Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Santa Cruz?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Santa Cruz?
Most visitors spend one to two days in Santa Cruz when visiting. The coastal town offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the beaches, the nightlife, the museums and landmarks, and the hiking.
Located on the central coastline in California, Santa Cruz is a quintessential beach town. There's a classic boardwalk with traditional rides, a charming downtown, and plenty of shops and cafes. The beaches are beautiful and the rugged coastline is fun to explore.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Santa Cruz? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Santa Cruz?
Three days is more than sufficient for a beach trip to Santa Cruz, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Lounge on the beach, take advantage of the local nightlife, browse through museums, and take a hike on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Santa Cruz as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
How to spend 3 days in Santa Cruz
Don't miss Santa Cruz Wharf during your trip to Santa Cruz, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.
Santa Cruz is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. It's considered to be one of the most walkable cities in California.
The beautiful beaches await you in Santa Cruz, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The beaches are beautiful and fun. Head to Main Beach for the most activity. This is where you'll find the town's boardwalk, which has a historic carousel and several classic amusement rides. For a more peaceful and scenic spot, check out Natural Bridges State Beach or Seacliff State Beach.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz ($129)
- Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz ($35)
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. Sampling local seafood is a top priority for many visitors. Most restaurants have a casual vibe and serve up high quality dishes in a relaxed setting. You'll find cafes, Mexican food, and Italian eateries among other options.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Capitola Friday Night Food Tour ($129)
You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 4 days enough time in Santa Cruz?
Four days is more than enough time to see the activities and enjoy the beach in Santa Cruz. Many visitors prefer to spend one to two days here, so more time would allow you to experience the beaches, the nightlife, the museums and landmarks, and the hiking at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
Santa Cruz, California
How to spend 4 days in Santa Cruz
If you have more than 4 days in Santa Cruz, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the town has to offer.
Known for it's hiking, Santa Cruz sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Santa Cruz?
Five days is more than enough time to enjoy the beach and other activities in Santa Cruz. You can move at your own pace and relax at your hotel and on the beach. You could also use Santa Cruz as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region worth doing.
How to spend 5 days in Santa Cruz
Having 5 days in Santa Cruz will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the town.
Shopping in Santa Cruz is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Santa Cruz, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.