Santa Cruz Travel Guide

Santa Cruz is an iconic Californian vacation destination, with a bustling boardwalk and home to one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States. From thrill rides and surfing to sunbathing on the beach and watching the sunset, Santa Cruz is somewhere special. Downtown also has lots of shopping opportunities for some retail therapy, including Pacific Garden Mall. Foodies will love the dining options in Santa Cruz too. There is everything from artisan ice cream shops to al fresco dining with a view. In particular, seafood is beloved in Santa Cruz.

Things to Do in Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a must when in the city. Always a fun atmosphere, there are arcades, mini golf, and rides; pretty much something for everyone to enjoy. In particular the Giant Dipper is a famous thrill ride but the Looff Carousel offers a more relaxed experience for those who don't love adrenaline. At the Santa Cruz Wharf, vacationers can enjoy beautiful views of the ocean, as well as visit the lounging sea lions. In addition, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center is a fascinating way to spend the afternoon. And the seaside Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is a crowd favorite as it addresses the history of Santa Cruz's favorite sport. Of course, visitors that want to relax can hang out on the golden sandy beaches in Santa Cruz, as well as enjoy a range of water sports. For surfing, head to the Steamer Line.

Best Time to Visit Santa Cruz

The summer in Santa Cruz is popular. For less crowds and cheaper accommodation, head to Santa Cruz in September to November.

A Local's Guide to Santa Cruz

A Santa Cruz vacation rental is the perfect place to make your home away from home during your getaway. The Californian city is the largest city of Santa Cruz County and has around 63,000 residents. It sits on the northern edge of Monterey Bay and is 32 miles south of San Jose and 75 miles south of San Francisco. Santa Cruz is known for its coastline, redwood forests and natural environment.

Santa Cruz CA is a great location for families, friends, couples and solo travelers alike. Meaning “Holy Cross” in Spanish, the city has been a beach resort since the late 19th century when families first started flocking here. There are 14 state parks, museums, vineyards and wineries, hiking and plenty of activities for all the family in the city. Visit some of the sights like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Wharf and the Roaring Camp Railroads.

Check into a vacation home and get straight out into the sights of Santa Cruz!

Thrill-seekers can check out the rides at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. From the Giant Dipper to the child-friendly Bulgy the Whale, there’s a ride for everyone.

The 125ft high Double Shot lets brave visitors check out the incredible ocean view while the Cliff Hanger ride simulates the feeling of flying over the boardwalk and beach by laying in a hanglider. For smaller children, there are age-appropriate rides that are exciting without being scary. Carousels, buggies and speed boats give smaller visitors the chance to enjoy the amusements safely. There’s also lots of restaurants, cafes, bars, boutiques and souvenir shops to visit while at the boardwalk.

To get away from the adrenaline-fuelled rides and back to nature, head to Pleasure Point for the natural, unspoilt beauty of Santa Cruz. This protected place in Santa Cruz County is a world-renowned surf location and the surfing culture can be seen influencing everything in Santa Cruz.

Golfers can also take in the beautiful scenery at a slower pace by playing a round on one of the many golf courses. Play from sunrise to sunset in the mild weather yea-round, whether you're a pro, semi pro or beginner, you can find a course to suit you. Courses like Boulder Creek, set among the Redwoods, also offer hiking, tennis and swimming on site.

Whether a family reunion, holiday getaway or just a two week vacation, there are lots of vacation rentals in Santa Cruz that come fully furnished, with optional extras like hot tubs and are even pet friendly. Some beach houses come with ocean views to treat guests to sunrises over the water every day of the trip.

The fall is often the warmest time of the year for Santa Cruz and there is mild weather around the year which is typical of the type of warm summer Mediterranean climate.

Nearby Monterey Bay often brings in fog and overcast conditions in the early hours and morning. Choose a house rental in Santa Cruz for between September and November as the bulk of the summer tourism is over and there are fewer lines.