Things to do in Santa Cruz

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Santa Cruz must see attractions

1. Calangute Beach

The tourist-oriented Calangute Beach is packed with practical amenities and is full of life and excitement. All tastes and budgets are catered to here, whether you want to laze away an afternoon in the sun, sample the wonderful local cuisine or take part in waterspouts out on the water.
Learn more
Calangute Beach which includes a sandy beach and a beach bar

2. Baga Beach

One of Goa’s most well-known seaside resorts, Baga Beach is famous for its beachside bars and nightclubs, where revelers party throughout the night. During the day, the wide, expansive stretch of sand is energetic and exuberant, with numerous options for water-based activities. Sunbathe and soak up the lively atmosphere, take part in exhilarating watersports activities and stick around post sunset for a taster of Baga’s nightlife.
Learn more
Baga Beach featuring a beach, a beach bar and general coastal views

3. Arambol Beach

Arambol Beach has an alternative, laid-back ambience, which attracts many bohemian travellers. Despite its popularity, there are no major resorts in the area thanks to local campaigns to preserve the area’s tranquil atmosphere. There are cafés and restaurants along this stretch of fine, white sand.
Learn more
Arambol Beach featuring a coastal town, a beach and landscape views

4. Ashvem Beach

Ashvem Beach is a hidden gem with stunning scenery and range of nice beach hotels and resorts. Most people come to this beach during the day for sunbathing and swimming, but there are some great options for dinner and accommodation too. Walk a little inland, through the forest, to see some authentic Goan villages and temples.
Learn more
Ashvem Beach which includes tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach

5. Mandrem Beach

A quiet, away-from-it-all area, Mandrem Beach offers a taste of how North Goa would have appeared prior to tourist development. It’s one of the few places in the region where crabs, kingfishers and fish eagles still outnumber sunbathers. Go wildlife spotting, practice yoga on the soft sands or lie out and daydream on the blissful shores.
Learn more
Mandrem Beach featuring a beach bar, a beach and general coastal views

Recommended things to do in Santa Cruz

Number of things to do
71
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
North Goa Sightseeing: Beaches, Forts & Fun: $5
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Santa Cruz

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Santa Cruz? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Cruz

Basilica of Bom Jesus featuring heritage architecture

Basilica of Bom Jesus

4.5/5(16 reviews)

Venture inside a Baroque-style basilica to study its religious art and to see the tomb of a saint, the founder of a Catholic religious order.

Basilica of Bom Jesus
Dona Paula

Dona Paula Beach

4/5(1 review)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Dona Paula Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Dona Paula. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Dona Paula Beach
Panaji featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

4.5/5(11 reviews)

After visiting Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Panaji. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
Panaji featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

18th June Road

You can take time to visit 18th June Road during your travels to Panaji. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

18th June Road
Mahalaxmi Temple

Mahalaxmi Temple

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Mahalaxmi Temple is just one of the places to see in Panaji, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Mahalaxmi Temple
Memorial to the main freedom fighter of Goa

Azad Maidan

You can learn about the history of Panaji when you stop by Azad Maidan. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Azad Maidan

Deltin Royale Casino

4/5(2 reviews)

Why not try your luck with a visit to Deltin Royale Casino during your visit to Panaji? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Deltin Royale Casino

Goa University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Goa University, during your trip to Panaji. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Goa University

Kala Academy

Explore the campus of Kala Academy, during your trip to Panaji. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Kala Academy

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Santa Cruz

Panaji showing street scenes

Panaji

Photo by Roxanne Bamboat / The Tiny Taster

Bambolim

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
Santa Cruz has a unique blend of culture, local charm and attractions. Whether you're into history, nature or regional cuisine, there's plenty here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Santa Cruz?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Vainguinim Beach and Dona Paula Jetty. Then, explore other areas of Santa Cruz for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz is Vainguinim Beach, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Cruz?
You can easily tick off leading sights like Vainguinim Beach, Odxel Beach and Sé Cathedral with a three-day trip to Santa Cruz. On average, most travelers book three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Panaji.
Is Santa Cruz a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to do and see in Santa Cruz. Several top sights, like Vainguinim Beach and Odxel Beach, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Santa Cruz's neighborhoods, Bambolim is 1 mile away from downtown, while Vainguinim is 2 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all ages, have a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Santa Cruz with kids.

What to do in Santa Cruz for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or adventure seeker, there are loads of things to do in Santa Cruz for adults including 18th June Road and Jama Masjid.
Are there free things to do in Santa Cruz?
In Santa Cruz, Vainguinim Beach is a top spot for anyone looking to experience the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the green spaces and other neighborhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a great way to explore the best free things to do in Santa Cruz.