Santa Cruz Holidays

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Where to stay in Santa Cruz

Find the best Santa Cruz areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Cruz

Things to do in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking a beach getaway. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant boardwalk, amusement parks, and scenic drives while indulging in shopping experiences and exploring the great outdoors. With its stunning coastline and recreational areas, Santa Cruz promises a memorable holiday filled with diverse activities for all ages.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in Santa Cruz, explore Ocean Street, filled with family-friendly vibes. Swift Street Courtyard offers a mix of business and entertainment options right in the area. If you're up for a drive, Almaden Plaza is a fantastic shopping mall centre located 33.8km away.

Recreation

Pinto Lake Park, located 22.5km from Santa Cruz, offers a tranquil retreat with scenic views and serene walking trails for relaxation. Massage Envy Spa, situated 38.6km away, provides rejuvenating body treatments in a calming atmosphere. For outdoor enthusiasts, Pasatiempo Golf Course in Santa Cruz boasts beautiful landscapes and invigorating sports activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Boardwalk Bowl, an arcadeAdventureZone in Santa Cruz, perfect for family fun. Enjoy the outdoor vibes at the Zip Line, a treeTopWalk located 9.7km from Santa Cruz. Don't miss the Sky Glider, a themeParkRide offering entertainment and adventure vibes in the area.

Nightlife

Santa Cruz boasts a vibrant nightlife with a mix of beachside bars and live music venues. Visit the Catalyst for an eclectic range of performances, or enjoy cocktails at the Crow’s Nest while soaking in ocean views. Don't miss the bustling atmosphere at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk at night.

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

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, is an idyllic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking a beach holiday. Known for its beautiful beaches, scenic state parks, and charming piers, Santa Cruz offers a wealth of attractions that cater to travellers looking for cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. From relaxing by the shore to exploring nature trails, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant coastal city.

  • Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Experience the majestic beauty of towering redwood trees in this tranquil national park, located 6.4km from Santa Cruz. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, it offers scenic trails and a serene atmosphere for hiking and picnicking amidst nature.
  • Manresa State Beach: Enjoy the sun and surf at Manresa State Beach, situated 14.5km away. This stunning beach is ideal for relaxation, sunbathing, and beachcombing, providing a perfect coastal escape with picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Dive into family fun at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, located right in Santa Cruz. This lively amusement park features thrilling rides, games, and classic boardwalk treats, making it a perfect spot for adventure and entertainment.

Best time to go to Santa Cruz

The best time to visit Santa Cruz can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Santa Cruz falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Santa Cruz 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

Tips to save on your trip to Santa Cruz

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Santa Cruz.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically November to January) for more affordable package holidays to Santa Cruz.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Santa Cruz Beach Holiday

If you want a break from the city crowds, a Santa Cruz holiday is just the ticket. There's no end to the gorgeous views to soak up on a trip to Santa Cruz. Those who love the water may already be familiar with Natural Bridges State Park (5 kilometres away) and will probably want to stay nearby. But don't worry if the nearest accommodation options are full. Many visitors to the area also book Santa Cruz packages near Cowell's Beach and Santa Cruz Main Beach.

Things You Should Know About Santa Cruz

  • If ocean breezes and strolls along the shore are your idea of a dreamy escape, why not consider one of our Santa Cruz beach hotels? Staying near the water is the perfect cure for life's daily stresses.
  • Our private holiday homes, including Marea Sol Hotel and Seaside Inn & Suites, are popular with travellers of all types. Check out the amenities and get ready for your holiday in Santa Cruz!
  • Our Santa Cruz things to do page is a terrific place to find activities around here. Of course, there's nothing like a bit of local knowledge. With a population of 64,200 inches Santa Cruz, we're sure you'll find a few people who'll point you in the right direction.
  • Get some great deals with a Santa Cruz holiday package. With all that extra money in your pocket, you won't regret indulging in this destination's best offerings. Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Wharf and Santa Cruz Wharf are amazing places to start.

Top hotels in Santa Cruz

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$162 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
S$162
10 Feb - 11 Feb
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,255 reviews)
Great service, clean rooms. parking is expensive 25$ a night.

Reviewed on 3 Feb, 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
611 Ocean St Santa Cruz CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$182 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
S$182
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,208 reviews)
Room was clean and the beds were comfortable

Reviewed on 2 Feb, 2026

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Chaminade Resort & Spa

Chaminade Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
1 Chaminade Ln Santa Cruz CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$287 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
S$287
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Restaurant and hotel staff were very friendly.

Reviewed on 6 Feb, 2026

Chaminade Resort & Spa
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.

Popular places to visit

What to do in Santa Cruz

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