Santa CruzSanta Cruz, California

The questions people ask first about Santa Cruz, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
• SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
• Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
• TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
• SafetySanta Cruz is generally safe for visitors; the real risks are cold, strong ocean currents, property crime from parked cars…

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• Coffee$4–6
• Sit-down mealSit-down dinner mainAdd 18–22% tip and sales tax.$20–35
• Street or quick mealBurrito or sandwich lunch$12–18
• Metro or bus rideMetro single ride$2 (check)
• Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$55
• Mid-range bedMotel or budget-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$200
• High-end bedMotel or budget-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$320

A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$180 · High US$320

Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

SJC San Jose Mineta International (Closest airport, about 45–60 min by car via Highway 17; free shuttle to San Jose Diridon station for the Highway 17 Express bus) · SFO San Francisco International (About 1 h 30 min by car; Caltrain to San Jose then the Highway 17 Express bus) · OAK Oakland International (About 1 h 45 min by car; often cheaper flights than SJC)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

$90–140 excl. bed

Mid

$160–260 excl. bed

High

$300+ excl. bed

• Highway 17 over the mountains is winding and often foggy: allow extra time and avoid the 15:00–18:00 southbound merge onto Highway 1.Highway 17 over the mountains is winding and often foggy: allow extra time and avoid the 3:00 PM–6:00 PM southbound merge onto Highway 1.
• Highway 1 and Highway 9 can close for landslides after winter storms: check road status before driving.
• Ocean water is cold and currents are strong north of the Boardwalk: swim near lifeguards only.
• Do not leave valuables in a parked car, especially near trailheads and the Boardwalk.
• Poison oak grows on inland trails: stay on the path.