Arrival Information

Greyhound buses from San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose stop five times a day at 425 Front St, in the center of town. Santa Cruz has an excellent public transportation system known as the Metro, on which the basic fare is $1 and an all-day pass $3 (information at 831/425-8600). The Bicycle Rental Center, 131 Center St (tel 831/426-8687), rents bikes from $7 an hour or $25-30 per day. The Santa Cruz Visitors Council is at 701 Front St (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm; tel 831/425-1234 or 1-800/833-3494).

Off season, Santa Cruz has plenty of inexpensive places to stay , though rates can be much higher on weekends. The best campground is at New Brighton State Beach (tel 831/464-6330 or 1-800/444-7275; $12-14 per night), three miles south near the beachfront village of Capitola.

Capitola Venetian 1500 Wharf Rd, Capitola tel 831/476-6471. Beach hotel offering one- to three-bed rooms, some with stoves, fridges, fireplaces and ocean views. Rates vary wildly; it's much cheaper during winter and on weekdays. $50-250.

Capri Motel 337 Riverside Ave tel 831/426-4611. The cheapest motel near the boardwalk, with basic but clean rooms. $35-50.

Cliff Crest B&B Inn 407 Cliff St tel 831/427-2609. At the top of Beach Hill, an 1887 refurbished Queen Anne with elegant rooms, set among its own lovely gardens. Winter $75-100, summer $200-250.

HI-Santa Cruz 321 Main St tel 831/423-8304. Well-sited hostel offering dorm beds from $15, easily the best bargain in town. Up to $35.