The Santa Cruzer Beach & Downtown Shuttle

The Santa Cruzer is Back Memorial Day Weekend!

New for 2025: Cashless Payments!

Just scan the QR code inside the shuttle to purchase your tickets(s) and you're on your way!

Connecting Downtown Santa Cruz to the Beach and Wharf Area

The Santa Cruzer is the best way to get back and forth between the beach and downtown and avoid parking and traffic. The Santa Cruzer shuttle is convenient, all electric and eco-friendly, ADA-accessible and an enjoyable way to experience what Santa Cruz has to offer for all ages.

Hours of Operation

The Santa Cruzer runs Noon - 8 pm (Hours may vary for some special events) on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day including 4th of July.

Route

Pick up the Santa Cruzer shuttle on weekends and holidays beginning at 12:00 PM at Del Mar Theatre at 1124 Pacific Avenue. The final shuttle pickup at the Del Mar is 7:30 PM. The shuttle ends with the last drop off at 8:00 PM at the Del Mar Theatre.

Fare

$1.00 per ride

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor of The Santa Cruzer, email Katie Ferraro at kferraro@santacruzca.gov for more information!

Downtown and Beach Area Attractions

Parking Information

Locust Garage (124 Locust Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060)
The Locust Garage is located at the corner of Cedar and Locust streets. The lot is paid hourly parking, seven days a week, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Keep your ticket with you, pay at one of the Pay-on-Foot stations (located on the ground floor stair towers) or the cashier's window before returning to your vehicle, or you can pay by credit card at the exit gate.

  • Locust Garage Hourly Rate Chart

Soquel/Front Street Garage (601 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060)
The Soquel/Front Parking Garage is located at the corner of Soquel Avenue and Front Street. The lot is paid hourly parking, seven days a week, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Keep your ticket with you, and pay at one of the Pay-on-Foot stations (located on the ground floor stair towers) or the cashier’s office before returning to your vehicle.

  • Soquel/Front Street Garage Hourly Rate Chart.

River/Front Garage (24 River Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060)
The River Front Parking Garage is located between River and Front streets next to the Galleria Office Complex. The lot is paid hourly parking, seven days a week, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Keep your ticket with you, and pay at one of the Pay-on-Foot stations or the cashier’s office before returning to your vehicle. River/Front Garage Hourly Rate Chart.

  • This parking garage has electric vehicle charging stations. To find out more detailed information please search www.PlugShare.com.

The Cedar/Church Garage (800 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060)
The Cedar/Church Parking Garage is located at the corner of Cedar and Church streets. The garage is pay-by-space hourly parking with a $1.25/hour $10 Daily Max rate. The fee is charged seven days a week 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Remember your space number and pay at any pay station or pay by phone with Parkmobile.

More parking options can be found on our Downtown Parking Lot Facilities & Map page.

Downtown Dining - Whether you're in the mood for weekend brunch, a sandwich to take with you to the beach, or happy hour, there are many options for you downtown.

Downtown Shopping - From large brands like the Gap and Forever 21, to small local shops like Pacific Trading Co., downtown Santa Cruz offers a range of shopping for everyone.

Downtown Entertainment - Grab a book from Bookshop Santa Cruz or catch some live music on Friday Nights in Abbott Square.

The Santa Cruz Wharf

Wharf Dining - No matter what you're in the mood for, you can find a restaurant to curb your cravings on the Santa Cruz Wharf!

Wharf Shopping - Pick up a Santa Cruz souvenir or a gift for a loved one while exploring the Wharf.

Wharf Recreation - Bocce, boat rentals and more can be found on the Santa Cruz Wharf!

Rent the Santa Cruzer for Your Next Event!

Contact Katie Ferraro at kferraro@santacruzca.gov to learn more!

The Santa Cruzer is a program of the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development & Housing Department. Economic Development operates the shuttle and the program would not be possible without the generosity and commitment of our local Santa Cruz business and organization sponsors along with an AB2766 grant from the Monterey Bay Air Quality Control District in cooperation with the City of Santa Cruz.

The Santa Cruzer program is pleased to be working with Transdev, providing outstanding shuttle drivers and maintenance staff.

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