Main Beach Tours

Main Beach


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.

Located in Westside Santa Cruz, this stretch of coastline is well worth a look. But you'll find tons more to discover in the area. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, University of California, Santa Cruz, and Natural Bridges State Park aren't too far from Main Beach.

Plan a trip to see Main Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
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Aqua Breeze Inn
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Reviews of Main Beach

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
348
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
283
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
28
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Ab

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Nice for walking but dress warm.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

Jukie

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

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful.... just beautiful

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Main Beach

Marea Sol Hotel

Marea Sol Hotel

2 out of 5
301 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA
Marea Sol Hotel
Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

4 out of 5
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge

2 out of 5
301 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Ocean Pacific Lodge
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
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
Fireside Inn Santa Cruz

Fireside Inn Santa Cruz

2 out of 5
311 2nd Street, Santa Cruz, CA
Fireside Inn 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.

Things to do near Main Beach

Main Beach in Santa Cruz offers a variety of exciting activities, including scenic walks, lively festivals, and stunning sunsets. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking ocean views, explore the surf lodge, and discover popular surfing spots. Don't miss a trip to Main Beach Park for relaxation and recreation, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Shopping

Main Beach offers great shopping options like Ocean Street, just 2 miles away, bustling with family-friendly shops. Swift Street Courtyard, also 2 miles away, provides entertainment and local businesses. If you're up for a drive, check out Capitola Mercantile, located 3 miles from the beach for more unique finds.

Recreation

At Pasatiempo Golf Course, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by breathtaking landscapes just 3 miles from Main Beach. Treks and Tracks Rock Climbing Trips, located 6 miles away, offers thrilling climbing experiences promoting wellness and relaxation. For a serene day, visit Pinto Lake Park, 14 miles away, perfect for unwinding in nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Zip Line at the treeTopWalk, located 7 miles from Main Beach, where you can glide through the treetops amidst stunning views. For a more rugged adventure, hike the scenic Ox Trailhead, just 5 miles away, offering breathtaking outdoor scenery.

Nightlife

For an exciting night, visit Boardwalk Bowl for some arcade fun, just 0.4 miles from Main Beach. If you seek adventure, hop on the Sky Glider, only 0.2 miles away. For a cultural experience, catch a show at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts, 25 miles from the beach.

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

Find the best attractions near Main Beach

When visiting Main Beach in Santa Cruz, California, you can enjoy a variety of attractions, including pristine beaches and nearby parks. The area is perfect for outdoor experiences and cultural exploration, with options like Laguna Beach and amusement parks. Whether you're looking to relax on the sandy shores or explore the natural beauty of the Gold Coast, Main Beach offers something for every traveler seeking adventure and enjoyment.

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Experience fun and excitement at this iconic amusement park located just 0.1 miles from Main Beach. With thrilling rides, arcade games, and classic boardwalk treats, it offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.
  • Capitola Beach: Just 4 miles away, Capitola Beach is a picturesque spot ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Enjoy its charming coastal village vibe, colorful houses, and local eateries, making it a perfect place to relax and soak in the sun.
  • Mystery Spot: Located 4 miles from Main Beach, this quirky exhibit captivates visitors with its optical illusions and gravitational anomalies. Explore the unique phenomena and delve into the intriguing history of this cultural landmark for a memorable experience.

Best time to go to Main Beach

The best time to visit Main Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Main Beach falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Main Beach falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
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 RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.3°F (17.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October61.5°F (16.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Main Beach

To save money on your visit to Main Beach in Santa Cruz, plan your trip between November and January for lower accommodation rates, especially on Mondays. Avoid Saturdays for the best deals. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting prices from lowest to highest, and consider eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for package savings, and join Expedia’s One Key membership for exclusive discounts and rewards. Look for flexible booking options and refundable reservations to ensure peace of mind during your travels.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Main Beach 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 Main Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Main Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Main Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • 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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