Find hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz

Top reasons to visit Downtown Santa Cruz

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: A historic amusement park featuring thrilling rides and games, perfect for family fun.
• Scenic Beaches: Enjoy beautiful sandy shores and stunning ocean views at Santa Cruz Beach, ideal for relaxation and recreation.
• Santa Cruz Wharf: Explore shops and restaurants while watching sea lions and enjoying fresh seafood.
• Outdoor Adventures: Discover the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains for hiking, biking, and breathtaking scenery.
• Vibrant Downtown Atmosphere: Experience a lively city center filled with shops, dining, and local events.

Find great hotels near Downtown Santa Cruz

Downtown Santa Cruz offers a diverse selection of accommodations, perfect for every type of traveler. From oceanfront inns to family-friendly hotels, you'll discover options that cater to adventure seekers and those traveling with pets. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to local attractions, finding the best hotel or resort to enhance your stay is easy in this charming coastal city.

• Los Gatos Lodge: Experience a blend of comfort and convenience at Los Gatos Lodge, a 3-star hotel located 29.0km from Downtown Santa Cruz. This property caters to business travelers and pet lovers alike, providing a welcoming atmosphere for both. With amenities that include pet-friendly accommodations, guests can enjoy their stay with their furry companions. The lodge features well-appointed rooms, a relaxing outdoor pool, and a business center, ensuring that whether you are traveling for work or leisure, you have everything you need for a pleasant stay.
• Ocean Pacific Lodge: Just 805m from Downtown Santa Cruz, Ocean Pacific Lodge is a charming motel perfect for families and pet owners. This family-friendly accommodation offers child-specific amenities, such as cribs available for a fee and a welcoming environment for kids. The lodge allows pets with some restrictions and provides essential services like food and water bowls for furry friends. Guests appreciate the comfortable rooms, easy access to local attractions, and the relaxed atmosphere that makes for a memorable family vacation.
• Continental Inn: Located a mere 644m from Downtown Santa Cruz, Continental Inn is an inviting option for families and pet enthusiasts. With similar amenities to Ocean Pacific Lodge, this hotel offers cribs for children (available for a fee) and pet-friendly rooms, creating a homey feel for guests traveling with kids and pets. The hotel also provides food and water bowls for pets, ensuring that all family members are well taken care of. Guests enjoy the convenient location, comfortable accommodations, and friendly service, making it a great choice for your stay.

Where to stay near Downtown Santa Cruz

Downtown Santa Cruz offers a vibrant mix of outdoor adventures, family-friendly attractions, and trendy spots to explore. Visitors can enjoy the bustling city center, perfect for a weekend getaway, while nearby Santa Cruz Mountains provide stunning scenery for excursions. With a friendly atmosphere and a relaxing vibe, this area is ideal for creating memorable experiences with loved ones. Don’t miss the local attractions that highlight the charm of this coastal gem.

• Santa Cruz: Nestled along the central coast of California, Santa Cruz is a vibrant city known for its stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Downtown Santa Cruz serves as the heart of the city, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. The city welcomes travelers year-round, with peak visits from June to August. Popular attractions include the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, outdoor activities at natural parks, and educational experiences at the local marine science center. Whether you're seeking thrills at the amusement park or a relaxing day at the beach, Santa Cruz has something for everyone.
• Westside Santa Cruz: Located just a short distance from Downtown Santa Cruz, Westside Santa Cruz is a charming neighborhood that boasts a similar beachy vibe. It’s popular among families and outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to the same attractions like the Boardwalk and nearby parks. Visitors can enjoy the laid-back lifestyle, explore local eateries, and take part in various outdoor activities. The neighborhood experiences steady visitor numbers year-round, with peak seasons aligning with summer. Whether you're strolling along the beach or enjoying a picnic in the park, Westside Santa Cruz offers a delightful escape.
• Capitola: About 6.4km from Downtown Santa Cruz, Capitola is a picturesque seaside town known for its colorful beachside cottages and charming boardwalk. This city sees a moderate seasonal influx of visitors, particularly from April to July, making it a fantastic spot for a family getaway. With beautiful beaches, vibrant local shops, and recreational areas, Capitola offers a blend of relaxation and fun. Visitors can indulge in water sports, explore art galleries, or simply unwind by the bay. Capitola's inviting atmosphere and stunning coastal views make it a must-visit destination during your trip.

Things to do near Downtown Santa Cruz

Downtown Santa Cruz offers a vibrant mix of outdoor activities and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can enjoy the famous amusement park and boardwalk, perfect for fun-filled days at the beach. Explore educational opportunities and local events, making it an ideal spot for corporate gatherings as well. With its stunning scenery and engaging options, Downtown Santa Cruz is a must-visit destination for all types of travelers.

Shopping

For a vibrant shopping experience in Downtown Santa Cruz, visit Pacific Garden Mall, just 161m away, offering a mix of entertainment and local shops. Ocean Street, 1.3km away, features a variety of family-friendly businesses, while Swift Street Courtyard, 3.2km away, combines shopping with entertainment.

Recreation

Pasatiempo Golf Course offers a scenic golfing experience just 3.2km from Downtown Santa Cruz, surrounded by lush landscapes and fresh air. For a unique adventure, Treks and Tracks Rock Climbing Trips, located 8.0km away, provides wellness-focused climbing excursions that promote relaxation and connection with nature.

For a deeper sense of tranquility, visit Luminescence Healing Haven, situated 13.2km from Downtown. This serene body treatment venue offers various holistic therapies designed to rejuvenate your spirit and foster a profound sense of relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Zip Line at TreeTopWalk, where you'll soar through the treetops, 11.3km from Downtown Santa Cruz. For hiking enthusiasts, Ox Trailhead offers stunning scenery and adventure just 6.4km away. If you're seeking more action, visit Cupertino Sports Center, 26.4km away, for various adventurous activities.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Downtown Santa Cruz with a visit to Boardwalk Bowl for fun arcade games and family vibes. For thrill-seekers, the Sky Glider offers an exciting theme park ride. For a more cultured evening, enjoy a romantic performance at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Downtown Santa Cruz

To save money on your trip to Downtown Santa Cruz, plan your visit between November and January, when accommodation prices are lower. Avoid staying on Saturdays, as Mondays tend to be the least expensive days. Utilize Expedia to find and compare hotel deals, combining your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings. Consider walking or using local public transport to explore the area affordably. Look for free activities, and keep an eye out for special deals like free nights or packages that include business amenities.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Downtown 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 around Downtown Santa Cruz is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Downtown Santa Cruz is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Downtown Santa Cruz hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Downtown Santa Cruz

Downtown Santa Cruz is a fantastic destination for outdoor family beach vacations, offering a mix of attractions such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Mountains, the scenic Santa Cruz Beach, and the iconic Santa Cruz Wharf. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful beaches, explore national and state parks, or relax at the jetty and pier, making it a perfect spot for those seeking culture and outdoor experiences.

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Experience the excitement of California's oldest amusement park, featuring thrilling rides, classic games, and a stunning beachfront. Perfect for families, it offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with outdoor adventures and fun.
• Mystery Spot: Discover the intriguing optical illusions and gravitational anomalies at this famous exhibit. With a unique cultural vibe, visitors can explore the mysterious surroundings and enjoy guided tours that reveal the secrets of this captivating location.
• Capitola Beach: Relax at this picturesque beach known for its colorful cottages and charming boardwalk. Enjoy the sun, surf, and sand while taking in the laid-back beach vibes, making it a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, or simply unwinding.

Best time to go to Downtown Santa Cruz

The best time to visit Downtown Santa Cruz is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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

The nearest major airports for your trip to Downtown Santa Cruz

Traveling to Downtown Santa Cruz is convenient with three major airports nearby. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 78.9km away, with luxury hotels like the Fairmont San Francisco and Palace Hotel offering transfer services. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), located 45.1km from Downtown, has nearby options like Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto and Santa Clara Marriott, both providing quick access to the airport. Lastly, Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 83.7km distant, with high-end accommodations such as Claremont Resort & Club and 1 Hotel San Francisco, ensuring easy airport connections. Each airport provides a variety of transportation services for seamless travel.