Safety/car rental

Question

Hi! Planning to spend a day in Santa Cruz, will likely do this on the way back to San Francisco from Monterey. Is the area safe to park a rental car while exploring the boardwalk, etc? Can we leave luggage in the car and not worry? Trying to figure out best way to see this area on way to or back from SF/Monterey. Likely will do a hotel in Monterey for that portion, but it seems to be an hour away from Santa Cruz so not an option to store things at the hotel and go back day of check out.

Answer

Santa Cruz is generally a safe place to visit during the day, especially around popular areas like the Boardwalk and downtown. However, like many tourist destinations, there are occasional reports of car break-ins, particularly when valuables are left visible inside vehicles. It’s best to exercise caution with rental cars and luggage.

Parking tips:

Use official Boardwalk parking lots or metered street parking near downtown and the Boardwalk. These areas are monitored and tend to be safer than side streets.
Avoid leaving luggage, electronics, or valuables visible in the car. If you must leave items, store them in the trunk before you arrive, as this reduces the risk of theft.
Consider arriving early in the day to secure spots in lots that have attendants or are well-lit.

Alternative options for seeing Santa Cruz safely with luggage:

If you have a rental car, consider using a large gym bag or soft-sided luggage that can fit under seats or in the trunk securely.
Some visitors choose to leave luggage in the car but only if items are well-hidden in the trunk and the car is locked; insurance coverage for break-ins should also be checked.
If you are uncomfortable leaving luggage, you could explore Santa Cruz using a rideshare or taxi from your Monterey hotel for a day trip, minimizing the need to carry bags around.

Overall, a few precautions can make a visit to Santa Cruz with a rental car smooth and safe, allowing you to enjoy the Boardwalk, local shops, and restaurants without worry.

Safety/car rental

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