Santa Cruz, CA Hotels

Venturing out from Downtown, visitors will find recreational and nature spots that are breathtaking like the Redwood Forests and Lighthouse Field State Park. Surf enthusiasts will enjoy touring this surf city and catching a wave at Pleasure Point. Santa Cruz will keep visitors well fed with many restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines and atmospheres. From the mountains to the shores and everything in between, Santa Cruz is a California city that has it all.

Santa Cruz's Top 10

Santa Cruz History

• Alfred Hitchcock Estate - The 200-acre estate of famous director Alfred Hitchcock also houses the Heart O’ The Mountain vineyard.
• Mission Santa Cruz - A Catholic mission built in 1791, the Mission Santa Cruz is both a chapel and a museum.
• Octagon Building - Built in 1882, the Octagon Building is now a designated national historic landmark.
• Golden Gate Villa - Major Frank McLaughlin, a noted California politician who hosted famous guests, including Thomas Edison and Theodore Roosevelt, once owned this late-19th-century residence.
• Mission Hill Area - Take a walking tour of this historic neighbourhood with its churches, Victorian homes and local inns.

Santa Cruz Art & Culture

• Museum of Art & History - A community art museum with displays of modern art and historical exhibits.
• Santa Cruz Surfing Museum - Learn about the history of surfing at this small museum housed in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse.
• Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History - One of the first museums in California, this attraction highlights exhibits relating to marine life, the Santa Cruz Wharf and early settler life.
• Santa Cruz County Symphony - Enjoy a classic symphony performance at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium.
• Santa Cruz Film Festival - Independent films are on display at this annual gathering of cinema lovers.

Santa Cruz Shopping

• Santa Cruz Farmers Market - A weekly outdoor market with entertainment, locally grown organic produce and a food court.
• Pacific Garden Mall - An outdoor shopping plaza with unique shops, bookstores and chain retailers.
• Bookshop Santa Cruz - Bookworms can get their fill at this shop, named the best bookstore in the county.
• Artisans Gallery - A unique store selling jewellery, ceramics and candles produced by local area artists.
• Pleasure Point - Stroll through this beachfront eclectic neighbourhood with surf shops and vintage clothing stores.

Gay & Lesbian Santa Cruz

• Santa Cruz Pride - LGBT individuals of all races and ages proclaim their pride at this Santa Cruz annual festival.
• Diversity Centre - A community action centre dedicated to protecting the rights of LGBT individuals in the greater Santa Cruz area.
• Mad House Bar - A nightclub for gays and lesbians on SeaBright Avenue.
• Bay Front Inn - This inn near the boardwalk welcomes gays, lesbians, transgender individuals and straight people.
• Chaminade Resort - People of all sexual orientations can stay in comfort at this award-winning resort near Monterey Bay.

Santa Cruz Events

The Annual Redwood Dulcimer Festival in July is full of jam sessions, potluck dinners, classes and entertainment at the Bonnie Doon Campground near Santa Cruz.

The Strawberry Festival sweetens up Santa Cruz in August with berrylicious treats, arts and crafts, and fun for the whole family.

Labor Day weekend kicks off with the Capitola Begonia Festival near Santa Cruz and showcases sand sculptures, races, floats and millions of begonias.

A Day on the Monterey Bay Regatta helps to raise money for the children during September at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club. There is live music, raffles, silent auctions and races for visitors to enjoy.

The Capitola Art and Wine Festival fills the Capitola Village with more than150 artists and wineries in the month of October. Live music, street performances and fun is on the menu for visitors coming to Santa Cruz.

In fall, the Cold Water Classic comes to Santa Cruz. This is a show-stopping surfing event that tourists will really love seeing while on vacation.

Taste of Santa Cruz makes November delicious not only with food but by raising funds for the housing foundation in the area. Food, drink and fun from local restaurants will be showcased at this charitable event.

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train is an annual tradition that everyone can enjoy by taking a ride back in time on this restored, illuminated steam train.

The Ranch Holiday Festival takes place at the Wilder Ranch State Park near Santa Cruz and is filled with activities such as Victorian games, holiday crafts, carriage rides and plenty of Christmas cheer.

Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor Lighted Boat Parade has festive boats setting sail in the evening. Visitors can enjoy hot beverages and snacks at various viewing locations.

When To Go

Summer (June-August) in Santa Cruz is somewhat warm but it can also be quite cool due to the air blowing in off the ocean, as well as the fog that settles in. With the area's micro-climates, it could be 82°F (28°C) and hot in one place and then chilly in another.

From December through February there is plenty of rain and wind in Santa Cruz. This time of year, the city is not too crowded and the temperatures usually stay between 40°F (4°C) and 50°F (10°C).

Spring and fall have little to no rain, temperate weather and a lot of sunshine.

Getting There

By bus, the Amtrak Hwy 17 Express runs from downtown San Jose to Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Metro buses also help visitors get around the area.

The nearest airports for commercial airfare include San Jose, the Monterey Peninsula, San Francisco, Oakland and Watsonville airports. Shuttles, taxis and rental cars are available from all airports to get visitors to Santa Cruz.

By boat, the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor is located between Monterey Harbor and Pillar Point. Here visitors can arrive by boat.

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