What to do in Santa Cruz

Activities, attractions and tours

Santa Cruz Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Santa Cruz has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Santa Cruz is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Santa Cruz to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Santa Cruz Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Santa Cruz.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Santa Cruz attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Picture 1 for Activity Old Goa: Walking Tour of Heritage Churches

Old Goa: Walking Tour of Heritage Churches

CA $18
per adult
Old Goa: Walking Tour of Heritage Churches
Goa: Dinner Cruise Party with Hotel Transfer Option

Goa: Dinner Cruise Party with Hotel Transfer Option

CA $27
per adult
Goa: Dinner Cruise Party with Hotel Transfer Option
North Goa Sightseeing

North Goa Sightseeing: Beaches, Forts & Fun

CA $6
per adult
North Goa Sightseeing: Beaches, Forts & Fun
Food And Drink Walking Tour In Panjim

Food And Drink Walking Tour In Panjim

CA $30
per adult
Food And Drink Walking Tour In Panjim
Panaji: Food Trail around the Old Latin Quarter in Panjim

Panaji: Food Trail around the Old Latin Quarter in Panjim

CA $45
per adult
Panaji: Food Trail around the Old Latin Quarter in Panjim
Goa: Party Dinner Cruise with Live Music and Entertainment

Goa: Party Dinner Cruise with Live Music and Entertainment

CA $30
per adult
Goa: Party Dinner Cruise with Live Music and Entertainment
Goa: Fun-Filled 2-Hour Mandovi River Cruise with Dinner

Goa: Fun-Filled 2-Hour Mandovi River Cruise with Dinner

CA $20
per adult
Goa: Fun-Filled 2-Hour Mandovi River Cruise with Dinner
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Top places to visit

1. Baga Beach

One of Goa’s most well-known seaside resorts, Baga Beach is famous for its beachside bars and nightclubs, where revelers party throughout the night. During the day, the wide, expansive stretch of sand is energetic and exuberant, with numerous options for water-based activities. Sunbathe and soak up the lively atmosphere, take part in exhilarating watersports activities and stick around post sunset for a taster of Baga’s nightlife.
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A beach with thatched-roof huts, palm trees, and people relaxing under colorful umbrellas.

2. Calangute Beach

The tourist-oriented Calangute Beach is packed with practical amenities and is full of life and excitement. All tastes and budgets are catered to here, whether you want to laze away an afternoon in the sun, sample the wonderful local cuisine or take part in waterspouts out on the water.
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A crowded beach with people walking and standing. There is a lifeguard tower and palm trees in the background.

3. Arambol Beach

Arambol Beach has an alternative, laid-back ambience, which attracts many bohemian travellers. Despite its popularity, there are no major resorts in the area thanks to local campaigns to preserve the area’s tranquil atmosphere. There are cafés and restaurants along this stretch of fine, white sand.
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A beach with waves, a flag, and a hill with buildings and palm trees.

4. Vagator Beach

Vagator Beach consists of two separate beaches: the broad and sweeping Big Vagator to the north and the more secluded Ozran, or Little Vagator, to the south. Both are relatively undeveloped, although Big Vagator tends to attract more tourists so head to tranquil Little Vagator to escape the crowds.
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A beach with tall palm trees and the ocean in the background.

5. Ashvem Beach

Ashvem Beach is a hidden gem with stunning scenery and range of nice beach hotels and resorts. Most people come to this beach during the day for sunbathing and swimming, but there are some great options for dinner and accommodation too. Walk a little inland, through the forest, to see some authentic Goan villages and temples.
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A beach with palm trees, a lifeguard tower, and people walking.

Recommended things to do in Santa Cruz

Number of things to do
93
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
North Goa Sightseeing: Beaches, Forts & Fun: CA $6
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Santa Cruz

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Santa Cruz

A white colonial-style church with a bell tower, palm trees, and a purple banner.

Panaji

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor activities and history, there are many interesting things to do in Santa Cruz. Remember to enjoy the area's mix of cool sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Santa Cruz?
Vainguinim Beach and Dona Paula Jetty are two good places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Santa Cruz while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz is Vainguinim Beach, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Cruz?
Three days will give you time to tick off the leading city attractions, such as Vainguinim Beach, Odxel Beach and Sé Cathedral. The average stay in Santa Cruz is three days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Panaji isn't far away.
Is Santa Cruz a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to see and do in Santa Cruz. Several key sights, such as Vainguinim Beach and Odxel Beach, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Santa Cruz's best neighbourhoods, Bambolim is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Vainguinim is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids?
Deciding what to do in Santa Cruz with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Santa Cruz for adults?
18th June Road and Jama Masjid are just a few of the things to do in Santa Cruz. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Santa Cruz?
From visiting parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Santa Cruz. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Vainguinim Beach is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing activities.