Things To Do
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Take a walk through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, known for its rich history and lush, towering redwoods native to the land.
WEST CLIFF DRIVE, LIGHTHOUSE/STEAMERS LANE SURF SPOT & NATURAL BRIDGES
Drive or stroll down West Cliff Drive and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Park at Lighthouse Point, home to the Surfing Museum and Steamer Lane, a renowned surf spot. Stop by Natural Bridges State Beach, a beautiful beach and natural preserve with a unique rock arch formation.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, voted the world’s best seaside amusement park. In operation since 1907, it features two National Historic Landmarks, the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and the carousel with its unique ring toss.
Capitola Village
Take a stroll through the charming seaside town of Capitola, known for its colorful houses, charming boutique shops, and picturesque coastline.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Explore the Santa Cruz Wharf, which offers shopping, dining, and beautiful views of the ocean. You can often spot sea lions in the waters below!
Roaring Camp
Hop on board the narrow-gauge steam locomotive, which takes you on a journey through the towering redwoods. The train ride offers breathtaking views of the forest and is a unique way to experience the beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Stroll Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, the bustling main street known for its colorful shops, diverse dining options, street performers, and vibrant atmosphere, offering a quintessential taste of the city's eclectic character.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a renowned ocean conservation and education center known for its stunning exhibits that showcase marine life from the Monterey Bay and beyond.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a vibrant and culturally diverse city known for its iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, as well as its hilly streets, and eclectic neighborhoods. Typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to drive from San Francisco to Santa Cruz.
The Mystery Spot
Visit the quirky and fun attraction where gravity seems to work in mysterious ways. It's a unique experience that's worth checking out.
Santa Cruz Wineries
Take a tour of one of the many wineries in Santa Cruz.
Año Nuevo State Park
Take a drive north to Año Nuevo State Park, a sanctuary for elephant seals, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness these massive marine mammals in their natural habitat.