Known for its moderate climate, natural beauty, educational institutions, alternative community lifestyles and socially liberal leanings, Santa Cruz, a slow, lazy beach town and retirement community till 1965 became sporty and active after the establishment of The University Of California, in the Santa Cruz campus.

Featuring the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, California's oldest amusement park and a designated State Historic Landmark, blessed with vast, beautiful beaches, mountains forested with giant redwoods and a fine temperate climate, Santa Cruz is well known for water sports such as sailing, diving, swimming, paddling and is considered to be one of the best spots in the world for surfing.

Tourist coming to Santa Cruz can find every imaginable level of accommodation, ranging from vacation bungalows and beach cottages to corporate retreat facilities. Santa Cruz is known for its luxury hotels and inns perching above the sea and awaiting down redwood-shaded lanes. No need to worry for the budget conscious traveler, he would find motels throughout town range from economical range to beachside cabin style. All of the hotels have one thing in common, that these properties work towards a more sustainable travel future offering better facilities and amenities.