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
A coastal cityscape with a beach, pier, and amusement park.

Westside Santa Cruz

6 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

Travellers to Westside Santa Cruz praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay.

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A rocky coastline with waves crashing against the rocks.

Eastside Santa Cruz

1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

Travellers come to Eastside Santa Cruz for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town.

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A crowded beach with numerous boats and people.

Pleasure Point

While visiting Pleasure Point, you might make a stop by sights like Monterey Bay and Pleasure Point Park.

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A street with a clock tower, a tram, and a building with a sign.

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 Santa Cruz Main Beach.

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A beach with people playing and walking.

Upper Seabright

While Upper Seabright isn't home to many top sights, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Harbor are some notable places to visit nearby.

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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 Bahia Hotel and Spa

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

215 Beach Street Santa Cruz CA
S$446
9 Sept - 10 Sept
includes taxes & fees
9.6/10 Exceptional! (478 reviews)
"Velvet parking was terrible; I gave the card to one of the short guys, and he asked me to check out, and I said yes. It took 30 minutes before we got our car; people came after us, and they had already left. I texted them before we left the room, but it didn't make any difference. Finally, an Asian ..."

Reviewed on 8 Sept, 2026

La Bahia Hotel and Spa
Chaminade Resort & Spa

Chaminade Resort & Spa

1 Chaminade Ln Santa Cruz CA
S$323
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

325 Pacific Ave Santa Cruz CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
S$109
9 Sept - 10 Sept
includes taxes & fees
7.4/10 Good! (1,016 reviews)
"The location of the Bay Front Inn was EXCELLENTLY located to walk to the Santa Cruz Wharf, Boardwalk and numerous restaurants. Although it was a little weathered in appearance, it met my basic needs."

Reviewed on 8 Sept, 2026

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz
See all 753 properties in 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.

Stay near popular Santa Cruz attractions

A pier with colorful cable cars, a beach, and a sign that reads "WORLD FAMOUS."
Photo by Adri VDM Photography

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

8.8/10 (6,089 reviews)
Experience America's classic seaside fun at this historic amusement park, home to two National Historic Landmarks. Ride the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden coaster or enjoy carnival games before stepping onto the sandy beach.
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A pier extending into the ocean with a roller coaster in the background.

Santa Cruz Wharf

9.0/10 (2,069 reviews)
The longest timber pile pier on the US coast, Santa Cruz Wharf extends half a mile into Monterey Bay. Dine at seafood restaurants while watching sea lions and otters play in the protected marine sanctuary below.
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A yellow sign with red and black text reading "ENTRANCE To MYSTERY SPOT Santa Cruz, Calif. U.S.A."
Photo by Arup Paul

Mystery Spot

8.4/10 (1,594 reviews)
The Mystery Spot bends perception with gravity-defying illusions in a redwood forest setting. Take the 45-minute guided tour to experience balls rolling uphill and people changing height before your eyes.
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A natural rock arch formation on a beach with calm waters reflecting the structure.

Natural Bridges State Park

9.0/10 (842 reviews)
This coastal haven features a striking natural arch and tide pools teeming with marine life. From October to January, witness thousands of monarch butterflies clustering in the eucalyptus grove.
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A historic half-timbered building with a stone facade, surrounded by trees and a red brick sidewalk.

Ocean Street

8.6/10 (1,332 reviews)
Ocean Street serves as Santa Cruz's main gateway, lined with hotels and eateries for travellers entering from Highway 17. Stay here for convenient access to the Beach Boardwalk and city centre attractions just minutes away.
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A lighthouse at sunset, rocky shoreline, calm water, and a clear sky.
Photo by Alex Sam

Santa Cruz Harbor

9.0/10 (587 reviews)
This bustling marina offers immediate access to Monterey Bay with over 1,000 boat slips. Enjoy waterfront dining, book a sailing charter, or catch the Wednesday Night Sailboat Races from April through October.
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University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum

8.4/10 (103 reviews)
This living laboratory showcases rare plants from five Mediterranean climate zones worldwide. Wander through Australian, South African, and California native gardens while spotting hummingbirds among vibrant blooms.
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Pasatiempo Golf Course

7.4/10 (99 reviews)
Play a round of golf in Santa Cruz at Pasatiempo Golf Course, and enjoy other activities such as surfing. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.
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What to do in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Beach Hill to Mission Hill Loop Via Downtown

Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop

S$57
per adult
Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour

Capitola Friday Night Food Tour

S$164
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour
Humpback Whale Breaching

Ocean Safaris Whale Watching semi-private limited to 6 people max

S$520
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ocean Safaris Whale Watching semi-private limited to 6 people max
See all activities in Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Santa Cruz holiday package cost?
You can pick up a holiday package to this top destination on Expedia. However, how much your holiday to Santa Cruz costs will depend on factors like the length of stay, hotel choice and season.
What are the cheapest months to go to Santa Cruz?
If you're looking to snag a cheap Santa Cruz holiday package, consider planning a trip in December, January and February. You're likely to find better prices on airfares and hotels during these quieter months — ideal for travellers wishing to save money.
How many days is enough for Santa Cruz?
With about 2 days, you'll have plenty of time to experience popular neighbourhoods such as Westside Santa Cruz and Lower Ocean during your Santa Cruz holiday. Remember to also add Natural Bridges State Park and Cowell's Beach to your must-do list. Looking for more adventures? Consider exploring outside of Santa Cruz on tours and day trips.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz has everything you need for the perfect break — surfing, cycling and history are just the start. Whether you'd like to check out attractions like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf, or take the path less traveled, you'll have plenty to do on your Santa Cruz holiday.
How to find the best Santa Cruz package deals?
Start your search for a Santa Cruz package deal by entering your destination and preferred trip dates under our "Packages" tab. Then apply some filters, like "Popular locations" and "Amenities," to tailor the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and discover offers that come with huge savings. If you don't find the ideal Santa Cruz package deal straight away, just play around with your dates and search again. Keep in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Santa Cruz getaway off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Santa Cruz holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could score you significant savings when compared to booking flights and accommodation separately. Better still, you can customise your Santa Cruz trip to fit your exact style. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Explore our bundles to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Santa Cruz?
If you've got your Santa Cruz holiday dates confirmed, book early to snap up some outstanding deals. With Expedia, you can generally reserve some flights up to one year ahead of time. Prefer spontaneous trips? Our last-minute deals are perfect for impromptu escapes.
How to plan a trip to Santa Cruz?
  1. Pick your travel dates: What you plan to do in Santa Cruz and your preferred season can help you decide when to get away.
  2. Set a budget: Factor in expenses like food, flights and transportation when calculating how much to put aside for your trip to Santa Cruz. Then, choose a property that fits your budget, whether that's a wallet-friendly stay or a high-end retreat.
  3. Decide how long to go away for: Now that you know more about Santa Cruz, you can figure out the perfect length of your holiday. Pull together a rough plan and give yourself enough time to cover everything you want to do.
  4. Bundle your accommodation and airfare: Once you've settled on your trip dates and duration, lock in the ideal Santa Cruz holiday package for you.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.