Map of Santa Cruz, Aruba

🏄‍♂️ What to do in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz offers a plethora of activities that cater to every taste, from beach bumming and surfing to exploring quaint neighborhoods and enjoying outdoor adventures. Dive into the unique experiences that this coastal gem has to offer.

• Best Budget Activity in Santa Cruz:

  Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Enjoy classic seaside fun with rides, games, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean at this historic amusement park.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Santa Cruz:

  Roaring Camp Railroads: Embark on a scenic train ride through the redwoods aboard a historic steam train, offering a glimpse into the area's rich railroad history.

• Best Luxury Activity in Santa Cruz:

  Chaminade Resort & Spa: Indulge in a day of pampering at this luxury resort and spa, where you can rejuvenate with treatments, yoga classes, and stunning views.

🍽️ Where to eat in Santa Cruz

Indulge in the culinary delights of Santa Cruz, where fresh seafood, farm-to-table ingredients, and diverse flavors reign supreme. Don't miss out on trying the renowned clam chowder, artisanal tacos, and local wines while exploring the city.

• Best Budget Restaurant in Santa Cruz:

  Taqueria Los Pericos•$:

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Santa Cruz:

  Laili Restaurant•$$:

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Santa Cruz:

  Shadowbrook Restaurant•$$$$:

• Best Budget Bar in Santa Cruz:

  The Red Room•$:

  Craft beers and signature cocktails

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Santa Cruz:

  Motiv•$$:

  Artisanal cocktails and small plates

• Best Luxury Bar in Santa Cruz:

  Jack O'Neill Lounge•$$$:

  Premium wines and top-shelf spirits

🏰 What to see in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a haven of stunning landmarks that showcase its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant community. From iconic lighthouses to historic missions, these top attractions offer a glimpse into the city's rich tapestry of sights and experiences.

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

  Experience the nostalgia of a classic seaside amusement park with thrilling rides, games, and seaside views at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

• Natural Bridges State Beach

  Marvel at the mesmerizing natural rock formations and tide pools, and catch a glimpse of migrating monarch butterflies at this picturesque beach.

• Santa Cruz Wharf

  Stroll along the historic wharf lined with shops, restaurants, and panoramic ocean views, and don't miss the chance to spot sea lions and pelicans.

• Mystery Spot

  Explore the gravitational anomaly of the Mystery Spot, where the laws of physics seem to defy logic in a quirky and mind-bending experience.

• Mission Santa Cruz

  Step back in time at Mission Santa Cruz, a historic landmark that offers insights into California's Spanish colonial heritage with its fascinating architecture and exhibits.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz boasts a diverse shopping scene, offering everything from eclectic boutiques and artisan markets to upscale shops and unique finds. Explore the vibrant shopping destinations that cater to every budget and style in this charming coastal city.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Santa Cruz:

  Pacific Avenue: Stroll along Pacific Avenue, the bustling downtown street lined with thrift stores, vintage shops, and local boutiques offering affordable treasures.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Santa Cruz:

  Capitola Village: Discover the quaint shops and art galleries in Capitola Village, a picturesque seaside neighborhood known for its charming ambiance and variety of shopping options.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Santa Cruz:

  Westfield Valley Fair: Indulge in upscale shopping at Westfield Valley Fair, featuring designer stores, luxury brands, and upscale boutiques for a premium shopping experience.

🚃 Getting Around Santa Cruz

• Public Transport

  Santa Cruz offers a convenient public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and metros. The primary mode of public transport in the city is the bus service operated by Metro Santa Cruz. Buses are affordable, with fares typically starting at $1.50 per ride. They operate on a set schedule throughout the day, making it easy to get around the city. Additionally, the Santa Cruz Metro Center provides information on bus routes, schedules, and fares for tourists and locals alike.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  In Santa Cruz, the primary transportation hubs include the Santa Cruz Metro Center, which serves as a central point for buses within the city and connecting routes to neighboring areas. Additionally, the Santa Cruz Amtrak Station is a major train hub that offers services to various destinations in California and beyond. For air travel, the nearest airport is the Mineta San Jose International Airport, located approximately 30 miles away from Santa Cruz.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rental: Visitors to Santa Cruz can easily rent a car from well-known providers such as Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis. Rental prices typically start at $30 per day, depending on the vehicle type and rental duration. 🚲 Bicycle Rental: For those looking to explore the city on two wheels, various bike rental shops in Santa Cruz offer affordable options, starting at $15 per day. Vendors like Pacific Ave Cycles and Family Cycling Center provide a range of bicycles for rent, suitable for all ages and abilities.