PLAN YOUR Visit

About Santa Cruz

A celebrated mecca for the arts and a passionately distinctive university town, Santa Cruz is known for its spectacular coastal and mountain scenery, rich histories, varied and vibrant cultural traditions, and innovations in culinary, technology, and academia. You will find there is much to delight you during the two weeks of Cabrillo Festival events!

Downtown Santa Cruz is home to our venue, the historic Civic Auditorium. Make time in your Festival itinerary to enjoy Downtown’s many independent booksellers and boutiques, wineshops, award-winning baristas, cutting-edge bistros and casual eateries, galleries, and lively street art scene that make up the unique character of our thriving small city. The Downtown Association is a wellspring of visitor information, including a helpful guide to food, drink, and shopping, all within walking distance of the Civic. Their friendly Kiosk staff at the corner of Pacific and Soquel Avenues are always happy to offer insider recommendations! Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks can direct you to all manner of hikes and outdoor activities from the mountains to the sea. Lodging and more information about our spectacular county can be found at Visit Santa Cruz. Still have questions? Feel free to Contact the Festival for assistance in planning your visit!

Lodging & Visitor Information

August is our peak tourism season! Please plan ahead if you are traveling from outside our area. Visit Santa Cruz is a great resource for lodging recommendations.