Title: Visit Lower Ocean: 2026 Lower Ocean, Santa Cruz Travel Guide | Expedia.com

[Hotels in Lower Ocean](https://expedia.com/Lower-Ocean-Hotels.d980416250031603712.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Santa Cruz](https://expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Santa-Cruz.d6666.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Santa Cruz](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Santa-Cruz.d6666.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Car Rentals in Lower Ocean](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Lower-Ocean.d980416250031603712.Car-Rental-Guide)[Lower Ocean Vacations](https://expedia.com/Lower-Ocean.d980416250031603712.Destination-Travel-Guides)

# Lower Ocean, CA

## Santa Cruz

## Visit Lower Ocean

Things to do

Hotels

Where to stay

[Santa Cruz Travel Guide](https://expedia.com/Santa-Cruz.dx6666)

---

### Popular places to visit

![Gotta ride this 100 year old wooden roller Coaster on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/b45be7dc-b7ee-4e2f-913e-96687d20622a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

4.5/5(2,013 reviews)

Enjoy the thrill rides with your kiddos at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as part of your trip to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails. 

[](https://expedia.com/Santa-Cruz-Beach-Boardwalk-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6065915.Vacation-Attraction)

![The place where you can't stay straight.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065921/d28cfec3-0a62-49c3-8c59-000ebb30e504.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Mystery Spot

4/5(639 reviews)

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. 

[](https://expedia.com/Mystery-Spot-Santa-Cruz.d6065921.Vacation-Attraction)

![USA-Santa Cruz-Natural Bridges State Beach; Shutterstock ID 101070745](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065917/43bea666-ed08-4f82-a646-075da65a2a91.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Natural Bridges State Park

4.5/5(251 reviews)

You can take time to visit Natural Bridges State Park during your travels to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails. 

[](https://expedia.com/Natural-Bridges-State-Park-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6065917.Vacation-Attraction)

![Pier at Santa Cruz, California](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6209895/eb65cea1-184a-499c-ae20-633fad3592be.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Santa Cruz Wharf

4.5/5(85 reviews)

After visiting Santa Cruz Wharf, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the surfing spots. 

[](https://expedia.com/Santa-Cruz-Wharf-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6209895.Vacation-Attraction)

![EN5XP1 Street scene in autumn with shops art galleries on Ocean Avenue Carmel Monterey County California](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6351808/ef056b2b-5188-40e2-985c-ead470ec0f72.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Ocean Street

4.5/5(14 reviews)

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. 

[](https://expedia.com/Ocean-Street-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6351808.Vacation-Attraction)

![CWFJJA USA California CA Santa Cruz clock tower and trolley on Pacific Avenue](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327592/765dd2b7-8dc8-43e9-a63e-99581f2057c7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Pacific Avenue

4.5/5(7 reviews)

During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Pacific Avenue. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area. 

[](https://expedia.com/Pacific-Avenue-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6327592.Vacation-Attraction)

### Things to do

![Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/5204449/43dc9f95-f013-4b9a-b724-1190dca566bd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Capitola Private Personalized Self-Guided App Tour

$5

per traveler

[](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/capitola-private-personalized-self-guided-app-tour.a5204449.activity-details)

![Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories ](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47178731/1548d3e5-e5e6-4438-b9c3-b01c5bb45f5c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour

$5

per traveler

[](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/uc-santa-cruz-personalized-self-guided-app-tour.a47178731.activity-details)

![Rock Climbing 2 - Beyond the Basics](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1391601/fe50a3dc-b95f-4815-a331-05cbbc16d855.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Outdoor Rock Climbing - Level 2

$119

per adult

[](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/outdoor-rock-climbing-level-2.a1391601.activity-details)

![Santa Cruz Redwoods Forest Therapy ](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4252920/81677566-18a6-4e11-abfe-6b1d4f48d69b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Redwoods Forest Bathing

$89

per adult

[](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/redwoods-forest-bathing.a4252920.activity-details)

![Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2262173/5e1c9c51-0e8d-438a-bf60-efbabfd1eb34.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz

$139

per adult

[](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/beginner-surf-lesson-in-santa-cruz.a2262173.activity-details)

![5-Hour Wilderness Skills & Survival Clinic](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4819328/705e4b93-b037-4d70-b76f-a95c1cc04db1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### 5-Hour Wilderness Skills & Survival Clinic

$139

per adult

[](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/5-hour-wilderness-skills-survival-clinic.a4819328.activity-details)

[See all activities in Santa Cruz](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Santa-Cruz.d6666.Travel-Guide-Activities)

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## Lower Ocean Hotel Deals

![Surf City Inn and Suites](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/5300/5293/d926e1b6_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Surf City Inn and Suites

619 Riverside Ave Santa Cruz CA

$61 nightly

$71 total

Mar 25 - Mar 26

Total with taxes and fees

Book a stay at this spa motel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...

7.8/10 Good! (1,010 reviews)

I booked 2 rooms....1 room was absolutely filthy (dried vomit on floor, poop on wall in bathroom, curtain had white sticky substance on them, and what looked like dried urine by the AC) The other room had live roaches.... My family and i packed our stuff up and left after the first couple of hours. ...

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F25%2F2026&endDate=3%2F26%2F2026&selected=5293&PinnedHotelID=5293&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=980416250031603712)

![Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1750000/1742400/1742350/54cec646_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

505 Riverside Avenue Santa Cruz CA

$57 nightly

$67 total

Mar 26 - Mar 27

Total with taxes and fees

Stay at this motel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...

8.2/10 Very Good! (876 reviews)

A very fair priced, neat location. Minutes away from the boardwalk. Location was nice enough to let me park my vehicle early so no need for a parking pass when you can move along down to the boardwalk. WILL DEFINITELY BE RETURNING:)

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F26%2F2026&endDate=3%2F27%2F2026&selected=1742350&PinnedHotelID=1742350&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=980416250031603712)

![The Aqua Pacific Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/88000000/87720000/87712500/87712491/e51b70d1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

The Aqua Pacific Hotel

330 Ocean St. Santa Cruz CA

$83 nightly

$96 total

Mar 19 - Mar 20

Total with taxes and fees

Stay at this hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...

7.8/10 Good! (792 reviews)

Close to everything we wanted to explore, great customer service.

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F19%2F2026&endDate=3%2F20%2F2026&selected=87712491&PinnedHotelID=87712491&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=980416250031603712)

![Hotel Solares](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/16000000/15570000/15569600/15569536/41bd19e9_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Hotel Solares

600 Riverside Ave Santa Cruz CA

$83 nightly

$97 total

Mar 19 - Mar 20

Total with taxes and fees

Stay at this hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Capitola Beach ...

6.6/10 (1,000 reviews)

Everything was great

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F19%2F2026&endDate=3%2F20%2F2026&selected=15569536&PinnedHotelID=15569536&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=980416250031603712)

![Torch Lite Inn](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/5900/5864/10ca711c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Torch Lite Inn

500 Riverside Ave Santa Cruz CA

Fully refundable

$80 nightly

$93 total

Mar 23 - Mar 24

Total with taxes and fees

Stay at this motel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...

7.8/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)

good night stay if you want to be close to the boardwalk, a 7 min walk to everything. Would stay again for a day trip 😊 staff was very nice

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F23%2F2026&endDate=3%2F24%2F2026&selected=5864&PinnedHotelID=5864&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=980416250031603712)

![Motel Santa Cruz](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1340000/1335800/1335721/w2876h1923x4y0-1efd7ae6_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Motel Santa Cruz

370 Ocean St Santa Cruz CA

$75 nightly

$86 total

Mar 19 - Mar 20

Total with taxes and fees

Stay at this motel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Capitola ...

5/10 (1,000 reviews)

Hair in the shower, blood on bed sheets,no room service we didn't get clean sheets or towels all weekend

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F19%2F2026&endDate=3%2F20%2F2026&selected=1335721&PinnedHotelID=1335721&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=980416250031603712)

[See all 1,190 properties in Lower Ocean](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=3%2F19%2F2026&endDate=3%2F20%2F2026&regionId=980416250031603712)

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.

## Check Lower Ocean hotel availability

[Tonight

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=980416250031603712&startDate=2026-03-18&endDate=2026-03-19)[Mar 18 - Mar 19](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=980416250031603712&startDate=2026-03-18&endDate=2026-03-19)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=980416250031603712&startDate=2026-03-19&endDate=2026-03-20)[Mar 19 - Mar 20](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=980416250031603712&startDate=2026-03-19&endDate=2026-03-20)

[This weekend

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=980416250031603712&startDate=3%2F20%2F2026&endDate=3%2F22%2F2026)[Mar 20 - Mar 22](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=980416250031603712&startDate=3%2F20%2F2026&endDate=3%2F22%2F2026)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=980416250031603712&startDate=3%2F27%2F2026&endDate=3%2F29%2F2026)[Mar 27 - Mar 29](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=980416250031603712&startDate=3%2F27%2F2026&endDate=3%2F29%2F2026)

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### Other neighborhoods around Lower Ocean

![CWFJJA USA California CA Santa Cruz clock tower and trolley on Pacific Avenue](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327592/765dd2b7-8dc8-43e9-a63e-99581f2057c7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Beach Hill - Beach Flats

 Beach Hill - Beach Flats might not have many top sights, but Main Beach and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out. 

[](https://expedia.com/Santa-Cruz-Beach-Hill-Beach-Flats.dx553248635976479150)

![Downtown, Santa Cruz, California, USA, during autumn. The image shows the street with trees in fall colors, buildings, and a bus. The photo shows the city's architecture.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248633938969818/f79caaa9-8341-416d-bfd4-b5257e0727fe.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Downtown Santa Cruz

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

 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. 

[](https://expedia.com/Santa-Cruz-Downtown-Santa-Cruz.dx553248633938969818)

![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://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/bd262d99-b232-4469-b402-cfcb7088bfdf.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. 

[](https://expedia.com/Santa-Cruz-Seabright.dx553248635976472102)

![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)

### Downtown

 If you're spending some time in Downtown, Pacific Avenue and Williams-Reynolds House are top sights worth seeing. 

[](https://expedia.com/Santa-Cruz-Downtown.dx980414823093735424)

![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://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/bd262d99-b232-4469-b402-cfcb7088bfdf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Upper Seabright

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

[](https://expedia.com/Santa-Cruz-Upper-Seabright.dx553248635976384107)

![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)

### Midtown

 If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Midtown and surrounding area, you can visit Ocean Street and Pacific Avenue. 

[](https://expedia.com/Santa-Cruz-Midtown.dx891418713702551552)

[See our Where To Stay guide](https://expedia.com/Santa-Cruz.dx6666.Where-To-Stay?rfrr=TG.LP.Dest.Neigh.Neighborhoods)

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# Lower Ocean, CA

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