For many, Santa Cruz embodies the laid-back spirit of coastal California. The city has strong surfing and skateboarding cultures, beautiful beaches and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.There are many options for outdoor recreation in and around Santa Cruz. Rent a kayak and paddle out to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Try to spot sea lions, seals and even whales (during winter and spring) as you paddle along. Hiking enthusiasts will also enjoy the numerous scenic trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Wilder Ranch State Park.No trip to Santa Cruz would be complete without delving into the city’s surfing heritage. Catch a wave at one of the well-known surfing breaks or rent a car and cruise along the scenic West Cliff Drive to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. This museum is located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse and overlooks the famous Steamer Lane surf break. Downtown Santa Cruz is known for its eclectic shops, cafés and restaurants and is a short stroll from the beach. Families will love the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This amusement park opened in 1907 and is full of old-world charm. Take a spin on one of its historic rides, such as the wooden Giant Dipper Roller Coaster. Foodies should check out the Santa Cruz Wharf, home to many seafood restaurants and shops. Wine aficionados will love the Santa Cruz Mountains, where many local wineries have tasting rooms.You can cover much of Santa Cruz’s main downtown and city attractions on foot, by bike or with the Santa Cruz Metro bus services. If you want to venture farther afield, it’s best to rent a car as the roads near the Santa Cruz Mountains can get very steep.
Santa Cruz, CA
![Santa Cruz which includes bird life](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/59000/59234-Santa-Cruz.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Where to stay in Santa Cruz
![Santa Cruz showing general coastal views and views as well as an individual male](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/59000/59236-Santa-Cruz.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Westside Santa Cruz
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.
![41.5 feet tall, 350,000 pounds and able to withstand a quarter million pounds of wave energy: Walton Lighthouse](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/5583c7c676e84ee689618ff7864d09ff.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Eastside Santa Cruz
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.
![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/5e379e48d626e89c8836b74cf12ae517.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
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.
![What better way to start your day!](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/2cb656d8e4b1906847424ef219dd57f5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
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.
![Evening stroll at the Seabright Beach. If you are lucky, you might run into Matt performing amazing bike tricks by the lighthouse. #LifeAtExpedia #sunset #goldenBeach #blueSky](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/e68267ce68f3de158ce514c976fefa06.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Seabright
While visiting Seabright, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Cruz Harbor and Seabright Beach.
![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Beach Hill - Beach Flats
Beach Hill - Beach Flats might not have many top sights, but Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
![Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz, an IHG Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2460000/2458100/2458057/703e2771_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 24, 2024
![Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/72000000/71970000/71965500/71965468/962233a1_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 24, 2024
![La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/8700/8673/d7c92e31_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024
![2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95810000/95806800/95806726/3f6ea090_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Mar 31, 2024
![Santa Cruz Beachfront Vacation Rental](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33750000/33743900/33743864/dd00aba3_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jun 27, 2024
![Santa Cruz N On The Beach! Amazing Sunsets!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33710000/33707100/33707028/75c1a4bb_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on May 28, 2024
Popular places to visit
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
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.
Mystery Spot
Find out about the history of Santa Cruz with a stop at Mystery Spot. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the surfing spots.
Natural Bridges State Park
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Natural Bridges State Park during your travels in Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
Santa Cruz Wharf
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.
Ocean Street
During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can enjoy retail therapy at Ocean Street. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
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.
Things to do
Whale Watching Monterey Bay semi-private limited to 6 people max
Big Sur Private SUV Charter - San Francisco Round trip or One way
Other places like Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Mystery Spot
- University of California
- Natural Bridges State Park
- Santa Cruz Wharf
- Ocean Street
- Cowell's Beach
- Santa Cruz Harbor
- Pacific Avenue
- Main Beach
- Pleasure Point Park
- Wilder Ranch State Park
- Pasatiempo Golf Course
- Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory
- Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
- Lighthouse Point Park
- DeLaveaga Golf Course
- Mission Santa Cruz
- Cocoanut Grove
- Boardwalk Bowl
- Four Mile Beach
- Swift Street Courtyard