Traveling in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California
On the central coast of California in between Monterey Bay and San Jose lies Santa Cruz, California, a laid-back coastal college town with a reputation of locals open to liberal views and accepting of alternative lifestyles. Among its residents are University of California, Santa Cruz students, a large artist colony, and professional surfers.
With 29 miles of beaches and 14 state parks, Santa Cruz is a popular spot for hikers and surfers, but also is an up-and-coming art scene with annual art galleries, wine-tastings, music festivals, and cultural events.
The weather in Santa Cruz is known to be moderate year-round, with cool and rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean keeps the fog rolling in maintaining these mild temperatures.
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Looking for a party hostel in Las Vegas or San Diego? Traveling alone to NYC or LA? Want a budget hostel in San Francisco?Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Santa Cruz. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $68 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Luckily, Santa Cruz has plenty of hostels, including Santa Cruz Hostel. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. It's a common desire for visitors to Santa Cruz to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $156 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Santa Cruz. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. West Cliff Inn A Four Sisters Inn is a good kid-friendly option, and Beach Street Inn and Suites is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Santa Cruz here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $297 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the town will demand a higher price range. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz - offered by Viator.
