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.
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.
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Downtown Santa Cruz pulses with artistic energy and laid-back surf vibes along the pedestrian-friendly Pacific Avenue. Street musicians serenade shoppers while colorful murals brighten historic Victorian buildings. Bookworms browse indie shops before catching films at the vintage Del Mar Theatre, all within walking distance of the famous Beach Boardwalk.
Farm-to-table restaurants and quirky cafes dot the tree-lined streets where locals and visitors mingle freely. Most accommodations feature boutique hotels and charming B&Bs in historic buildings, perfectly positioned for car-free exploration of both downtown and nearby beaches.
Seabright's sun-kissed shoreline beckons with golden sands stretching between Santa Cruz Harbor and the iconic Beach Boardwalk. Families splash in the calm waters of Harbor Beach while adventurous types catch waves at Seabright Beach. The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History offers a fascinating glimpse into coastal ecology when you need a break from the sun.
Local cafes serve fresh seafood with ocean views just steps from charming beach cottages and vacation rentals. The neighborhood's flat streets make exploring on foot or bike a breeze, with most attractions within easy walking distance. At sunset, join locals for peaceful beach strolls as the perfect end to your day.
Westside Santa Cruz blends laid-back beach vibes with artsy energy along Mission Street's corridor of craft breweries, vintage surf shops, and indie bookstores. Catch legendary waves at Steamer Lane or watch seals from the iconic Lighthouse Point. Natural Bridges State Beach offers stunning tide pools and a seasonal monarch butterfly sanctuary that feels worlds away from the boardwalk crowds.
Beach bungalows and Victorian cottages house charming B&Bs and vacation rentals throughout the neighborhood. Getting around is best done on foot or bike via dedicated lanes, with limited bus service connecting to downtown every half hour. Grab breakfast burritos at local cafes before hitting the surf or exploring the coastal trails.
Eastside Santa Cruz delivers a laid-back beach town vibe with a college twist. Twin Lakes State Beach and Seabright Beach invite you to dig your toes in the sand. Arana Gulch's coastal trails and DeLaveaga Park's disc golf course offer perfect outdoor escapes. The nearby UC Santa Cruz campus adds youthful energy with cultural events open to visitors.
The neighborhood boasts casual cafés where you can fuel up before hitting the trails. Most visitors find vacation rentals in quiet residential areas rather than hotels. Getting around requires a car or bike since public transit is limited, but the peaceful streets and gorgeous Monterey Bay views make it worth the effort.
Surfers, sun-seekers, and wave-watchers find their happy place at Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz's quintessential beach neighborhood. Watch pro surfers tackle legendary breaks from the East Cliff Drive scenic overlook, or join the action yourself at The Hook. The clifftop Pleasure Point Park offers perfect picnic spots with sweeping ocean panoramas, while sandy coves below invite barefoot wandering through fascinating tide pools.
The neighborhood serves up casual beach town vibes with locally-owned cafes specializing in fish tacos and acai bowls. Vacation rentals and boutique inns provide the perfect home base for early-morning surf sessions. Getting around is easiest on foot along coastal paths or by bike on dedicated lanes.
Kids and adults alike can have a thrilling day at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, one of the top theme parks located 1.1 mi (1.7 km) from central Santa Cruz. If you have fun at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, you'll love Sky Glider and Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, both a short walk away.
You might want to get your camera out and head to Mystery Spot— just one of the landmarks located 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from central Santa Cruz. Hotels.com travelers also say the area is full of friendly people and has lots of nice beaches.
You can stroll along Santa Cruz Wharf for relaxing water views when you're in Westside Santa Cruz. Hotels.com travelers also say the area is walkable and has lots of nice beaches. If you carry on walking you'll get to Cowell's Beach, Main Beach, and Santa Cruz Main Beach for some more water views.
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 biking trails.
During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can enjoy retail therapy at Ocean Street. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Santa Cruz Main Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
Surf world-class waves at Steamer Lane or watch pros catch air at the Santa Cruz Skate Park. Ride the Giant Dipper roller coaster on the Beach Boardwalk, then explore tide pools at Natural Bridges State Beach.
If you want the flexibility to change your travel plans to Santa Cruz, most hotels offer refundable* bookable rates. You can find these properties by searching our site and using the "fully refundable" filter to narrow down the results.
Where can I stay in Santa Cruz if I'm looking for a cheap accommodation?
Where can I stay in Santa Cruz if I want a vacation rental instead of a hotel?
If you want a good alternative to a hotel, look over our selection of 311 vacation homes. In addition, there are 28 apartments and 9 condos.
What will the weather in Santa Cruz be like during my visit?
The warmest months in Santa Cruz are usually September and August with an average temp of 63°F. February and March are the chilliest months when the average temp is 52°F. The rainiest months are December and January.
Why should I book my Santa Cruz accommodation with Hotels.com?
There are plenty of reasons to book your Santa Cruz travel with us: our free cancellations on selected hotels gives you the flexibility you're looking for, and with One Key™, our rewards program, you will be able to earn and use OneKeyCash™* on all eligible bookings such as hotels, car rentals, flights, vacation rentals and more on Hotels.com, Expedia and Vrbo.
Find out more about Santa Cruz
Find out more about Santa Cruz
Visitors really like Santa Cruz, especially its entertainment and beaches. Enjoy outdoor activities like camping and biking. Top attractions include Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. While you're here, make time to enjoy other sights such as Monterey Bay.
