Whether you are a surfer, a shopper, an outdoor enthusiast or a family looking for a sunny getaway, Santa Cruz, California, located on the northern side of Monterey Bay, offers something for everyone. If you're short on time, focus on a few areas of town for a fantastic trip.

Top vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

Exterior
4.8
Outstanding(269 Reviews)
Cottage
 in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor BEACH Cottage ... small pet considered
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bath
Pets allowed · Kitchen / Kitchenette · Internet / Wifi

Looking for a business stay, family stay, couples stay, getaway vacation, or traveling to Santa Cruz, at $160 per night for your next great vacation.

$$$$
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3.5
Average(321 Reviews)
Hotel
 in Santa Cruz
3star
Best Western Plus All Suites Inn
Pets allowed · Kitchen / Kitchenette · Air conditioner

Looking for the perfect place to call home during your trip to Santa Cruz? This Hotel offers a comfort and style with top-notch amenities, including Air conditioner, Fireplace and Internet / Wifi, and more.

$$$$
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Beachfront
Property view
3.1
Average(945 Reviews)
Hotel
 in Santa Cruz
2star
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Garden · Kitchen / Kitchenette · Air conditioner

Hotel in Santa Cruz, for $86 per night is great for your next (business stay, family stays, couples stay, getaway vacation, etc.)

$$$$
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Beachfront
Property view
3.9
Good(291 Reviews)
Motel
 in Santa Cruz
Seaway Inn
Pets allowed · Kitchen / Kitchenette · Air conditioner

Looking for a business stay, family stay, couples stay, getaway vacation, or traveling to Santa Cruz, at $86 per night for your next great vacation.

$$$$
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Vacation rentals with internet & wifi in Santa Cruz

Exterior
4.9
Outstanding(205 Reviews)
House
 in Santa Cruz
Walk to Boardwalk, Seabright Beach, Yacht Harbor and much much more
8 guests · 3 bedrooms · 3 baths
Kitchen / Kitchenette · Internet / Wifi · Parking

Soak up the beauty of Santa Cruz in our House, Walk to Boardwalk, Seabright Beach, Yacht Harbor and much much more. With a range of amenities such as Dishwasher, Fireplace and Internet / Wifi, you'll feel right at home.

$$$$
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Our beach!  The Crow's Nest and other restaurants are a short beach walk away
4.8
Outstanding(283 Reviews)
House
 in Santa Cruz
Large Santa Cruz Beach House. Steps to beach. Pets welcome. Family. Reunions.
18 guests · 6 bedrooms · 4 baths
Garden · Pool · Pets allowed

Enjoy the best of Santa Cruz in our House, Large Santa Cruz Beach House. Steps to beach. Pets welcome. Family. Reunions.. A stunning property with amenities including Dishwasher, Fireplace and Internet / Wifi, and more.

$$$$
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Property view
4.0
Good(481 Reviews)
Motel
 in Santa Cruz
The Islander Motel Santa Cruz
Pool · Kitchen / Kitchenette · Air conditioner

This Motel for $85 in Santa Cruz, is perfect for your next (business stay, family stay, couples stay, getaway vacation, etc.)

$$$$
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Beachfront
Property view
4.4
Excellent(1,016 Reviews)
Hotel
 in Santa Cruz
4star
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Pool · Kitchen / Kitchenette · Air conditioner

Experience vacation in Santa Cruz with our Hotel, Dream Inn Santa Cruz. Enjoy amenities such as Air conditioner, Fireplace and Internet / Wifi, and more.

$$$$
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Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz travel guide

Let us help you plan your perfect Santa Cruz vacation. Our travel guide highlights things to do, places to see, favorite vacation rental amenities in Santa Cruz, and more.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most popular vacation rental amenities in Santa Cruz?

  • Internet / Wifi
  • Parking
  • TV

About Santa Cruz

For an enjoyable Santa Cruz vacation, check out these must-see destinations.
  • The Boardwalk: Families looking for a day (or two) of fun always find something to do at The Boardwalk. Just steps from downtown on Santa Cruz Beach, this iconic attraction features an amusement park, an arcade, miniature golf and delicious carnival-style treats.
  • Downtown: The charming downtown area in Santa Cruz serves up scrumptious restaurant fare and lots of local shops, galleries, museums and music venues. Creative types enjoy a trip to the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History.
  • Seabright Beach: This long strip of beach extends between the boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Harbor. The area on and around the beach offers a lively nighttime scene, from beach bonfires to crowded bars and breweries.

What are the must-visit tourist attractions in Santa Cruz, CA?

Santa Cruz, CA is a great destination for tourists with its beautiful beaches, redwood forests, and boardwalk. Some of the must-visit attractions in Santa Cruz include:

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Natural Bridges State Beach
  • Mystery Spot
  • Santa Cruz Wharf

These attractions offer something for everyone, from outdoor activities to shopping and dining. Santa Cruz is a great place to visit and explore the beauty of the California coast.

How can I get around in Santa Cruz, CA?

You can get around Santa Cruz, CA in the following ways:

  • By car
  • By bus
  • By bike

The Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) operates public transportation services throughout the city, and bike paths connect many of the city's popular attractions.

Where can I find affordable accommodation in Santa Cruz, CA?

Santa Cruz offers numerous affordable accommodation options. Here are some of the best options:

  • Seawalk Hotel: A budget friendly hotel located close to the beach and downtown attractions.
  • Santa Cruz Motel: A cozy motel located close to the historical Santa Cruz Boardwalk.
  • Sea Breeze Inn & Suites: A family-friendly hotel with a pool and easy access to the beach.
  • Cocoanut Grove Motel: A charming motel located in downtown Santa Cruz.

No matter what kind of accommodation you are looking for, Santa Cruz offers plenty of options to fit any budget.

What is the culture like in Santa Cruz, CA?

Santa Cruz, CA is a beach town in Northern California with a relaxed and laid-back culture. Here are five key aspects of the culture in Santa Cruz:

  • Outdoor activities: Santa Cruz is surrounded by forests and beaches, making it the ideal spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and surfing.
  • Local music and art: There are many local bands that play in Santa Cruz and the city has an active art scene with numerous galleries and events.
  • Healthy living: Santa Cruz is known for its organic food, yoga studios, and natural remedies.
  • Farmers markets: There are several farmers markets in the area that feature local, fresh produce.
  • Community events: Santa Cruz is home to many festivals and community events such as the Santa Cruz County Fair and the Santa Cruz Film Festival.

Is Santa Cruz, CA safe to travel to?

Santa Cruz, CA is generally a safe place to travel to. Here are some tips to help ensure your safety:
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
  • Keep your valuables out of sight and never leave them unattended.
  • Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.

What are the popular shopping destinations in Santa Cruz, CA?

The popular shopping destinations in Santa Cruz, CA are:

  • Capitola Mall
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Pacific Avenue

Capitola Mall is a large shopping center with a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a popular tourist destination with an amusement park, arcades, and shops. Pacific Avenue is the main shopping street in downtown Santa Cruz, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and boutiques.

Where is Santa Cruz, CA?

Santa Cruz, CA is located on the central coast of California, about 75 miles south of San Francisco. It is a popular beach town, known for its sandy beaches, redwood forests, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It is also home to many universities and colleges, including the University of California, Santa Cruz.

What are the top things to do in Santa Cruz, CA?

Santa Cruz, California is a great destination for those looking for a fun and exciting vacation. From the beautiful beaches to the great local attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in Santa Cruz:

  • Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Explore the Santa Cruz Wharf
  • Go on a whale watching tour
  • Visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Santa Cruz is a great place to explore and have fun, so make sure to check out these top attractions when you visit!

What do I need to know before visiting Santa Cruz, CA?

Before visiting Santa Cruz, CA, it is important to know:
  • The area is highly prone to earthquakes, so it is important to be aware of that before you visit.
  • The coastal climate can change quickly, so be sure to pack accordingly.
  • The city has a wide variety of attractions, so there’s something for everyone.

Santa Cruz has a vibrant culture and history, so it’s a great place to learn and explore.

What is the price range for rentals in Santa Cruz?

Vacation rentals in Santa Cruz have a price range between $50-$3,265. The average price for rentals in Santa Cruz is $233 per night.

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