Santa Cruz Beach is also relatively central when it comes to traveling to the other neighborhoods. There are also excellent seafood restaurants and shops on the historic Santa Cruz Wharf – stretching into the bay over half a mile (800 meters), it’s the longest pier on the West Coast. There’s plenty to eat and drink along Beach Street, and there’s always something happening in the summer from beach volleyball contests to the “Bands on the Beach” concert series. Though Capitola is much nicer, if you’re coming to see Santa Cruz you should really sample life in the Santa Cruz Boardwalk/Beach neighborhood, where the bulk of the accommodation options are located, and there’s easy access to the main attractions – the beach itself, and the Boardwalk theme park. Best Neighborhood for First Timers: Boardwalk/Beach.The Best Places to Stay in Santa CruzĬharming Capitola Village on Soquel Creek with the beach in the background. Though you really don’t need a car to explore most of the areas surveyed below, it’s more convenient to drive if exploring the San Lorenzo Valley. Santa Cruz has an excellent bus system, with $2 basic fares and all-day passes for $6. There are no 5-star hotels in Santa Cruz, but there are a handful of luxurious 4-stars, plus several high-end boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and midrange/budget chain hotels. We’ve also included Capitola, the upscale seaside town 6 miles east of Downtown Santa Cruz, and the San Lorenzo Valley to the north, dominated by the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Just across the San Lorenzo River, which splits the city in two, lie the hip Midtown and Seabright neighborhoods, while the primarily residential area along the coast from Santa Cruz Beach is known as Westside. In the city itself, much of the action (and accommodations) lies on or near the Boardwalk/Beach neighborhood, while Downtown is a mile or so inland, centered on Pacific Avenue. It’s best known for its miles of sandy beaches, excellent surfing, the rides of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park (including the vintage Giant Dipper), the UC Santa Cruz campus, and a thriving LGBT scene. Santa Cruz is a quintessential California beach town, facing the Pacific some 70 miles south of San Francisco. Head to All Shook Up for the ultimate vintage treasure hunt, get the hometown feels at not-your-average dive bar, Oak & Ale, and grab a “deal with a view” at Crow’s Nest.The city of Santa Cruz boasts a string of sandy beaches and a historic wharf. Hidden gems: Santa Cruz is the perfect place to find hole-in-the-wall spots and locals-only faves.Enjoy outdoor dining and a taste of the city’s music scene in the summertime. Downtown sites: In the heart of Santa Cruz, you’ll find a quaint downtown area filled with shops, restaurants and kiosks.Santa Cruz Arboretum in the Santa Cruz Mountains. For unforgettable views, head to West Cliff Drive for six-miles of walking or bike riding along the coastline. Great outdoors: Santa Cruz is a town to see outside.If you really want something different, head to Capitola Beach for a real old school vibe. If that’s too much to handle, head down to Main Beach or Cowell Beach for some sunbathing and swimming.
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