for convenient access to the Beach Boardwalk and downtown attractions just minutes away.
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A street with a clock tower, a tram, and a building with a sign.

Pacific Avenue

8.6/10 (951 reviews)
Pacific Avenue's tree-lined stretch showcases Santa Cruz's vibrant culture through historic architecture and lively storefronts. Browse unique boutiques and savor local cuisine in this pedestrian-friendly downtown hub.
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A lighthouse at sunset, rocky shoreline, calm water, and a clear sky.
Photo by Alex Sam

Santa Cruz Harbor

9.0/10 (587 reviews)
This bustling marina offers immediate access to Monterey Bay with over 1,000 boat slips. Enjoy waterfront dining, book a sailing charter, or catch the Wednesday Night Sailboat Races from April through October.
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Pasatiempo Golf Course

7.4/10 (99 reviews)
Play a round of golf in Santa Cruz at Pasatiempo Golf Course, and enjoy other activities such as surfing. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
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What to do in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Beach Hill to Mission Hill Loop Via Downtown

Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop

$45
per adult
Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop
Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories

UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour

$5
per traveler
UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill

Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill

$45
per adult
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill
See all activities in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Hotel Deals

Chaminade Resort & Spa

Chaminade Resort & Spa

1 Chaminade Ln Santa Cruz CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$172 nightly
$198 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total with taxes and fees
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,018 reviews)
"The resort is beautiful and well maintained. The only problem that I had was the spa. It was not as clean or luxurious as a highly rated spa should be. The showers and locker rooms were very old and not sparkly clean. There were no staff to help you unless you actively searched for help. Overall ..."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2026

Chaminade Resort & Spa
La Bahia Hotel and Spa

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

215 Beach Street Santa Cruz CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$410 nightly
$460 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total with taxes and fees
9.6/10 Exceptional! (422 reviews)
"Amazing amenities beautiful decor Clean Quiet room Friendly staff Great spa with great extras"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2026

La Bahia Hotel and Spa
Seaside Inn & Suites

Seaside Inn & Suites

525 Ocean St Santa Cruz CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$95 nightly
$108 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
Total with taxes and fees
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,100 reviews)
"Unfortunately, we were very disappointed with our stay. The hotel is not in the best area, and our room was not that clean. The bed was uncomfortable, and we were given only two flimsy bath towels for two people staying two nights. To make matters worse, several guests were very noisy at night, making ..."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2026

Seaside Inn & Suites
See all 754 properties in Santa Cruz
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.

Find the Best Santa Cruz Vacation Packages

Santa Cruz Beach Vacation

If you want a break from the city crowds, a Santa Cruz vacation is just the ticket. There's no end to the gorgeous views to soak up on a trip to Santa Cruz. Those who love the water may already be familiar with Natural Bridges State Park (3 miles away) and will probably want to stay nearby. But don't worry if the nearest accommodation options are full. Many visitors to the area also book Santa Cruz packages near Cowell's Beach and Santa Cruz Main Beach.

Things You Should Know About Santa Cruz

  • If ocean breezes and strolls along the shore are your idea of a dreamy escape, why not consider one of our Santa Cruz beach hotels? Staying near the water is the perfect cure for life's daily stresses.
  • Our private vacation homes, including Marea Sol Hotel and Seaside Inn & Suites, are popular with travelers of all types. Check out the amenities and get ready for your vacation in Santa Cruz!
  • Our Santa Cruz things to do page is a terrific place to find activities around here. Of course, there's nothing like a bit of local knowledge. With a population of 64,200 in Santa Cruz, we're sure you'll find a few people who'll point you in the right direction.
  • Get some great deals with a Santa Cruz vacation package. With all that extra money in your pocket, you won't regret indulging in this destination's best offerings. Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Wharf and Santa Cruz Wharf are amazing places to start.

Santa Cruz Essential Information

Language
English
Currency
U.S dollars
Closest Airport
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC)
Population
64,200
Max Temp Winter
60ºF
Max Temp Summer
75ºF
Top Sights
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Rio Del Mar Beach and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

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Frequently asked questions

How much does a Santa Cruz vacation package cost?
You can pick up a vacation package to this top destination from $439 on Expedia. However, how much your vacation to Santa Cruz costs will depend on factors like the length of stay, hotel choice and season.
What are the cheapest months to go to Santa Cruz?
If you'd like to snag a cheap Santa Cruz vacation package, consider visiting in October, November and December. You'll typically find lower prices on accommodations and flights during these quieter months — perfect for a budget-friendly break.
How many days is enough for Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz vacations come in all shapes and sizes, but to really get a feel for this destination, we reckon 2 days is a good ballpark. This will mean you can visit top attractions like Cowell's Beach and Main Beach and seek out some underrated gems. Don't skip neighborhoods such as Westside Santa Cruz and Lower Ocean either. If you're clever with your time, you may even be able to take a day trip from Santa Cruz too.
Is it worth booking a vacation package to Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz has everything you need for a memorable break — surfing, cycling and history are just the start. Whether you'd like to visit attractions such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Natural Bridges State Park, or take the road less traveled, there's plenty to do on your Santa Cruz vacation.
How to find the best Santa Cruz package deals?
Start your search for a Santa Cruz package deal by entering your destination and preferred trip dates under our "Packages" tab. Then apply some filters, like "Popular locations" and "Amenities," to tailor the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and discover offers that come with huge savings. If you don't find the ideal Santa Cruz package deal straight away, just play around with your dates and search again. Keep in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Santa Cruz getaway off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Santa Cruz vacation as a package?
An Expedia vacation package could score you significant savings when compared to booking flights and accommodations separately. Better still, you can customize your Santa Cruz trip to fit your exact style. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Explore our bundles to see how much you can save.
When to book a vacation package to Santa Cruz?
If you've got your Santa Cruz vacation dates confirmed, book early to snap up some outstanding deals. With Expedia, you can generally reserve some flights up to one year ahead of time. Prefer spontaneous trips? Our last-minute deals are perfect for impromptu escapes.
How to plan a trip to Santa Cruz?
  1. Pick the best time to travel: Your schedule, preferred season and the type of weather you enjoy can all influence your decision on when to travel to Santa Cruz.
  2. Figure out your budget: Make sure you have enough money to pay for everything from transportation and food to airfares and activities. Your accommodations will probably be the largest expense during your trip to Santa Cruz.
  3. Use our trip planning tool to explore Santa Cruz: Research every part of your trip to Santa Cruz with this handy planner. Invite friends or family to collaborate on a group trip, search for hotels or things to do and make bookings.
  4. Decide how long to go for: Now that you're up to speed on Santa Cruz, you can figure out the perfect length of your vacation. Create a draft plan and allocate enough time to cover everything you want to see.
  5. Combine your airfare and accommodations: After you've nailed down your trip dates and duration, book the perfect Santa Cruz vacation package for you.
  6. Add on excursions and experiences: Have a look at our dedicated travel guide to find some incredible things to do in Santa Cruz. Book tickets or make reservations in advance to save time and skip the hassle of trying to find activities once you arrive.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Santa Cruz vacation packages?
If you're like us, you love exploring new places but are not a fan of the big price tag that can come with it. That's why we offer Book Now, Pay Later vacations. With help from online lender Affirm, you can break down the total cost of your Santa Cruz break across 3, 6 or 12 months. There are also no hidden costs or late payment fees, so you can secure cheap vacation packages with payment plans as soon as you spot them.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.