Looking for budget stays in Santa Cruz? This section is designed to save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. We've got insider tips to help you find affordable hostels and the cheapest places to stay in Santa Cruz.
Welcome to the California coast -- Santa Cruz is known for its beaches, the surfing possibilities (many famous surfers have practiced in the beaches of Santa Cruz), a young vibe, and as a place where many different cultures and lifestyles come to mix, creating a rather alternative feel. Santa Cruz is the kind of town you can get a hostel in to chill and enjoy the beach lifestyle.
Popular attractions include the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park, which has a giant wheel similar to the famous one in Santa Monica beach. On sunny days and weekends, you'll find a lot of people (families and young crowd) enjoying themselves in the oceanfront walkways -- strolling around, roller-blading, taking dogs for a walk, jogging, and carrying surfboards toward the big waves that hit the coast. The beach is very popular, but that doesn't mean the water temperature is that inviting! Unless it is a particularly warm day in the summer, wet suits are advised for those daring to enter the water.
Going away from the seafront and getting into downtown Santa Cruz, you'll be able to enjoy an immense offer for shopping, entertainment, and food. As this is a town with a large college population, there are often events and concerts catering to young people.
There is quite a variety of accommodation options in town, including Santa Cruz hostels, inns, and motels, including popular chains and one-off establishments. Pricier options tend to be those closer to the boardwalk, perhaps with views toward the ocean. But there are also plenty of great options downtown, where you'll also be closer to the action once the night comes.
Written by Travel Expert Santa Cruz
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