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Santa Cruz has a number of cultural institutions and other attractions, including the University of California, Santa Cruz, Arboretum; Mission Santa Cruz; the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History; the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History; the Santa Cruz Art League (which includes an art gallery, theater, and classroom); [58] the Santa Cruz ...
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk delivers classic summertime fun, complete with amusement park rides, games, and tourist attractions.
- Main Beach & Cowell Beach. Besides the boardwalk, the main reason to visit Santa Cruz is the beach. The sunny Mediterranean weather, sandy shores, and safe waters make Santa Cruz one of the best beach destinations in California.
- Santa Cruz Wharf. The Santa Cruz Wharf was built in 1914 to serve deep-water vessels, however today it is used as a fishing pier and sightseeing vantage point.
- West Cliff Drive & the Surfing Museum. A six-mile pathway on West Cliff Drive hugs the coastline and provides a scenic route for walking and cycling. Along the way, the views of the Pacific Ocean are truly breathtaking.
- Spend A Day at The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Stroll Along The Santa Cruz Wharf
- Learn About Local Surfing Culture
- Watch The Sunset at Natural Bridges
- Surf with The Pros at Steamer Lane and The Hook
- Defy Gravity at The Mystery Spot
- Visit Roaring Camp Railroad
- Sample The Best of Pacific Avenue
- Take A Hike to Berry Creek Falls
- Drink and Dine at Abbott Square Market
No trip to Santa Cruz is complete without spending a few hours at the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. If this beachfront amusement park looks familiar, that’s because it’s been featured in popular movies like The Lost Boys, Us, and Chasing Mavericks. Not only is this famous attraction located right on sandy Main Beach but the Beach Boardwalk i...
Just down the road from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Santa Cruz Wharf is yet another popular Santa Cruz attraction. The pier dates back to 1914 and stands proud as the longest wood wharf on the West Coast. Today, the wharf is a popular spot for fishing, enjoying scenic seafood meals, and spotting local wildlife. No matter what time of year y...
For panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay, go for a scenic walk or bike ride along West Cliff Drive. Cruising along the three-mile pathway is one of the top things to do in Santa Cruz for locals and visitors alike! Stretching from the Santa Cruz Wharf to Natural Bridges State Beach and Park, you’ll find plenty of interesting sights ...
Located at the end of the three-mile paved path on West Cliff Drive, you’ll find one of Santa Cruz’s most popular and visually stunning beaches. Whether you want to have a sun-filled beach day, take gorgeous sunset photos, or see local wildlife, Natural Bridges State Beach and Park won’t disappoint. With its famous rocky sea arch, this is easily th...
It’s no secret that Santa Cruz – the birthplace of surfing on the mainland – is a mecca for surfers. If you’re a surfing enthusiast and want to surf like the locals do, you’ll definitely want to beeline it for Steamer Lane (aka The Lane). It should be noted that this world-famous surf break should only be attempted by experts since the waves at Ste...
Drive around Santa Cruz, and you’ll notice cars boasting bright yellow bumper stickers that read “The Mystery Spot.” Although it’s super touristy, this unique attraction is an institution in Santa Cruz. Tucked away in the middle of a redwood forest, The Mystery Spotappears to defy gravity. Walk around the 150-foot-wide area, and everything will app...
A visit to Roaring Camp Railroadis one of the most unique things to do in Santa Cruz. It’s the perfect activity for little ones, but adults will be equally as entertained! Located in nearby Felton, this popular attraction offers visitors two routes on its 19th-century narrow-gauge steam train: the Redwood Forest Steam Train and the Santa Cruz Beach...
Pacific Avenue is the main drag of downtown Santa Cruz. This is the place where you’ll find some of the city’s best bars, restaurants, theaters, and shops – including locally owned boutiques and big-name brands. You’ll also find plenty of street vendors hawking everything from handmade jewelry to handcrafted trinkets. You can easily spend an entire...
Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California’s oldest State Park. While there are all sorts of hiking opportunities in the park, the Berry Creek Falls hike is arguably the best. This 9-mile out-and-back trail is a “strenuous” day hike. But you’ll be rewarded with the chance to see the largest old-growth redwoods in the Santa Cru...
If you’re looking for one of the coolest things to do in Santa Cruz, then be sure to head over to Abbott Square Market. This hip indoor-outdoor food court and event space made its debut inside a former jail in 2017 and quickly became the hippest place in town to hang out with family and friends! The market is brimming with innovative eateries. You ...
- Hike Among Redwoods in the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, nestled in the majestic Santa Cruz Mountains, is a nature lover’s paradise and a vital addition to the list of things to do in Santa Cruz.
- Wander the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is an iconic and must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Santa Cruz, offering a vibrant and nostalgic atmosphere that captures the essence of the California beach experience.
- Catch a Wave at Any Number of Surf Spots. Santa Cruz is renowned as a premier surfing destination, and learning to surf here is an exhilarating experience for both beginners and experienced riders.
- Cruise into the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is a beloved institution that celebrates the rich history and culture of surfing in Santa Cruz, earning its place among the top things to do in the city for surf enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. You might recognise the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk from the movies. This iconic amusement park has been the backdrop to countless cinema scenes.
- Take the scenic route along West Cliff Drive. Driving along the California coast is the stuff of dreams and the stretch along West Cliff Drive is a good example of the waves, mist and cliffs that have come to epitomise that journey.
- Ride a steam train through the redwoods. One of the most unique things to do in Santa Cruz is to head to Roaring Camp Railroads in the Santa Cruz mountains where you can take a steam train through the redwoods, offering a perspective like none other.
- Walk among giants at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is an easy place to take a walk through a 40-acre grove of towering redwoods.
Jun 26, 2022 · The Central California destination is home to heaps of enticing attractions, including a famous historic boardwalk with an amusement park and scenic drives leading to beautiful beaches where surfers play and Monarch butterflies gather in the state's only natural preserve.
Sep 13, 2023 · If you’re looking for a fun and exciting destination in Central California, Santa Cruz. This coastal city is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant boardwalk, nearby redwood forests, and laid-back vibe. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Santa Cruz.
