Aerial view of the Santa Crus Beach Boardwalk's vintage rides and wodden rollercoaster the backdrop of the beach and the ocean

Central Coast

Santa Cruz

Legendary Surf and Laid-Back Beach Vibes

Few places capture California’s laid-back coastal spirit quite like Santa Cruz County. Famous for legendary surf breaks, sun-soaked beaches, towering redwoods, and a free-spirited culture, this beautiful stretch of the Monterey Bay blends outdoor adventure with a thriving arts and food scene.

The bronze sculpture of a surfer and his board along West Cliff Drive with flower in the foreground and the ocean in the background. — The bronze surfer statue along West Cliff Drive

Sea Swings at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz

In Santa Cruz, stroll or bike scenic West Cliff Drive, where surfers ride the waves at Steamer Lane beneath the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse and Surfing Museum. Santa Cruz’s surfing heritage dates to 1885, when three Hawaiian princes first introduced the sport to mainland America. Nearby, the century-old Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk delivers classic seaside nostalgia with its historic Giant Dipper roller coaster and Looff Carousel. In Downtown, independent boutiques, colorful murals, lively farmers markets, and beloved local restaurants reflect the city’s creative spirit. For a quieter escape, explore the tide pools and seasonal monarch butterfly grove at Natural Bridges State Beach.

Capitola Village

Pleasure Point and Capitola

Farther east, Pleasure Point is the heart of Santa Cruz’s neighborhood surf culture. Watch surfers from the bluffs along East Cliff Drive, browse local surf shops, or linger over craft coffee. Just beyond, Capitola Village charms with its colorful Venetian-style cottages, sandy beach, waterfront restaurants, and historic wharf. For a memorable dinner, ride the hillside funicular to Shadowbrook Restaurant overlooking Soquel Creek.

Aptos Creek at The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park in Santa Cruz County, California — The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park in Aptos

Aptos

Continuing south, Aptos offers a quieter mix of coastal beauty and redwood adventure. Explore the redwoods at the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, picnic along Seacliff State Beach, or browse the farmers market at Cabrillo College. Nearby, family-owned wineries along the Corralitos Wine Trail showcase the region’s cool-climate wines.

Panoramic view over Shark Fin Cove near Davenport in Santa Cruz County, California, at sunset with waves crashing against the rock and wildflowers in the foreground — Shark Fin Cove in Davenport

Davenport

Just north of Santa Cruz, Davenport offers a wilder stretch of coastline, with dramatic ocean bluffs and secluded coves. Explore the new trails at Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument, admire the striking rock formation at Shark Fin Cove, or stop for farm-fresh treats at local farms.

For more trip-planning inspiration, visit Visit Santa Cruz County.

Where to stay in Santa Cruz

12 Hotels

Aerial view of the front of the West Cliff Inn

White Victorian styled inn sitting above stone wall with shrubs with bicycles in front

Exterior of the West Cliff Inn at dusk

The stained glass skylight in the stairwell of the West Cliff Inn

The parlor of the West Cliff Inn

West Cliff Inn

Santa Cruz$$$

A restored Victorian blends historic architecture with contemporary coastal design above Cowell’s Beach and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

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Multi story exterior of Sand Rock Farm in dark grey with white trim nestled in a lush, green, hilly landscape surrounded by mature trees

Spindled redwood staircase with paneling with antique furnishings

The recessed Jacuzzi tub in the Honeycomb Suite at Sand Rock Farm

Dining room at Sand Rock Farm featuring a large wood table and dining chairs, wood paneled wall with fireplace and wood wainscoting

A breakfast burrito with roasted potatoes and salsa served at Sand Rock Farm

Sand Rock Farm

Aptos$$$

On a historic estate near Santa Cruz, a restored farmhouse offers secluded stays among lush gardens, redwoods, and the ruins of a 19th-century winery.

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Paris Suite at the Inn at Depot Hill featurign a double-sided fireplace

Exterior of the Inn at Depot Hill

Guest Room at the Inn at Depot Hill

Guest Room at the Inn at Depot Hill

Private courtyard_Inn at Depot Hill-Depot Suite

Inn at Depot Hill

Capitola$$$

From Parisian elegance to Kyoto-inspired serenity, luxurious suites evoke destinations around the world at this romantic Capitola retreat.

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Exterior of Captiola Hotel

Sign

Courtyard Entry

Exterior Fountain at the Capitola Hotel

Wine in the courtyard at Capitola Hotel

Capitola Hotel

Capitola$$

An intimate hotel with island-inspired décor and a private courtyard patio offers an easygoing escape steps from the beach in Capitola Village.

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Rod iron bistro table and chairs on the balcony overlooking the ocean and trees

Ocean Echo Inn & Cottages front exterior pained a blue-gray with white trim, the upper story features two multi-pane windows with a large lawn area in front, a flowering tree and shrubs and trees in the distance

Main house porch at Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages

Main house porch at Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages

Concrete steps up to a blue and white trim Cottage at Ocean Echo Inn & Cottages

Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages

Santa Cruz$$$

Steps from Sunny Cove Beach, cozy cottages with kitchens, beach toys, and bonfire packages invite families to settle into an easy rhythm at the beach.

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Guest room at the Pacific Blue Inn

Exterior of the Pacific Blue Inn

Entrance to the Pacific Blue Inn

Courtyard at the Pacific Blue Inn

Pacific Blue Inn

Santa Cruz$$$

Blending contemporary comfort with sustainable design, this nine-room boutique hotel offers a cozy stay between downtown Santa Cruz and the beach.

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Special Offers & Experiences in Santa Cruz

Stay Longer & Save!

West Cliff Inn

Stay multiple nights and enjoy deeper discounts.

Sandy beach with wind-blown cypress trees in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Santa Cruz

Nearby Destinations

Explore more of California's Central Coast between the San Francisco Peninsula and Monterey.