Title: Visit Westside Santa Cruz: Best of Westside Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Travel 2026 | Expedia Tourism - Expedia.ca [Hotels in Westside Santa Cruz](https://expedia.ca/Westside-Santa-Cruz-Santa-Cruz-Hotels.0-n553248633938969903-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Santa Cruz](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Santa-Cruz.d6666.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Santa Cruz](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Santa-Cruz.d6666.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Westside Santa Cruz Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d553248633938969903.Car-Rental-Guide)[Westside Santa Cruz Vacations](https://expedia.ca/Westside-Santa-Cruz.d553248633938969903.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Westside Santa Cruz ## Santa Cruz ![This is a small state park at the northern end of Santa Cruz' scenic West Cliff Drive and a little over a mile from the Boardwalk, wharf and Main Beach. A couple of times a year you can see Monarch butterflies during their migration. They are not in the numbers of years past, but you'll still see some. If you walk north towards the rocks during low tide you will find some amazing tidepools full of sea anenomes, sea urchins, starfish, crabs, hermit crabs, and all sorts of marine life. The tidepools are on a ledge, so the tide needs to be quite high (>4 ft?) to reach them. The beach is absolutely stunning at sunset. #localsecrets](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/b5aae69b-1420-44c5-9700-09c18e2d48b0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![This is a small state park at the northern end of Santa Cruz' scenic West Cliff Drive and a little over a mile from the Boardwalk, wharf and Main Beach. A couple of times a year you can see Monarch butterflies during their migration. They are not in the numbers of years past, but you'll still see some. If you walk north towards the rocks during low tide you will find some amazing tidepools full of sea anenomes, sea urchins, starfish, crabs, hermit crabs, and all sorts of marine life. The tidepools are on a ledge, so the tide needs to be quite high (>4 ft?) to reach them. The beach is absolutely stunning at sunset. #localsecrets](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/b5aae69b-1420-44c5-9700-09c18e2d48b0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Not only is the beach beautiful but there is a refugee for wintering monarch butterflies! This was also where I saw my first sea lion when I moved here! #beachbound ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/5ca6db42-f476-49f4-b79b-1f1575e51ee7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Walk through cave!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/f5e7a2ff-3c08-4003-b2c9-0326dc61e1f4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![A few hours before low tide, the beach was completely foggy! We tromped all over the rocks and the kids ran into the water, completely soaking themselves! It finally cleared up and was a beautiful evening, but the fog had its own mystery. #beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/1dcf6b83-04b9-4160-8858-afce1eee34d3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Westside Santa Cruz Things to do Hotels Where to stay [Santa Cruz travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz.dx6666) --- ### Popular places to visit ![Gotta ride this 100 year old wooden roller Coaster on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/b45be7dc-b7ee-4e2f-913e-96687d20622a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Enjoy the thrill rides with your kiddos at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as part of your trip to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Beach-Boardwalk-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6065915.Vacation-Attraction) ![Pier at Santa Cruz, California](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6209895/eb65cea1-184a-499c-ae20-633fad3592be.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Wharf-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6209895.Vacation-Attraction) ![USA-Santa Cruz-Natural Bridges State Beach; Shutterstock ID 101070745](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065917/43bea666-ed08-4f82-a646-075da65a2a91.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Natural-Bridges-State-Park-Santa-Cruz.d6065917.Vacation-Attraction) ![CWFJJA USA California CA Santa Cruz clock tower and trolley on Pacific Avenue](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327592/765dd2b7-8dc8-43e9-a63e-99581f2057c7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Pacific-Avenue-Santa-Cruz.d6327592.Vacation-Attraction) ![EN5XP1 Street scene in autumn with shops art galleries on Ocean Avenue Carmel Monterey County California](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6351808/ef056b2b-5188-40e2-985c-ead470ec0f72.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Ocean-Street-Santa-Cruz.d6351808.Vacation-Attraction) ![0_101070739](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065913/e3360ab9-a54d-436a-babf-59649cbc6bbd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Main Beach Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Main Beach during your travels in Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails. [](https://expedia.ca/Main-Beach-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6065913.Vacation-Attraction) ### Things to do ![Santa Cruz Redwoods Forest Therapy ](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4252920/81677566-18a6-4e11-abfe-6b1d4f48d69b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Redwoods Forest Bathing CA $124 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/redwoods-forest-bathing.a4252920.activity-details) ![Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2262173/5e1c9c51-0e8d-438a-bf60-efbabfd1eb34.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz CA $193 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/beginner-surf-lesson-in-santa-cruz.a2262173.activity-details) ![Santa Cruz Guided E-Bike Ride & Most Fun Ebike Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47179410/3c8df453-e7b9-4882-8712-68fe12a42649.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour CA $153 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/santa-cruz-guided-ebike-ride-most-fun-bike-e-bike-tour.a47179410.activity-details) ![Mermaid family photoshoot Santa Cruz](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/50896815/8d48ddf4-554f-4b26-a3b3-7340d6f859f0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mermaid Experience & Photoshoot CA $305 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/mermaid-experience-photoshoot.a50896815.activity-details) ![Rock Climbing 2 - Beyond the Basics](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1391601/fe50a3dc-b95f-4815-a331-05cbbc16d855.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Outdoor Rock Climbing - Level 2 CA $165 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/outdoor-rock-climbing-level-2.a1391601.activity-details) ![Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing - Bay Area](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1389006/f88c6e25-e576-4462-9814-d27f0a305b4f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing - Bay Area CA $179 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/beginner-outdoor-rock-climbing-bay-area.a1389006.activity-details) [See all activities in Santa Cruz](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Santa-Cruz.d6666.Travel-Guide-Activities) --- ## Westside Santa Cruz Hotel Deals ![La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/8700/8673/534cb8dc_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz 550 2nd St Santa Cruz CA CA $150 CA $174 total Feb 9 - Feb 10 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,246 reviews) Room was clean. Check in was very smooth. Staff was very informative and welcoming. Amenities were as described. Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=09%2F02%2F2026&endDate=10%2F02%2F2026&selected=8673&PinnedHotelID=8673&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248633938969903) ![Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/11100/11056/bbbd3a94_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection 611 Ocean St Santa Cruz CA CA $167 CA $193 total Feb 9 - Feb 10 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (1,205 reviews) Room was clean and the beds were comfortable Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=09%2F02%2F2026&endDate=10%2F02%2F2026&selected=11056&PinnedHotelID=11056&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248633938969903) ![Marea Sol Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88130000/88129500/88129451/805a75d8_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Marea Sol Hotel 301 Beach St Santa Cruz CA CA $159 CA $184 total Feb 8 - Feb 9 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this beach hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ... 9/10 Wonderful! (1,367 reviews) Clean, updated room, was quiet. Best thing is the location Reviewed on Jan 30, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=08%2F02%2F2026&endDate=09%2F02%2F2026&selected=88129451&PinnedHotelID=88129451&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248633938969903) ![Dream Inn Santa Cruz](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/23500/23409/ea20759f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Dream Inn Santa Cruz 175 W Cliff Dr Santa Cruz CA CA $319 CA $363 total Feb 8 - Feb 9 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this beach resort in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews) Just nothing beats those views - literally on the beach, you wake up Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=08%2F02%2F2026&endDate=09%2F02%2F2026&selected=23409&PinnedHotelID=23409&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248633938969903) ![La Bahia Hotel and Spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/117000000/116230000/116228500/116228420/1de12286_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### La Bahia Hotel and Spa 215 Beach Street Santa Cruz CA CA $349 CA $469 total Feb 8 - Feb 9 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Capitola ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (97 reviews) Such a gorgeous hotel! It stands out in the best way compared to any other hotel near the Boardwalk. Reviewed on Jan 27, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=08%2F02%2F2026&endDate=09%2F02%2F2026&selected=116228420&PinnedHotelID=116228420&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248633938969903) ![Casablanca On The Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/6000000/5070000/5068000/5067924/bd38ccfb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Casablanca On The Beach 101 Main St Santa Cruz CA CA $121 CA $188 total Feb 17 - Feb 18 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this beach hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (1,191 reviews) This was my second time here and this time we had a beach view. Once again everything was nice from staff to room. The shared balcony overlooking the beach and wharf was lovely Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=17%2F02%2F2026&endDate=18%2F02%2F2026&selected=5067924&PinnedHotelID=5067924&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248633938969903) [See all 1,222 properties in Westside Santa Cruz](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=08%2F02%2F2026&endDate=09%2F02%2F2026®ionId=553248633938969903) 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. ## Check Westside Santa Cruz hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969903&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)[Feb 7 - Feb 8](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969903&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969903&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[Feb 8 - Feb 9](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969903&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969903&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 13 - Feb 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248633938969903&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) --- ### Other neighbourhoods around Westside Santa Cruz ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Mission Hill While visiting Mission Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Mission-Hill.dx896314430246297600) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Downtown If you're spending some time in Downtown, Pacific Avenue and Williams-Reynolds House are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Downtown.dx980414823093735424) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Circles.dx553248635976471210) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Westlake When in Westlake, you can plan a visit to University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum and Mission Santa Cruz, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Westlake.dx553248635976384030) ![Downtown, Santa Cruz, California, USA, during autumn. The image shows the street with trees in fall colors, buildings, and a bus. The photo shows the city's architecture.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248633938969818/f79caaa9-8341-416d-bfd4-b5257e0727fe.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Downtown-Santa-Cruz.dx553248633938969818) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Nobel While Nobel might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum and Swift Street Courtyard. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Nobel.dx980415747136634880) --- --- - [Stays](?pwaLob=wizard-hotel-pwa-v2) - [Packages](?pwaLob=wizard-package-pwa) - [Flights](?pwaLob=wizard-flight-pwa) - [Things to do](?pwaLob=wizard-lx-pwa) - [Cruises](?pwaLob=wizard-cruise-pwa) - [Cars](?pwaLob=wizard-car-pwa) # Westside Santa Cruz ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels and earn double points when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app