How much does a Santa Cruz vacation package cost?

You can grab a vacation package to this destination from CA $563 on Expedia. However, how much your vacation to Santa Cruz costs will depend on the season, hotel choice and length of stay.

What are the cheapest months to go to Santa Cruz?

If you're hoping to snag a cheap Santa Cruz vacation package, consider visiting in December, January and February. You'll generally find lower rates on flights and accommodations during these quieter months — perfect for a budget-friendly break.

How many days is enough for Santa Cruz?

With around 2 days, you'll have plenty of time to experience popular neighbourhoods like Westside Santa Cruz and Lower Ocean during your Santa Cruz vacation. Remember to also add Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Santa Cruz Wharf to your list of must-sees. In the mood for more adventures? Consider venturing outside of Santa Cruz on tours and day trips.

Is it worth booking a vacation package to Santa Cruz?

Whether you'd like to explore top attractions like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf on your Santa Cruz vacation, or coming for its great surfing, cycling and history, there's something for everyone here. With so much to experience, you'll soon learn why so many visitors think Santa Cruz is a good vacation destination.

How to find the best Santa Cruz package deals?

Begin your search for a Santa Cruz package deal by entering your destination and preferred travel dates under our "Packages" tab. Then apply some filters, like "Property type" and "Popular locations," to tailor the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and browse offers that come with huge savings. If you don't find the perfect Santa Cruz package deal right away, just switch up your dates and search again. Bear in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Santa Cruz adventure underway.

Is it cheaper to book a Santa Cruz vacation as a package?

Expedia vacation packages are designed to help you keep more money in your pocket. Bundle your flight, hotel and car rental into one great-value price and enjoy significant savings. You'll usually snag a better deal than booking each component separately. And you'll still enjoy the flexibility to create a personalized Santa Cruz vacation by choosing your preferred airline, accommodation type and car class.

When to book a vacation package to Santa Cruz?

If you have your Santa Cruz vacation dates confirmed, book as early as you can to snap up some awesome deals. With Expedia, you can generally reserve some flights up to a year in advance. Prefer spur-of-the-moment getaways? Our last-minute deals are great for impromptu escapes.

How to plan a trip to Santa Cruz?

Choose when to travel: Check your schedule and get packing. Your preferred season and the type of activities available will also help you decide when to visit Santa Cruz. Work out your budget: Make sure you have enough money to pay for everything from transportation and food to flights and experiences. Your accommodations will probably be the largest expense during your trip to Santa Cruz. Decide your trip length: Consider how long you'd like to spend exploring Santa Cruz. Plan your itinerary so you can get to all the attractions and activities you're interested in without rushing. Bundle your hotel and flights: Awesome destination, check. Length of stay, check. All that's left is to find a Santa Cruz vacation package that brings all your bookings together.

Santa Cruz Vacation Packages & Trips 2025 from $266

Name: Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Price range: CA $206
Rating: 8.4

Your Santa Cruz Vacation

Its laid-back lifestyle, surfing and progressive thinking are among the many reasons to book a vacation package to Santa Cruz. Whatever is taking you to this coastal city, you're sure to have a fantastic experience. You'll want to go sightseeing during your trip to Santa Cruz. Make time for top attractions such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, University of California, Santa Cruz and Natural Bridges State Park. Expedia will help you escape your daily routine. Tailor your vacation to Santa Cruz to suit your travel style, whatever that may be!

Top Santa Cruz Vacation Deals

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

Hyatt House San Jose Airport

North San Jose

per person

Sep 5 - Sep 8

found 5 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Edmonton (YEG) to San Jose (SJC)

9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)

There was a surprise parking cost of 20$.

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2025

Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto

per person

Oct 13 - Oct 20

found 16 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Vancouver (YVR) to San Jose (SJC)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,009 reviews)

Very accessible to all tech companies. and close to Stanford and affordable for a beautiful hotel.

Reviewed on Jul. 30, 2025

@ Marbella Lane - 3BR Designer Near Valley Fair

per person

Sep 4 - Sep 7

found 22 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Ottawa (YOW) to San Jose (SJC)

No reviews

Ramada by Wyndham Mountain View

North Whisman

per person

Sep 3 - Sep 10

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Toronto (YYZ) to San Jose (SJC)

7.8/10 Good! (838 reviews)

Decent budget hotel in an expensive area. Room is clean & bed is comfortable. Hot breakfast is a pleasant surprise with the amount of selections. Hotel rooms facing the freeway can be noisy. Safety light in the parking lot is very bright at night , a good feature ! The ice machine has been out for months and the dryer is out of order.

Reviewed on Jul. 26, 2025

Hotel Valencia Santana Row

per person

Sep 3 - Sep 7

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Ottawa (YOW) to San Jose (SJC)

9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)

Nice location. Excellent front desk. Attentive staff. Clean.

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2025

Things to do in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, is perfect for outdoor family beach vacations, offering a range of activities like visiting the famous amusement park and boardwalk. Enjoy great surfing, relaxing beach days, and scenic day trips. Don't miss the ultimate safari experiences and a comprehensive sightseeing list to make the most of your visit. Whether you're seeking thrills or relaxation, Santa Cruz has something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

Experience vibrant shopping on Ocean Street, where you'll find a mix of local businesses and family-friendly vibes. For a delightful visit, check out Capitola Mercantile, just 6.4km away, offering entertainment and a variety of shops. If you're up for a drive, Swift Street Courtyard is also worth a visit.

Recreation

Enjoy a round at Pasatiempo Golf Course, where you can soak in the stunning landscapes and vibrant outdoor atmosphere. For relaxation, Treks and Tracks Rock Climbing Trips offers rejuvenating experiences just a short drive away, while Luminescence Healing Haven provides serene body treatments for ultimate wellness.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of soaring through the trees at the Zip Line treeTopWalk, located 9.7km from Santa Cruz, surrounded by nature. For indoor fun, visit Boardwalk Bowl, an arcadeAdventureZone filled with games and family-friendly activities, or take a ride on the Sky Glider for entertainment and adventure.

Nightlife

In Santa Cruz, the nightlife is vibrant and eclectic. Visit Pacific Avenue for lively bars and music venues, or head to the beach for bonfires and sunset views. Don't miss the iconic Catalyst Club for live performances and the cozy ambiance of the Crow's Nest for drinks with a view.

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

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is perfect for outdoor and family beach vacations, offering a mix of stunning beaches, national parks, and exciting amusement parks. Explore the vibrant local culture and enjoy various outdoor experiences that cater to all travellers. Whether you're relaxing on the beach or delving into nature, Santa Cruz has something for everyone. Be sure to take advantage of the numerous activities available to enhance your visit.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic amusement park, where thrilling rides and classic games create lasting family memories. With its stunning ocean views and diverse attractions, it’s a perfect blend of adventure and fun for all ages.
Mystery Spot: Delve into the intriguing world of optical illusions at this unique exhibit. Surrounded by towering redwoods, the Mystery Spot challenges your perception of gravity and physics, offering a captivating cultural experience that keeps visitors guessing.
Capitola Beach: Relax at this picturesque beach, known for its charming seaside village and colourful cottages. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or strolling along the shore while soaking in the laid-back beach vibes and stunning coastal views just 6.4km from Santa Cruz.

Best time to go to Santa Cruz

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

Tips to save on your trip to Santa Cruz

Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
Consider traveling to Santa Cruz during the low season (November to January) for more affordable options.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Santa Cruz Beach Vacation

If you want a break from the city crowds, a Santa Cruz vacation is just the ticket. There's no end to the gorgeous views to soak up on a trip to Santa Cruz. Those who love the water may already be familiar with Natural Bridges State Park (5 kilometres away) and will probably want to stay nearby. But don't worry if the nearest accommodation options are full. Many visitors to the area also book Santa Cruz packages near Cowell's Beach and Santa Cruz Main Beach.

Things You Should Know About Santa Cruz

If ocean breezes and strolls along the shore are your idea of a dreamy escape, why not consider one of our Santa Cruz beach hotels? Staying near the water is the perfect cure for life's daily stresses.
Our private vacation homes, including Marea Sol Hotel and Seaside Inn & Suites, are popular with travellers of all types. Check out the amenities and get ready for your vacation in Santa Cruz!
Our Santa Cruz things to do page is a terrific place to find activities around here. Of course, there's nothing like a bit of local knowledge. With a population of 163,068 cm Santa Cruz, we're sure you'll find a few people who'll point you in the right direction.
Get some great deals with a Santa Cruz vacation package. With all that extra money in your pocket, you won't regret indulging in this destination's best offerings. Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Wharf and Santa Cruz Wharf are amazing places to start.

Ready to book your vacation to Santa Cruz?

Choose your dates

Santa Cruz Hotel Deals

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

550 2nd St, Santa Cruz, CA

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

CA $230

CA $264 total

Sep 1 - Sep 2

includes taxes & fees

9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,236 reviews)

"3 minutes from the beach, board walk and restaurants close by"

Reviewed on Jul. 31, 2025

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

CA $472

CA $535 total

Aug 24 - Aug 25

includes taxes & fees

9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)

"Good view"

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 2025

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

611 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

CA $206

CA $237 total

Sep 1 - Sep 2

includes taxes & fees

8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)

"First time staying really like the resort vibe and close to boardwalk can’t wait to come back"

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2025

See all 702 properties in 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.