Where to stay in Santa Cruz
Find the best Santa Cruz areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz
6 out of top 10 points of interest in this area
Travellers to Westside Santa Cruz praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay.
Eastside Santa Cruz
1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area
Travellers come to Eastside Santa Cruz for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town.
Pleasure Point
While visiting Pleasure Point, you might make a stop by sights like Monterey Bay and Pleasure Point Park.
Beach Hill - Beach Flats
While there might not be top attractions in Beach Hill - Beach Flats, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Main Beach.
Upper Seabright
While Upper Seabright isn't home to many top sights, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Harbor are some notable places to visit nearby.
Top hotels in Santa Cruz
Chaminade Resort & Spa
1 Chaminade Ln Santa Cruz CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
4.681.587 ₫
6.547.182 ₫ total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
215 Beach Street Santa Cruz CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
7.020.424 ₫
9.336.709 ₫ total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz
325 Pacific Ave Santa Cruz CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
1.648.377 ₫
2.247.722 ₫ total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
7.4/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Quite a lot of deferred maintenance. Sink drain leaked onto the floor, room smelled of bleach (which is maybe better that what it would have smelled like otherwise)."
Reviewed on 1 Sept 2026
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.
Stay near popular Santa Cruz attractions
Photo by Adri VDM Photography
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
8.8/10 (6,089 reviews)
Experience America's classic seaside fun at this historic amusement park, home to two National Historic Landmarks. Ride the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden coaster or enjoy carnival games before stepping onto the sandy beach.
Santa Cruz Wharf
9.0/10 (2,069 reviews)
The longest timber pile pier on the US coast, Santa Cruz Wharf extends half a mile into Monterey Bay. Dine at seafood restaurants while watching sea lions and otters play in the protected marine sanctuary below.
Photo by Arup Paul
Mystery Spot
8.4/10 (1,594 reviews)
The Mystery Spot bends perception with gravity-defying illusions in a redwood forest setting. Take the 45-minute guided tour to experience balls rolling uphill and people changing height before your eyes.
Natural Bridges State Park
9.0/10 (842 reviews)
This coastal haven features a striking natural arch and tide pools teeming with marine life. From October to January, witness thousands of monarch butterflies clustering in the eucalyptus grove.
Ocean Street
8.6/10 (1,332 reviews)
Ocean Street serves as Santa Cruz's main gateway, lined with hotels and eateries for travellers entering from Highway 17. Stay here for convenient access to the Beach Boardwalk and city centre attractions just minutes away.
Photo by Alex Sam
Santa Cruz Harbor
9.0/10 (587 reviews)
This bustling marina offers immediate access to Monterey Bay with over 1,000 boat slips. Enjoy waterfront dining, book a sailing charter, or catch the Wednesday Night Sailboat Races from April through October.
University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum
8.4/10 (103 reviews)
This living laboratory showcases rare plants from five Mediterranean climate zones worldwide. Wander through Australian, South African, and California native gardens while spotting hummingbirds among vibrant blooms.
Pasatiempo Golf Course
7.4/10 (99 reviews)
Play a round of golf in Santa Cruz at Pasatiempo Golf Course, and enjoy other activities such as surfing. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Santa Cruz holiday package cost?
You can pick up a holiday package to this top destination on Expedia. However, how much your holiday to Santa Cruz costs will depend on factors like the length of stay, hotel choice and season.
What are the cheapest months to go to Santa Cruz?
If you're looking to snag a cheap Santa Cruz holiday package, consider planning a trip in December, January and February. You're likely to find better prices on airfares and hotels during these quieter months — ideal for travellers wishing to save money.
How many days is enough for Santa Cruz?
With about 2 days, you'll have plenty of time to experience popular neighbourhoods such as Westside Santa Cruz and Lower Ocean during your Santa Cruz holiday. Remember to also add Natural Bridges State Park and Cowell's Beach to your must-do list. Looking for more adventures? Consider exploring outside of Santa Cruz on tours and day trips.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz has everything you need for the perfect break — surfing, cycling and history are just the start. Whether you'd like to check out attractions like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf, or take the path less traveled, you'll have plenty to do on your Santa Cruz holiday.
How to find the best Santa Cruz package deals?
Start your search for a Santa Cruz package deal by entering your destination and preferred trip dates under our "Packages" tab. Then apply some filters, like "Popular locations" and "Amenities," to tailor the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and discover offers that come with huge savings. If you don't find the ideal Santa Cruz package deal straight away, just play around with your dates and search again. Keep in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Santa Cruz getaway off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Santa Cruz holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could score you significant savings when compared to booking flights and accommodation separately. Better still, you can customise your Santa Cruz trip to fit your exact style. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Explore our bundles to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Santa Cruz?
If you've got your Santa Cruz holiday dates confirmed, book early to snap up some outstanding deals. With Expedia, you can generally reserve some flights up to one year ahead of time. Prefer spontaneous trips? Our last-minute deals are perfect for impromptu escapes.
How to plan a trip to Santa Cruz?
- Pick your travel dates: What you plan to do in Santa Cruz and your preferred season can help you decide when to get away.
- Set a budget: Factor in expenses like food, flights and transportation when calculating how much to put aside for your trip to Santa Cruz. Then, choose a property that fits your budget, whether that's a wallet-friendly stay or a high-end retreat.
- Decide how long to go away for: Now that you know more about Santa Cruz, you can figure out the perfect length of your holiday. Pull together a rough plan and give yourself enough time to cover everything you want to do.
- Bundle your accommodation and airfare: Once you've settled on your trip dates and duration, lock in the ideal Santa Cruz holiday package for you.
