-
Overview
Downtown Santa Cruz is a vibrant neighborhood located in the heart of Santa Cruz, California. It is known for its lively atmosphere, diverse culture, and abundance of attractions. The bustling streets are filled with a mix of local businesses, boutique shops, delicious restaurants, and a vibrant music scene. The area is often buzzing with street performers and live music, creating a unique and lively ambiance.
-
When to visit
The best time to visit Downtown Santa Cruz is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. This is also when several exciting festivals and events take place, such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk concerts, the Santa Cruz Film Festival, and the Downtown Sidewalk Sales. However, the neighborhood has a lively atmosphere year-round and offers unique experiences during each season.
-
Reasons to Visit
There are several reasons to visit Downtown Santa Cruz. Shopping enthusiasts can explore the variety of unique boutiques and specialty stores that offer everything from clothing and accessories to handmade crafts and local artwork. Food lovers will rejoice in the wide array of culinary options available, ranging from casual cafes to upscale dining establishments. Additionally, the neighborhood is home to an impressive selection of art galleries and museums, showcasing the creativity and talent of local artists.
-
Nearby Attractions
-
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a renowned seaside amusement park that offers thrilling rides, entertaining games, and a nostalgic atmosphere. It is the oldest amusement park in California and is a must-visit attraction in Downtown Santa Cruz.
-
Pacific Avenue
Pacific Avenue is the main street in Downtown Santa Cruz, lined with numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a vibrant hub of activity and an ideal place for people-watching, shopping, and enjoying a leisurely stroll.
-
Museum of Art and History
The Museum of Art and History is a cultural gem in Downtown Santa Cruz, featuring a diverse range of exhibits, interactive installations, and educational programs. Visitors can explore the region's history, art, and culture within its walls.
-
Tannery Arts Center
The Tannery Arts Center is a dynamic arts complex that houses artist studios, performances spaces, and galleries. It serves as a vibrant hub for the local artistic community in Downtown Santa Cruz.
-
Santa Cruz Wharf
The Santa Cruz Wharf is a picturesque pier stretching into the Monterey Bay. It offers stunning views of the coastline, fishing opportunities, waterfront dining, and souvenir shops. A visit to the wharf is a quintessential experience in Downtown Santa Cruz.
-
Hotels
-
Best Western Inn
- Make yourself at home in one of the 28 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available Next available price is 332.31 on Sept. 20, 2025.
Best Western Inn
-
Best Western Plus All Suites Inn
- Make yourself at home in one of the 77 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair d Next available price is 365.75 on Sept. 20, 2025.
Best Western Plus All Suites Inn
-
Capri Motel
- Make yourself at home in one of the 17 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for y Next available price is on .
Capri Motel
-
Carousel Beach Inn
- Located 2 minutes’ walk away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Carousel Beach Inn offers rooms equipped with a private balcony. It serves a daily continental breakfast.
A flat-screen TV with cable Next available price is on .
Carousel Beach Inn
-
Cliff Crest Bed & Breakfast
- Make yourself at home in one of the 6 guestrooms featuring DVD players. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms Next available price is on .
Cliff Crest Bed & Breakfast
-
Comfort Inn Beach/Boardwalk Area
- Make yourself at home in one of the 28 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Wired and wireless internet access is complimentary, and LCD televisions with cable programming provide entert Next available price is 113.99 on Sept. 21, 2025.
Comfort Inn Beach/Boardwalk Area
-
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz
- Make yourself at home in one of the 62 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. 47-inch LCD televisions with digital programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireles Next available price is 134.55 on Sept. 21, 2025.
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz
-
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
- Make yourself at home in one of the 151 air-conditioned rooms featuring LCD televisions. Your bed comes with down comforters, and all rooms are furnished with king sofa beds. Complimentary wireless in Next available price is 171.18 on Sept. 22, 2025.
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
-
Drift Inn, LLC
- This central Santa Cruz motel is just an 8-minute walk from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It features guest rooms with free Wi-Fi access and a cable TV.
A microwave and mini-fridge are furnished in al Next available price is on .
Drift Inn, LLC
-
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz
- Make yourself at home in one of the 46 air-conditioned rooms featuring DVD players and LCD televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming Next available price is 142.27 on Sept. 22, 2025.
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz
-
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA
- Make yourself at home in one of the 60 air-conditioned rooms featuring microwaves and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is avai Next available price is on .
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA
-
Harbor Inn
- Make yourself at home in one of the 19 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available fo Next available price is on .
Harbor Inn
-
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz, an IHG Hotel
- Make yourself at home in one of the 100 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and LCD televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming p Next available price is 388.55 on Sept. 20, 2025.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz, an IHG Hotel
-
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
- Stay in one of 170 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms h Next available price is 440.81 on Sept. 20, 2025.
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
-
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Make yourself at home in one of the 27 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is Next available price is 436.05 on Sept. 20, 2025.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
-
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
- Make yourself at home in one of the 60 guestrooms featuring microwaves and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides Next available price is on .
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
-
Pacific Blue Inn
- Make yourself at home in one of the 9 air-conditioned rooms featuring fireplaces. Your pillowtop bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Cable programming and iPod docking stations are pro Next available price is on .
Pacific Blue Inn
-
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
- Make yourself at home in one of the 25 air-conditioned rooms featuring LED televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertai Next available price is on .
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
-
Santa Cruz Hostel
- Featuring barbecue facilities and a garden, Santa Cruz Hostel is located in Santa Cruz, 500 metres from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This property also provides guests with a sun terrace. Set in the Sa Next available price is on .
Santa Cruz Hostel
-
Sea & Sand Inn
- Located within 10 minutes’ walk from Santa Cruz Wharf and Boardwalk, this hotel features rooms with free Wi-Fi. It offers a 24-hour reception and free guest parking.
A TV and a DVD player are feature Next available price is on .
Sea & Sand Inn
-
Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz/Beach Boardwalk East
- Make yourself at home in one of the 24 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Next available price is on .
Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz/Beach Boardwalk East
-
The Aqua Pacific Hotel
- Make yourself at home in one of the 36 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring iPod docking stations and Smart televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with premium bedding. Complimentary wired and Next available price is on .
The Aqua Pacific Hotel
-
The Boardwalk Beach House
- Stay in one of 9 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms with showers are provided. Conveniences include ceil Next available price is on .
The Boardwalk Beach House