Downtown
Santa Cruz
Popular places to visit
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Enjoy the exciting rides at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and see why everyone loves this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.
Mystery Spot
Find out about the history of Santa Cruz when you take a trip to Mystery Spot. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the surfing spots.
Santa Cruz Wharf
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.
Natural Bridges State Park
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 cycling trails.
Ocean Street
During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Ocean Street. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Pacific Avenue
During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Pacific Avenue. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.
Things to do
Capitola Private Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill
Top hotels in Downtown
Ocean Pacific Lodge
"Nice room and location- the staff was friendly and efficient."
Reviewed on 19 May, 2026
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
"Beautiful property, very clean, pool area is outstanding. The only thing that could be improved upon is bathroom- grout and bathtub starting to look a little worn and dirty so could use a refresh- but compared to everything else dream inn has to offer, this is minor."
Reviewed on 21 May, 2026
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
"Fabulous 4-night stay ."
Reviewed on 20 May, 2026
Chaminade Resort & Spa
"Beautiful location! Short hike through the forest was awesome! Dog friendly. My key didn’t work to get into the hot tub. And room service was great but didn’t open the wine. I should have noticed but didnt. Plumbing issues. I enjoyed my visit overall"
Reviewed on 20 May, 2026
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
"My stay here was excellent. I stayed in one of the full view ocean rooms and it defintely met every expectation. The bathroom was large and had double sinks. The bathrobes were soft. Turn down service was great and so were the other amenities like complimentary snacks and water. I avoided Santa Cruz ..."
Reviewed on 20 May, 2026
Casablanca On The Beach
"The location of the property was ideal. The Trex deck with outdoor patio furniture situated right outside my hotel room was perfect as was the view of the ocean, the Wharf, and the Boardwalk."
Reviewed on 22 May, 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown
Mission Hill
While visiting Mission Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
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.
Westside Santa Cruz
Travellers to Westside Santa Cruz praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Beach Hill - Beach Flats
While there might not be top attractions in Beach Hill - Beach Flats, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.
Lower Ocean
Lower Ocean might not have many top sights, but Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Pacific Avenue are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Circles
While Circles may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Cowell's Beach.
