Things to Do
We always start our Santa Cruz trips at the Beach Boardwalk, where the classic Giant Dipper roller coaster has been thrilling visitors since 1924. A day of rides costs around $40 for an unlimited wristband, but honestly we love just walking the boardwalk with a corn dog ($6) and people-watching. The arcade games and carnival atmosphere never get old.
From the boardwalk, we head up to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, where a gentle 0.8-mile loop trail winds through ancient old-growth redwoods — some over 1,500 years old. Parking is $10 per vehicle. The contrast between the beach scene and standing among these towering giants in the same afternoon is pure Santa Cruz magic. For a longer hike, the Fall Creek trail system offers miles of quieter forest paths.
We never leave town without spending time along West Cliff Drive, the scenic coastal path that runs from the lighthouse to Natural Bridges State Beach. Steamer Lane sits right below, and watching surfers navigate the rocky breaks is mesmerizing. Natural Bridges ($10 parking) is famous for its monarch butterfly migration from October through February, when thousands cluster in the eucalyptus grove.
Where to Stay
For a splurge, we love the Dream Inn — it is the only hotel right on Cowell Beach, and waking up to the sound of waves is something special. Rooms start around $300 in summer but drop significantly in the off-season. The rooftop pool and Jack O’Neill Restaurant downstairs make it easy to never leave the property.
Budget travelers should look into the HI Santa Cruz Hostel, housed in charming Victorian-era cottages just two blocks from the beach. Dorm beds run $45-$65 per night and private rooms hover around $150. It fills up fast in summer, so we recommend booking well in advance. Hotel Paradox near downtown is a solid mid-range pick at $180-$250, with a modern vibe and easy walking distance to everything on Pacific Avenue.
For something different, there are plenty of vacation rentals in the surrounding neighborhoods. We have stayed in the Pleasure Point area, which puts you right in the surf culture scene with local coffee shops and taco joints within walking distance. Expect to pay $150-$300 per night depending on the season.
Where to Eat
Santa Cruz punches way above its weight on the food scene. We always hit Tacos Moreno for enormous burritos that cost $10-$12 and will fuel an entire day of exploring. For something more upscale, Laili is a revelation — their Afghan and Mediterranean-inspired dishes run $18-$28 and the lamb shank is unforgettable.
Downtown Pacific Avenue is lined with options. We love Zachary’s for a hearty breakfast (plates $12-$18), where the line out the door on weekends tells you everything you need to know. For pizza, Woodstock’s is a local institution with slices around $5. The Santa Cruz Farmers Market on Wednesdays brings out the best local produce, artisan bread, and prepared foods — budget $15-$25 for a market lunch.
For waterfront dining, the Crow’s Nest at the harbor serves fresh seafood with views of the yacht harbor. Entrees run $22-$38, and their clam chowder ($8) is a must. The Wharf also has solid options — Stagnaro Bros. has been serving fish and chips ($16-$20) since 1937.
Getting Around
We highly recommend having a car in Santa Cruz, especially if you want to explore the redwoods or visit neighboring beach towns. Parking downtown is metered but usually manageable outside of peak summer weekends. Beach parking lots charge $10-$15 per day in summer.
The Santa Cruz Metro bus system covers the main areas and costs $2 per ride or $6 for a day pass. Route 35 runs along the coast, and Route 36 connects to Capitola and Aptos. Biking is also huge here — the West Cliff Drive path is flat and scenic, and bike rentals start around $35 per day from shops near the wharf.
For getting to and from the Bay Area, Highway 17 Express bus runs between Santa Cruz and San Jose ($7 one way), connecting to Caltrain and the rest of the transit network. Ride-sharing is available but can get pricey, especially over the hill to San Jose — expect $60-$80 for that trip.