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.

Rodeway Inn

per person

Sep 30 - Oct 2

found 4 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Ontario (ONT) to San Jose (SJC)

7/10 Good! (459 reviews)

Breakfast was not my favorite at all. Bed was ok I guess.

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Aqua Breeze Inn

Westside Santa Cruz

per person

Sep 17 - Sep 21

found 23 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)

8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)

Perfect spot to stay and be close to the boardwalk. You could hear the fun happening during park hours and when the park closed, it was quiet. Great place to stay. We will definitely come back.

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Hyatt Place San Jose Airport

North San Jose

Save 100% on your flight

per person

Sep 17 - Sep 21

found 23 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)

8.8/10 Excellent! (1,410 reviews)

Staffs were very helpful. Room was clean. Breakfast was hood

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Browse tours and tickets to explore Main Beach

Tours & day trips

See all 9 activities

Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt

Free cancellation available

Water activities

See all 3 activities

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

See all 3 activities

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Free cancellation available

Popular places to visit

Santa Cruz Main Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Santa Cruz Main Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

4.5/5(2,013 reviews)

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.

Santa Cruz Wharf

4.5/5(85 reviews)

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.

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.

Santa Cruz Harbor

Explore the waterfront in Santa Cruz with a trip to Santa Cruz Harbor. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Lighthouse Point Park

Explore the lovely green spaces of Lighthouse Point Park and enjoy the surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.