Downtown, CA
Santa Cruz
Popular places to visit
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Enjoy the thrills at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and find out why people love this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
Mystery Spot
Find out about the history of Santa Cruz with a stop at 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 biking 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 enjoy retail therapy 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 browse for the perfect souvenirs at Pacific Avenue. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.
Downtown Hotel Deals
Ocean Pacific Lodge
I love this place. Close to the beach, close to downtown. Great location. Friendly staff. Clean rooms.
Reviewed on 2026/2/21
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Clean room. Very nice property. Free EV Charger!!
Reviewed on 2026/2/22
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Yes
Reviewed on 2026/2/18
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Amenities and staff
Reviewed on 2026/2/23
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Perfect location right on the sand in Santa Cruz! Could watch the waves and the surfers from the room and activity on the pier. Room was a good size. Enjoyed the convenience of the coffee cart in the lobby and the food and views at Jack O’neills were excellent!
Reviewed on 2026/2/22
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Proximity to the main attractions such as the boardwalk and west cliff drive area. There’s hot food offered every day included in our stay but it’s the same everyday (sausage,eggs and bacon). It would have been better if it’s different everyday. Room is spacious. They could have placed a small table ...
Reviewed on 2026/2/22
Other neighborhoods 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
Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Monterey Bay and Pacific Avenue, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.
Beach Hill - Beach Flats
Beach Hill - Beach Flats might not have many top sights, but Main Beach and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Lower Ocean
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lower Ocean and surrounding area, you can visit Pacific Avenue and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Circles
While there might not be top attractions in Circles, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Cowell's Beach and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.
