Santa Cruz Trip

Things to do in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is ideal for outdoor family holidays, offering a wealth of activities. Enjoy thrilling amusement rides at the famous boardwalk, or explore the scenic recreational areas. For adventure seekers, ATV tours provide an exhilarating way to experience the stunning landscapes. With its beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere, Santa Cruz promises an unforgettable vacation experience.

Shopping

Discover Ocean Street, a vibrant shopping area in Santa Cruz with a mix of family and city vibes. For a delightful experience, visit Capitola Mercantile, located 6.4km away, offering entertainment and local treasures. If you're up for a drive, the Swift Street Courtyard provides a lively shopping atmosphere.

Recreation

At Pasatiempo Golf Course, enjoy a scenic round of golf amidst lush landscapes and vibrant outdoor vibes. Treks and Tracks Rock Climbing Trips offers invigorating climbing experiences just 8.0km away, while Luminescence Healing Haven, located 17.7km away, provides serene body treatments for ultimate relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Zip Line at TreeTopWalk, located 9.7km from Santa Cruz, offering stunning outdoor vibes. Hike the Ox Trailhead, 6.4km away, where adventure and beautiful scenery await. For more excitement, head to Cupertino Sports Center, 26.4km from Santa Cruz, for various adventure activities.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Boardwalk Bowl, where adventure vibes blend with arcade fun. For a thrilling ride, soar above the lights on the Sky Glider at the theme park. For a romantic film night, catch a movie at Cinemark Century Oakridge, a short 33.8km away.

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, and stunning beaches, making it an ideal vacation spot. Visitors can explore beautiful beaches, enjoy exhilarating rides at amusement parks, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of nearby national and state parks. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences or outdoor adventures, Santa Cruz has something for everyone to enjoy.

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Experience the thrill of this classic amusement park with its nostalgic rides and carnival games, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The Boardwalk offers family-friendly fun, outdoor adventures, and a lively atmosphere perfect for all ages.
• Mystery Spot: Discover the intriguing optical illusions and gravitational anomalies at this quirky exhibit. The Mystery Spot is a fascinating cultural experience that invites visitors to explore the mysteries of physics and perception in a unique and entertaining way.
• Capitola Beach: Enjoy the serene beauty of Capitola Beach, located only 6.4km from Santa Cruz. This picturesque beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and exploring charming seaside shops and cafés, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and beach vibes.

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.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	54.7°F (12.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	60.1°F (15.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	63.3°F (17.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	63.9°F (17.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
October	61.5°F (16.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
November	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz presents numerous budget-friendly options for visitors. Enjoy free attractions such as the University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Wharf, and Cowell's Beach. To save on accommodation, consider visiting between November and January, when prices are lower, especially on Mondays. For transport, utilise the city's bus system or opt for walking, as Santa Cruz is pedestrian-friendly. Additionally, utilise Expedia to find affordable hotel packages that combine your accommodation with flights and activities, helping you save even more on your holiday.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Santa Cruz are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Santa Cruz is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Santa Cruz is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results by price, from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you'll be presented with sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation in Santa Cruz with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.