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Weekend Getaways to Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is one of America's surfing capitals, complete with its own museum devoted to the sport, and a beach whose waves are known all over the world. Spend some time enjoying the amusements on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, or head over to the local "mystery spot" where gravity doesn't seem to work normally. For outdoor recreation, the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary and Natural Bridges State Park are the places to be.
 
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Don't-Miss Attractions
Where to Stay
Recommended Reading
Where to stay
Chaminade
Hilton Santa Cruz / Scotts Valley
Dream Inn
Ramada Limited Fishermans Wharf
Super 8 Santa Cruz Boardwalk East
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz



Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten path, but all are worth a visit.
Thrills and chillsThrills and chills
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Roller coasters, arcade games and fast food abound on this lively and popular beachfront boardwalk.
Address: Beach Street, Santa Cruz, California
Phone: 831 423 5590
Free; open June - August
Mystery Spot: This enigmatic place draws curious visitors who come to witness its gravity-defying properties.
Address: 465 Mystery Spot Road off Branciforte Dr., Santa Cruz, California
Phone: 831-423-8897
Admission fee
Surf's upSurf's up
Santa Cruz Main Beach: This popular beach, with killer waves, is known as one of the top surfing spots in the world.
Address: Along Beach St. west from San Lorenzo River, Santa Cruz, California
Free
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum: For more than a hundred years, Santa Cruz has been a hot spot for hard-core surfers. This museum tells their stories through photographs, surfboards and other related items.
Address: West Cliff Drive at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz, California
Phone: 831-420-6289
Free
Nature centerNature center
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Visitors can observe whales, sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions along this 276-mile stretch of shore, a national preservation area for marine life.
Address: 299 Foam Street, Monterey, Monterey Peninsula, California
Phone: 831-647-4201
Free
Outdoor recreationOutdoor recreation
Natural Bridges State Park: A refuge for wintering Monarch Butterflies, this park boasts a sandy cove, tidepools, a nature trail through the Butterfly Preserve and several hiking trails. There is also a bike trail around the perimeter of the park.
Address: 2531 West Cliff Drive near Swanton Blvd., Santa Cruz, California
Phone: 831-423-4609
Admission fee
RestaurantsRestaurants
O'mei Restaurant: O'Mei gets raves for having the best Chinese food in town. From dumplings to crispy beef, the food is fresh and delicious.
Address: 2316 Mission St, Santa Cruz, California
Phone: (831) 425-8458
Things to doMore attractions
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Santa Cruz goLists

goLists — Created by real travelers to give you ideas
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What to do in Santa Cruz
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Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travelers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Luxury hotelsLuxury hotels
Chaminade
Popularity index: #12 in Santa Cruz
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Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
Hilton Santa Cruz / Scotts Valley
Popularity index: #7 in Santa Cruz
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Dream Inn
Popularity index: #13 in Santa Cruz
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Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
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Ramada Limited Fishermans Wharf
Popularity index: #17 in Santa Cruz
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Ramada.com Get our best rate at our site or your first night is free.
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Budget hotelsBudget hotels
Super 8 Santa Cruz Boardwalk East
Popularity index: #6 in Santa Cruz
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Comfort Inn Santa Cruz
Popularity index: #42 in Santa Cruz
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ComfortInn.com Free High Speed Internet & Breakfast. Best Web Rate Guaranteed!
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Recommended Reading
"Santa Cruz, California"  away.com/ Outside Magazine, Aug 1, 2007
This town is paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
"A Perfect Mix Of Sun, Sand And Corndogs"  sfgate.com / San Francisco Chronicle, May 24, 2000
A short drive from San Francisco: spending a lazy day at Santa Cruz beach.
"Get outside in Santa Cruz"  Boston.com / Boston Globe, Apr 26, 2006
Santa Cruz offers an abundance of outdoor activities in an awesome Northern California setting.
"Santa Cruz: A Beach Town That Doesn't Shut Down"  New York Times (free registration required), Dec 11, 2005
Have some old fashioned family fun in Santa Cruz.
 View all articles, guidebooks and user reviews about Santa Cruz