Is Santa Cruz Safe to Visit?

Is Santa Cruz a safe getaway destination? In reality, the biggest risk in visiting Santa Cruz is falling in love with the quirky seaside city and never wanting to leave!

In all seriousness, Santa Cruz is a very safe vacation destination for you and your family. In fact, the vast majority of the more than 3 million people visit Santa Cruz each year with no issue.

About Safety in Santa Cruz for Visitors

From the boardwalk to the surfers on the beaches, from the towering redwoods to the hopeful University of California Santa Cruz prospects, there are countless reasons to visit Santa Cruz. Sure, we get our fair share of vandalism and petty crime, but these are of little note to short-term visitors and devoted residents of our laidback city.

Santa Cruz, California, is widely considered to be much safer than nearby U.S. cities like Sacramento, San Jose, Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Francisco. We break it all down for you below.

Santa Cruz Crime Statistics: A Summary

We sorted through the crime data rankings reported online by the local law enforcement agencies to determine which stats were relevant to public safety. Spoiler alert: bike thefts really juice the crime stats for overall crime and vehicle theft.

  • Lower than the national average in violent crime categories.
  • The most prominent risk is petty theft, which can be easily mitigated.
  • Property crime occasionally happens in Santa Cruz. Be cautious and lock up bikes and surfboards while not in use.
  • Areas of increased caution are downtown, lower ocean, and the metro station.

Is Santa Cruz Safe at Night?

Photo Credit: Nick Fox

Like nearly all urban areas in the United States and abroad, crime increases after dark. While muggings and assaults are rare in Santa Cruz, you should always use increased caution while walking alone in populated areas in U.S. cities like downtown Santa Cruz.

But if you’re looking for a simple answer to this question—yes, Santa Cruz is safe at night, and many visitors to the city partake in nighttime activities such as taking a stroll on the beach or grabbing some drinks at the wharf.

Some Safe Nighttime Activities

Photo Credit: toxawww from Getty Images
  • Head to Moe’s Alley for nighttime entertainment and live music with the locals
  • Enjoy a waterfront dinner at the Wharf
  • Hit Pleasure Point to listen to the rolling waves

Here’s our full list of the best nightlife in the Santa Cruz area.

Is Swimming in Santa Cruz Safe?

Photo Credit: David A Litman

Located at the crest of Monterey Bay, you’ll notice residents swimming and surfing in the crisp California waters year-round. For the most part, the beaches of Santa Cruz are quite mellow and kid-friendly. But it is the ocean, after all. You should always take care to swim with a buddy and keep an eye on the current ocean conditions, which can switch on a dime.

Not all ocean hot spots are safe to take a dip in. The Toilet Bowl is an iconic destination for tourists and locals that is completely not suitable for swimming. This dead-end cove with walls nearly 20 feet high doesn’t exactly beckon swimmers into its churning waters, yet somehow, every year, drownings and close calls are reported.

Another water going activity that should enjoyed with caution is sea kayaking – a popular activity but should be exercised with caution. Be sure you take all safety measures available to you and always wear your life jacket. It’s always best to try new oceanic adventures alongside someone with expertise.

Safe Places to Swim in Santa Cruz

Tips to Stay Safe Swimming in Santa Cruz

Photo Credit: Ken Wolter
  • Wear a wetsuit during the winter months.
  • Never ever swim alone.
  • Obey all posted signs near the water.
  • Save the Santa Cruz City Lifeguards phone number (831-420-5716), and check their 24-hour weather and offshore buoy reports by pressing option number two.
  • Be aware of any beach and water body advisories posted by the city.

Safe Places to Stay Around Santa Cruz

While Santa Cruz is most definitely a safe travel destination, some tourists who want an even quieter and safer stay might find these two nearby towns to be more to their liking.

Capitola

Photo Credit: Lux Blue

This charming little village is known for all things oceanic. Capitola has numerous beaches, waterfront restaurants, and even its own wharf draws tourists from the “big city” of Santa Cruz. Capitola is considered to be quieter and less populated and, therefore, safer than its neighbor.

Aptos

Photo Credit: Zack Frank

Widely considered to be the “safest suburb of the Santa Cruz area,” Aptos is most well known for its natural beauty and outdoor attractions.

While Aptos Village (or the downtown area) is home to some cute shops themed as if they are straight out of the California Gold Rush era, you definitely won’t have the same amenities of the bustling city center of Santa Cruz. Vacation rentals in this region are good for families looking to explore the redwoods, Seacliff State Beach and enjoy the area’s numerous wineries.

Safety Tips for Santa Cruz, California

Whether you choose to stay in Aptos, Pleasure Point, Capitola, or right in the heart of Santa Cruz, here are some things you can do to ease your mind and feel safe.

1. Utilize Public Transportation After Dark

Santa Cruz is one of the rare American cities with an extensive network of public transportation that runs well into the after-dark hours. Uber and Lyft operate in the city as well and have an excellent reputation with little (or no) risk to riders.

2. Try Out the App Walksafe

If you’re traveling with high-school teens who may be spending some time alone in the city, Walksafe is a great way to make sure they get home safely. This app includes features like “follow me,” which allows you to monitor their movements and ensure they arrive safely.

3. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

It’s just good life advice in general! Be aware of changing tides and potential hazards at the beach. In wooded areas, stay on marked trails and be respectful of wildlife. In town, be aware of your belongings and practice general urban safety. By staying alert, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable Santa Cruz experience.

4. Park in Well-Lit and Populated Areas

Since property crime is the largest concern in Santa Cruz, you can and should always park in well-lit populated areas to reduce the risk of break-ins.

5. Secure Any Property Like Surfboards and Bikes

As we mentioned, bike crime is big in Santa Cruz. There are bikes everywhere, and they are a hot item for petty theft. Be sure to use a secure bike lock when leaving yours behind, and whenever possible, follow rule number four as an additional precaution.

Sleep Safe & Sound in Santa Cruz!

Santa Cruz is one of the safest cities on the California coastline, and we’re ready to prove it! You can enjoy a wide array of outdoor activities, relish in the small-town feel, and swim in some of the calmest waters in the Pacific (thanks to the sheltered Monterey Bay). Even better, we have short-term and monthly vacation home rentals throughout the Santa Cruz, Pleasure Point, Capitola, and Aptos areas.

Wherever you feel most secure, we are ready to welcome you and introduce you to the bounty of attractions the Santa Cruz, California, area has to offer. Book your Beachnest Vacation Home today!