Santa Cruz Guide

Things to do, facts to know, places to park, areas to see and more about Santa Cruz.

Highlighted overnight parking rentals around Santa Cruz

Hotel

Overnight

🌲 Woodside Retreat: Pool & Hot Tub Oasis 🚐💦

$120.00/night

driveway

Overnight

Golden Gate Bridge View🌉

$65.00/night

land

Overnight

Refuge under Oaks

$50.00/night

Explore more rentals inSanta Cruz

Things to do around Santa Cruz

Stroll the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to ride the historic Giant Dipper coaster, play seaside arcade games, and enjoy ocean views along the promenade.
Explore Natural Bridges State Beach at low tide to see coastal rock arches, tide pools, and migrating monarch butterflies from late fall through winter.
Walk or bike along West Cliff Drive from the Wharf to Lighthouse Point for coastal views and surfers carving waves at Steamer Lane.
Visit the Santa Cruz Wharf to sample fresh seafood, watch sea lions beneath the pier, and browse local boutiques overlooking Monterey Bay.

Fun Facts

The Giant Dipper roller coaster opened in 1924 and remains one of the oldest wooden coasters still operating on the West Coast.
Santa Cruz is recognized as the birthplace of mainland surfing in the United States, with roots tracing back to 1885 Hawaiian princes.
The University of California, Santa Cruz campus overlooks Monterey Bay and is home to one of the largest collections of redwood groves in an urban setting.
The city’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary protects more than 6,000 square miles of ocean, making it one of the largest marine sanctuaries in the U.S.

What is Vanly?

Vanly connects travelers in all RV types and sizes with convenient places to park overnight and/or hourly across the United States, with Canada coming soon. Our community is powered by local hosts who turn driveways, lots, and land into memorable stops that help travelers recharge and explore nearby communities.

Join now Learn more about us

App Users

40,000+

Host Listings

3,000+

States Covered