Title: Visit Downtown: Best of Downtown, Santa Cruz Travel 2026 | Expedia Tourism - Expedia.ca [Hotels in Downtown](https://expedia.ca/Downtown-Hotels.d980414823093735424.Travel-Guide-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)[Downtown Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Downtown.d980414823093735424.Car-Rental-Guide)[Downtown Vacations](https://expedia.ca/Downtown.d980414823093735424.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Downtown ## Santa Cruz ## Visit Downtown 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 4/5(69 reviews) 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) ![The place where you can't stay straight.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065921/d28cfec3-0a62-49c3-8c59-000ebb30e504.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mystery Spot 4.5/5(11 reviews) Find out about the history of Santa Cruz with a stop at Mystery Spot. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the surfing spots. [](https://expedia.ca/Mystery-Spot-Santa-Cruz.d6065921.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 5/5(5 reviews) 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) ![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 4/5(2 reviews) 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) ![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) ![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) ### Things to do ![Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/5204449/43dc9f95-f013-4b9a-b724-1190dca566bd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Capitola Private Personalized Self-Guided App Tour CA $7 per traveller [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/capitola-private-personalized-self-guided-app-tour.a5204449.activity-details) ![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 $121 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/redwoods-forest-bathing.a4252920.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 $162 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 $176 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/beginner-outdoor-rock-climbing-bay-area.a1389006.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 $190 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 $150 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/santa-cruz-guided-ebike-ride-most-fun-bike-e-bike-tour.a47179410.activity-details) [See all activities in Santa Cruz](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Santa-Cruz.d6666.Travel-Guide-Activities) --- ## Downtown Hotel Deals ![Ocean Pacific Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1660000/1652500/1652437/aa982996_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ocean Pacific Lodge 301 Pacific Avenue Santa Cruz CA Stay at this motel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (1,299 reviews) Rooms were clean and very convenient. Parking was good and prices are competitive. Would stay again. Reviewed on Feb 7, 2026 [Get rates](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=28%2F02%2F2026&endDate=01%2F03%2F2026&selected=1652437&PinnedHotelID=1652437&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=980414823093735424) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=28%2F02%2F2026&endDate=01%2F03%2F2026&selected=1652437&PinnedHotelID=1652437&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=980414823093735424) ![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 $184 CA $212 total Feb 23 - Feb 24 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! (1,264 reviews) The room was clean, the staff were nice and the location was great! Reviewed on Feb 7, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=23%2F02%2F2026&endDate=24%2F02%2F2026&selected=8673&PinnedHotelID=8673&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=980414823093735424) ![Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/3700/3633/708ac094_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton 7500 Old Dominion Court Aptos CA CA $144 CA $167 total Mar 4 - Mar 5 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Aptos. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (1,074 reviews) We absolutely loved our stay, the hotel was beautifully clean, the room was so spacious. The facilities were great. Food was outstanding. Alexa on reception was so welcoming and helpful, thank you Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=04%2F03%2F2026&endDate=05%2F03%2F2026&selected=3633&PinnedHotelID=3633&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=980414823093735424) ![Chaminade Resort & Spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/27600/27566/9f8bd72a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Chaminade Resort & Spa 1 Chaminade Ln Santa Cruz CA Book a stay at this spa resort in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ... 8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews) Restaurant and hotel staff were very friendly. Reviewed on Feb 6, 2026 [Get rates](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=28%2F02%2F2026&endDate=01%2F03%2F2026&selected=27566&PinnedHotelID=27566&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=980414823093735424) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=28%2F02%2F2026&endDate=01%2F03%2F2026&selected=27566&PinnedHotelID=27566&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=980414823093735424) ![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 $169 CA $195 total Mar 1 - Mar 2 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! (1,207 reviews) Amazing! Very relaxing experience ❤️ Reviewed on Feb 9, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=01%2F03%2F2026&endDate=02%2F03%2F2026&selected=11056&PinnedHotelID=11056&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=980414823093735424) ![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 $158 CA $183 total Feb 16 - Feb 17 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! (1,385 reviews) Room update decor Good bed Staff was friendly and helpful Reviewed on Feb 13, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=16%2F02%2F2026&endDate=17%2F02%2F2026&selected=88129451&PinnedHotelID=88129451&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=980414823093735424) [See all 1,169 properties in Downtown](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=15%2F02%2F2026&endDate=16%2F02%2F2026®ionId=980414823093735424) 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. ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Vacation Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. [Book now](https://expedia.ca/deals?rfrr=DX-NH_SPRING_PROMO_980414823093735424) ## Check Downtown hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=980414823093735424&startDate=2026-02-14&endDate=2026-02-15)[Feb 14 - Feb 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=980414823093735424&startDate=2026-02-14&endDate=2026-02-15) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=980414823093735424&startDate=2026-02-15&endDate=2026-02-16)[Feb 15 - Feb 16](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=980414823093735424&startDate=2026-02-15&endDate=2026-02-16) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=980414823093735424&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 20 - Feb 22](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=980414823093735424&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026) --- ### Other neighbourhoods around Downtown ![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) ![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) ![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](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6666/b5aae69b-1420-44c5-9700-09c18e2d48b0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Westside Santa Cruz 4/5(34 area reviews) Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Westside-Santa-Cruz.dx553248633938969903) ![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=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Beach Hill - Beach Flats Beach Hill - Beach Flats might not have many top sights, but Main Beach and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Beach-Hill-Beach-Flats.dx553248635976479150) ![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) ### Lower Ocean If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lower Ocean and surrounding area, you can visit Pacific Avenue and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Lower-Ocean.dx980416250031603712) ![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) --- --- - [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) # Downtown ![](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. 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