Growing up near Santa Cruz, my friends and I spent countless days exploring this laid-back coastal town. From early morning beach sunrises to afternoons wandering downtown and camping trips in the mountains.
Nestled between miles of shoreline and the mountains, Santa Cruz blends surf culture, outdoor adventure, and a free spirited vibe that makes it one of the most unique destinations on California’s central coast.
Whether you’re road-tripping the Pacific Coast Highway or planning a weekend escape, this local’s guide covers everything you need to know.
The Ultimate Santa Cruz Travel Guide
Santa Cruz is a must visit destination on California’s central coast. It’s known for its laid back surf culture and an emphasis on an active, outdoor lifestyle. You’ll find many people outside walking, bicycling, skateboarding, and of course surfing. From coastal hikes and redwood forests to farm to table dining and local boutiques, there’s something for every type of traveler.
This guide covers everything you need to know, including when to visit, where to stay, the best things to do, and some of my favorite restaurants.
When to Go
Santa Cruz is a beautiful year round destination thanks to the Mediterranean climate bringing mild weather year round. This means wet winters and dry summers. There is usually coastal fog in the mornings and evenings, but Santa Cruz averages 300 days of sun each year.
Something important to consider when planning your trip to Santa Cruz, or passing through as you road trip the Pacific Coast Highway, is that the drier summers have led to an increase in wildfires. Later summer and fall tend to see the most wildfire activity and that could impact your travel plans due to road closures or poor air quality. And when fires are active in an area, hotels ask visitors to change plans so they can accommodate people evacuating their homes.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for fewer crowds, summer for beach days, winter for a quieter escape
Winter
Winter typically has slightly cooler temperatures and an increase in rainfall. While it’s still a beautiful time to visit, the rain could potentially cause road closures due to landslides and downed trees. Many attractions are only open on the weekends or for limited hours during the winter. But you will find less crowds and lower hotel rates.
Spring
Springtime in Santa Cruz is absolutely gorgeous as wildflowers explode on the hills all along the coast. Some attractions start to open for extended hours as the summer season gets closer. Spring is also an amazing time for wildlife watching as humpback whales migrate from Hawai’i back to Alaska.
Summer
Summer is definitely the most popular time to go to Santa Cruz. You will find lots of people head over the hill from Silicon Valley trying to escape the summer heat. With one main highway through the mountains, the road comes to a complete stop. This means that beaches, attractions, hotels, and restaurants are busy! Hotel rates will be higher and I recommend making reservations at restaurants ahead of time.
May Gray and June Gloom are a real thing, meaning coastal fog often lingers until early afternoon and returns in the evenings. The days are still beautiful and it’s honestly perfect hiking weather. Just make sure to pack some layers!
Autumn
Fall is one of my favorite times to visit Santa Cruz. With cooling temperatures and less crowds, the Monarch Butterflies migrate back to Santa Cruz! However like I mentioned earlier, in recent years there has been an increase in wildfires which could definitely impact your trip.
Getting Around
Parking is almost always hard to find, especially during the summer or on weekends. Thankfully, Santa Cruz is a very walkable town and there’s plenty of public transportation options. Hop on the bus, take the Santa Cruz trolley or a pedicab, order an Uber, or rent a bicycle. If you plan to visit during the summer, definitely explore these options!
Important to note that The Santa Cruz Trolley goes from Downtown to the Exploration Center at the end of the Wharf and operates on weekends and holidays from the end of May through the beginning of September.
But if you’re flying in to San Jose or San Francisco Airports, or you plan to explore surrounding cities, I recommend renting a car so it’s easier to get around.
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz (Best Hotels + Resorts)
Choosing where to stay depends on your travel style, whether you want beachfront views, a quiet redwood retreat, or just something conveniently located.
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
One of my favorite hotels in Santa Cruz is The Dream Inn. This beachfront hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Santa Cruz, several different beaches, and the Boardwalk. But my favorite part? Every room at the hotel is oceanfront with a private balcony overlooking the Wharf, the Boardwalk, and the Monterey Bay. I love opening the sliding door to the patio and listening to the sound of the waves all night. Check out my post about the Dream Inn here for more pictures, information, and details about staying here!
Price Range: $$$
Seascape Beach Resort
If you’re looking for a more romantic getaway, head to Seascape Beach Resort. Set upon the cliffs in Aptos overlooking the Monterey Bay, Seascape Beach Resort is another one of my favorite places to stay in Santa Cruz. The resort has just about every amenity you could think of – yoga overlooking the ocean, access to a private beach, golf, and in suite spa services being just a few.
Price Range: $$$$
Hotel Paradox
Hotel Paradox will blow you away with its rustic, coastal charm. It’s so chic and beautiful, it’s a very instagram-worthy place to be. Paired with great rates, you really can’t beat staying here!
Check availability here
Compare rates on Booking.com here
Price Range: $$
Chaminade Resort & Spa
For a quiet retreat in the woods, go to Chaminade Resort & Spa. This resort is nestled in the redwoods offering a quiet, secluded visit to Santa Cruz. It feels a little more like an all inclusive resort with activities and restaurants on site. You almost don’t even feel like you’re in Santa Cruz.
Price Range: $$-$$$
Courtyard Santa Cruz by Marriott
The Courtyard Santa Cruz is new, beautiful, and conveniently located just blocks from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Wharf, and downtown Santa Cruz. This hotel is a great affordable option that still keeps you in the middle of Santa Cruz.
Check availability here
Compare rates on Booking.com here
Price Range: $
West Cliff Inn
Really experience the Santa Cruz vibes and hospitality at West Cliff Inn. This beautifully renovated Victorian style bed and breakfast is located across the street from the Dream Inn. You’re still close enough to hear the ocean and the sea lions on the wharf and be conveniently located to everything.
Price Range: $$
Camping
I spent much of my childhood and teenage years camping in Santa Cruz. One of the big draws to Santa Cruz is the great access to nature, and what better way to connect with nature than to camp!
Browse all Santa Cruz hotels and compare rates on Booking.com
Things to Do in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is surrounded by miles of shoreline, mountains, and towering Redwoods. There are so many great things to do. For a complete list of activities, check out my full guide of the Best Things to Do in Santa Cruz covering everything from iconic attractions to hidden coastal gems. But here are some highlights you won’t want to miss.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
One of the most popular attractions in Santa Cruz is The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Anyone else still sing the jingle from the commercial? We used to start almost all of our days at the boardwalk. It’s a great family friendly place with rides, games, and an arcade. Visiting the Boardwalk is free to walk around and enjoy, you just need to buy tickets or a season pass to enjoy games and rides. There are plenty of food and retail vendors at the Boardwalk.
NOTE: Parking and traffic get really bad during the summer. Go early to get parking and avoid the traffic on the freeway or utilize public transportation.
Check out Downtown Santa Cruz
Wandering around downtown Santa Cruz really shows you the unique, quirky vibe. From shopping in various boutiques, grabbing something to eat or drink at one of the restaurants/bars/cafes, or checking out the art scene, you really see how diverse the community is.
Go to the Beach
One of the most popular and obvious reasons people head to Santa Cruz is to go to the beach. With 29 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of beaches to enjoy. The beaches that are easiest to access, like Santa Cruz Beach right in front of the Boardwalk or Capitola Beach, are usually the busiest beaches in the summer. They offer convenient access to parking, food, and amenities.
If you want to get away from the crowds, head to one of the many other beaches. Or drive up Highway 1 to find a more remote beach that is beautiful and only requires a short hike to access. There will be no amenities at these beaches or lifeguards, but you will avoid a lot of the crowds.
Some beaches have great tidepools to check out, are good surf spots, or are close to restaurants. Please remember to pack out what you bring and don’t litter the beaches.
Watch the Sunset
Watching a sunset in Santa Cruz is one of the best things to do, and it’s free! Head to West Cliff Drive for panoramic coastal views or find a quiet stretch of beach to end the day. If you’re making dinner reservations, request a table by the window so you can watch the sunset.
Hiking
Another favorite activity for Santa Cruz locals and visitors is hiking. With the mountains surrounding Santa Cruz, there are so many great hiking trails. The mild weather in Santa Cruz means it is almost always perfect for hiking.
Head over to UC Santa Cruz to wander the trails surrounding the campus, Wilder Ranch, or Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Peter’s Creek Loop in Portola Redwoods State Park is another local favorite, but it does make you work for it.
Dining in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz has a strong food scene, with everything from casual beachside cafes to elevated coastal dining and everything in between. This town is a melting pot of cultures and that is also reflected in the cuisine. But there’s also an emphasis on a healthier lifestyle and easy access to farm fresh foods, so you will find a lot of farm to table restaurants.
Breakfast + Brunch
There are so many great cafes for breakfast and brunch. I have always been a breakfast lover, so I already put together a list of my favorite breakfast and brunch spots in Santa Cruz here! Some of my favorites are:
Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe
Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe is a delicious breakfast option that is very popular with locals and visitors. It’s a small restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Being a popular breakfast spot means it can get busy so you definitely want to go early.
Zachary’s
Zachary’s is a long time favorite restaurant for locals. Located in downtown Santa Cruz, it’s a perfect place to grab breakfast before spending a day exploring Santa Cruz. The staff is always friendly and welcoming and they are highly praised for it. And the food always hits the spot.
Ideal Bar + Grill
Located right at the entrance to the Santa Cruz wharf, Ideal Bar + Grill has a very convenient location. The menu is a little more eclectic, but it is a fantastic breakfast spot.
Dinner
Jack O’Neill
Connected to The Dream Inn hotel, the Jack O’Neill restaurant is a great place for a fine dining experience. The food is delicious and they make great, unique cocktails. Enjoy the sunset and ocean views while you dine.
Shadowbrook
For a more fine dining experience, head to Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola. The food is delicious and the experience is really unique. You ride a cable car down to the restaurant. There is a dress code, so keep that in mind when planning your trip!
Firefish Grill
I have to include Firefish because it’s my husbands favorite restaurant for fresh seafood. Located on the wharf, book a table by a window for amazing views of the ocean and the sunset.
Crow’s Nest
Located right on the beach with stunning ocean views, the Crow’s Nest has been serving fresh seafood and classic California coastal cuisine since 1969. It’s the perfect spot for lunch after a morning at the beach or sunset cocktails on the deck. The casual atmosphere and consistent quality make it a local favorite.
FAQ
Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
Absolutely! Santa Cruz offers beautiful beaches, redwood forests, a vibrant downtown, and the iconic Beach Boardwalk, making it perfect for outdoor lovers and beach enthusiasts.
How many days do you need in Santa Cruz?
2-4 days is ideal to experience the beaches, downtown, and nearby hiking without feeling rushed.
What is Santa Cruz known for?
Santa Cruz is famous for its Beach Boardwalk, surf culture, UC Santa Cruz campus, redwood forests, and laid back coastal vibe.
Is Santa Cruz safe?
Yes, Santa Cruz is generally safe for tourists. Like any city, use common sense downtown at night and don’t leave valuables visible in your car.
Can you swim at Santa Cruz beaches?
Yes! The water is cold (50-60°F year-round) but it is swimmable. Cowell Beach, Main Beach, and Capitola are popular swimming spots with lifeguards.
What’s the best time to visit Santa Cruz?
Spring and fall offer the best weather with fewer crowds. There is less chance of coastal fog in the spring and fall. Summer is the warmest, but tends to have more coastal fog that burns off around noon. It will also be the busiest time of year.
Final Thoughts
Santa Cruz is one of those places that’s easy to fall in love with. Between the beaches, redwood forests, and laid back vibes, it offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Whether you’re looking to spend your days hiking through the redwoods, shopping, or lounging at the beach, Santa Cruz has a way of slowing things down. It’s the kind of place you come back to, and each time you find something new to appreciate and love.
Need help planning your trip? Check out my guides to the best things to do in Santa Cruz and the best breakfast and brunch spots. Or ask me any questions in the comments.
