Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Tours

Photo by Susana Neri
Photo by Brad and Wi-Wi
Photo by Adri VDM Photography
Photo by naomi hardy
Photo by Rachel Gilman


Plan a trip to see Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

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Aloft San Jose Cupertino

Reviews of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1064
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
724
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
176
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
34
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
15
1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Can’t bring dogs on the beach walks.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful landscape, terrible smell of human waste from hundreds of homeless people

5/5 - Excellent

Sandra

We went on Tuesday, Sept 10; the rides were closed, but that's ok; it was early, foggy, empty, eerie,which was great for art photography! With the exception of the maintenance crew, we had the run of the place. Score! Probably not what most visitors want from a review, but for those who are into art photography, you get it!!

4/5 - Good

DonH

Parking is a mess. Maybe put a traffic officer or two out there to help out?

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Good for family with young children who want to enjoy fun fair rides and tons of junk food

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Get there early!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

3 out of 5
550 2nd St, Santa Cruz, CA
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Marea Sol Hotel

Marea Sol Hotel

2 out of 5
301 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA
Marea Sol Hotel
Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

4 out of 5
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites

2 out of 5
619 Riverside Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
Surf City Inn and Suites
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
611 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge

2 out of 5
301 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

3 out of 5
313 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

3 out of 5
407 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Fireside Inn Santa Cruz

Fireside Inn Santa Cruz

2 out of 5
311 2nd Street, Santa Cruz, CA
Fireside Inn Santa Cruz
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.

Things to do near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

At Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including scenic walks along the boardwalk, thrilling water rides, and engaging surf lessons. The area is perfect for outdoor experiences, where you can take in beautiful sunsets and partake in sports. Whether you're strolling through the vibrant boardwalk or splashing in the waves, there's something for everyone to enjoy during your visit.

Shopping

Ocean Street, located 1.6km from the Boardwalk, offers a vibrant mix of shops perfect for gifts. Swift Street Courtyard, 3.2km away, combines entertainment with shopping. If you're up for a drive, Capitola Mercantile, 6.4km away, provides a charming atmosphere for unique finds.

Recreation

At Pasatiempo Golf Course, enjoy a scenic day on the greens just 4.8km away, perfect for relaxation and outdoor vibes. Treks and Tracks Rock Climbing Trips, 9.7km away, offers thrilling climbing experiences that promote wellness. For a serene retreat, Luminescence Healing Haven, 19.3km away, provides rejuvenating body treatments.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Zip Line at TreeTopWalk, where you’ll soar through the trees and enjoy breathtaking outdoor views, located 11.3km from the Boardwalk. For a different adventure, visit Santa Clara Paintball, 40.2km away, for an adrenaline-pumping paintball battle in a vibrant setting.

For hiking enthusiasts, Ox Trailhead is a scenic trail located 8.0km from the Boardwalk, offering beautiful outdoor views and a chance to immerse yourself in nature’s adventure vibes.

Nightlife

Start your nightlife adventure at Boardwalk Bowl for fun arcade games and family vibes, located 483m away. Then, glide above the Boardwalk on the Sky Glider, just 322m away, for a thrilling experience. For a cultural touch, catch a show at Flint Center for the Performing Arts, 40.2km from the Boardwalk.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a vibrant destination offering a mix of beach fun, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the sandy shores, explore the nearby national and state parks, and stroll along the picturesque wharf. With attractions like the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and the scenic jetty, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this charming coastal city.

  • Capitola Beach: Located 6.4km from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Capitola Beach offers a picturesque seaside experience with its soft sand and vibrant beach vibes. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or exploring the charming coastal village filled with colorful shops and restaurants.
  • Mystery Spot: Also 6.4km away, the Mystery Spot is a fascinating exhibit that showcases optical illusions and gravitational anomalies. This quirky attraction invites you to experience the strange and puzzling environment, perfect for those with a curious mind.
  • Santa Cruz Wharf: Just 805m from the Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Wharf is a lively jetty where you can savor fresh seafood, watch sea lions, or enjoy friendly interactions with locals. This bustling hub offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding coastline.

Best time to go to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The best time to visit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk falls in December, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
February52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.7°F (12.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May56.7°F (13.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June60.1°F (15.6°C)No RainSunnyHighSlightly High
July62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnyHighSlightly High
August63.3°F (17.4°C)No RainSunnyHighSlightly High
September63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October61.5°F (16.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnyLowSlightly Low
December52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

To save money on your visit to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, plan your trip between November and January when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays tend to be the most affordable days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and consider package deals that include flights and activities for extra savings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area and use public transportation, which can be a cost-effective way to get around. Look for exclusive discounts and free night offers to maximize your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 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 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search feature to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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