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Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Things to do & Itinerary | Trip.com | July, 2026

About Santa Cruz

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Things to do in Santa Cruz

What to do

Looking for things to do in Santa Cruz? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.

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Where to stay

Discover the most popular places to stay in Santa Cruz, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

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What to eat

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Santa Cruz dishes and foodie spots.

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Santa Cruz Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes

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Must-visit towns around San Francisco, how many have you been to?

Must-visit towns around San Francisco, how many have you been to?

TITUS LANE

TITUS LANE

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🗺️ Santa Cruz for Every Budget

travel2026

🗺️ Santa Cruz for Every Budget

Hayrapetyans

Hayrapetyans

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A Seaside Escape: Santa Cruz Guide

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A Seaside Escape: Santa Cruz Guide

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flyken

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☀️ Classic California Fun at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 🎢

santacruz

☀️ Classic California Fun at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 🎢

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Mel小的我

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Palm Street Chic✨

Palm Street Chic✨

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Safa sfart

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Santa Cruz

santacruz

Santa Cruz

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Santa Cruz is absolutely vibey with blue skies, palm trees, and sea views at every turn 🌞🌴 — but the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk steals the show for a California day out! 🎡

Top Spot to Visit: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Address: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Hours: Mostly weekends, 12–19:00 (longer in summer & special dates — check ahead!)

Here’s the hack: Even if you’re not a rides person, grab the Boardwalk pass card — you’ll save money and feel super flexible! Just use leftover points for snacks, cute merch (the Boardwalk shops are SO extra), or some classic boardwalk eats like garlic fries and saltwater taffy. Don’t sleep on the coconut shrimp tacos at the Pier — crazy good for oceanfront bites!

Insider tip: If your whole vibe is chill and not adrenaline, you can skip the wristband and go for the rechargeable card. It’s easy to reload and you don’t feel stuck paying for unlimited rides you won’t use. (Yes, more budget for food and shopping with sea views — win!)

How to get around: Santa Cruz is walkable by the beach, but if you’re coming from San Jose or SF, easy transport is Caltrain + local bus. On-site parking fills up early, so get there before noon on weekends.
When to go: Weekends have best hours & crowds, but check Boardwalk calendar for holiday openings.
Money tip: The pass card stretches super far, especially if you’re shopping & munching more than thrill-riding. Skip paper tickets — go digital for ease.

#SantaCruzChill #BoardwalkEats #CaliforniaDreaming #Tripdotcom #SeaViews

santacruzchill

Santa Cruz is absolutely vibey with blue skies, palm trees, and sea views at every turn 🌞🌴 — but the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk steals the show for a California day out! 🎡 Top Spot to Visit: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Address: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Hours: Mostly weekends, 12–19:00 (longer in summer & special dates — check ahead!) Here’s the hack: Even if you’re not a rides person, grab the Boardwalk pass card — you’ll save money and feel super flexible! Just use leftover points for snacks, cute merch (the Boardwalk shops are SO extra), or some classic boardwalk eats like garlic fries and saltwater taffy. Don’t sleep on the coconut shrimp tacos at the Pier — crazy good for oceanfront bites! Insider tip: If your whole vibe is chill and not adrenaline, you can skip the wristband and go for the rechargeable card. It’s easy to reload and you don’t feel stuck paying for unlimited rides you won’t use. (Yes, more budget for food and shopping with sea views — win!) How to get around: Santa Cruz is walkable by the beach, but if you’re coming from San Jose or SF, easy transport is Caltrain + local bus. On-site parking fills up early, so get there before noon on weekends. When to go: Weekends have best hours & crowds, but check Boardwalk calendar for holiday openings. Money tip: The pass card stretches super far, especially if you’re shopping & munching more than thrill-riding. Skip paper tickets — go digital for ease. #SantaCruzChill #BoardwalkEats #CaliforniaDreaming #Tripdotcom #SeaViews

Monchimum

Monchimum

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[Santa Cruz] A Review of the Stylish Hotel Paradox, a Marriott Hotel 🌲🛹 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

アメリカ旅行

[Santa Cruz] A Review of the Stylish Hotel Paradox, a Marriott Hotel 🌲🛹 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

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BizTrip

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Best of Santa Cruz

Popular Best Things to Do Near Santa Cruz

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Popular Family-friendly Attractions Near Santa Cruz

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Popular Cool Water Escapes Near Santa Cruz

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Popular Types of Attractions in Santa Cruz

Popular Attractions in Santa Cruz

Rio Theatre | Satellite Workplace & Digital Media Studio | UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden | Santa Cruz Symphony | Mark Abbot Memorial Lighthouse | Depot Park BMX Bike Park | Kaiser Permanente Arena | San Lorenzo Park | West Cliff Drive | Moore Creek Preserve | Ocean View Park | Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery | Venture Quest Kayak | Chartle Charters | Shakespeare Santa Cruz | College Nine Trailhead | Sergeant Derby Park | Cliff Drive Vista Point | Cave Train

Popular Ranked Lists

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Popular Trip Moments

Must-visit towns around San Francisco, how many have you been to? | 🗺️ Santa Cruz for Every Budget | A Seaside Escape: Santa Cruz Guide | ☀️ Classic California Fun at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 🎢 | Palm Street Chic✨ | Ultimate Lifestyle Hotel in Santa Cruz | Spectacular Beach with a Relaxed Atmosphere | 🎡 Santa Cruz: California’s Laid-Back Beach Town with Classic Coastal Charm 🌊 | Beach girl | Santa Cruz | [Santa Cruz] A Review of the Stylish Hotel Paradox, a Marriott Hotel 🌲🛹 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | ⛪✨ Experience Manila's history and faith at Santa Cruz Church—a moment of quiet prayer 🇵🇭🌿 | Seaside sunsets and a nostalgic amusement park 🎡 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | - How to Plan a Road Trip in Santa Cruz? This Guide Has the Answer! | Stayed for three days and didn't want to leave. The experience was great. | A Hidden Gem in Santa Cruz: Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages | Travel Diary: I Found the True Meaning of Travel at Dream Inn Santa Cruz | [Dreamy Travel Haven] Dream Inn Santa Cruz, More Than Just a Place to Stay | Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | A Dreamland for Families | Santa Cruz, a place you'll never forget. | [Santa Cruz Travel Diary] | [Explore Santa Cruz, a feast of history and culture]. | Santa Cruz travel guide. | Santa Cruz: Beaches, Wine, and Adventure. | A must-stay hotel in Santa Cruz for a unique experience! | The Hampton Inn Santa Cruz is the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. | A Dreamy Trip with My Bestie: A Detailed Review of Our Stay at the Dream Hotel - Santa Cruz | Dream Inn Santa Cruz: My Dream Stay | Santa Cruz, USA: A Charming Coastal Getaway

More Things To Do in Santa Cruz

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