Downtown Travel Guide
Santa Cruz
Popular places to visit
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Have a fun-filled day with the family at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk during your visit to 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.
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.
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.
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.
Top hotels in Downtown
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Súper simple hotel but has everything you need.
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Love staying here
Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026
Chaminade Resort & Spa
We enjoyed our stay at Chaminade! It was quite, staffs are very friend and the food at The View was fantastic. We will come back again in the future.
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Great spot. Lovely grounds. Very Safe. No elevator so stay in shape! We stay often to visit friends in area. Central location. It’s a nice hidden place away from crowds. Walking distraction grocery store.
Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Property is clean and well designed. View of the ocean is fantastic. Very nice and helpful staff.
Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026
Casablanca On The Beach
Loved everything about the room. Location. View. Bed was big and comfy. The room was spacious and clean. We wanted an extra chair and a small table so we brought the patio table in and chair from the balcony. Other than that, accommodations were very nice.
Reviewed on 8 Jan 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 Pacific Avenue.
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 Main Beach and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.
Lower Ocean
Lower Ocean might not have many top sights, but Pacific Avenue and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 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 Cowell's Beach and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.
