Best 10 Things to Do In Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, situated on the coast of Central California, offers a refreshing escape from the bustling city life of San Francisco. Renowned for its surf culture, the city blends the energy of locals and university students, creating an irresistible vibrancy. With its distinctive architecture, visitors can experience both the majestic redwoods and surf the waves in a single day.

Santa Cruz is known for its laid-back lifestyle and 1970s vibe. Whether you want to hike through towering redwoods, explore scenic meadows, or catch the Santa Cruz waves, this city has something for everyone. To help you make the most of your visit, here is a list of the 10 best things to do in Santa Cruz. Let’s get in!

If you're seeking adventure in Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk should be on your list. Established in 1907 as one of the country's first beachfront entertainment parks, its iconic seaside location and vintage rides are reminiscent of the cult classic The Lost Boys from the '80s. The Boardwalk offers a vibrant atmosphere with activities for the entire family. Enjoy the indoor arcade, laser tag arena, miniature golf course, and bowling alley across the street. With reasonably priced attractions and two National Historic Landmarks, there's something for everyone. In the summer, don't miss the Wednesday night movies and free Friday night bands. For a fun challenge, join the karaoke evenings at the Boardwalk Bowl.

Enjoy a hike at Big Basin State Park amidst the majestic redwoods. This state park is the oldest in California and has over 80 miles of trails. It is home to the biggest consecutive stretch of historic coastal redwood trees. Magnificent redwoods, year-round waterfalls, scenic canyons, and excellent bird viewing await you on your walk. For the truly adventurous, consider embarking on a three-day trek along the Skyline to the Sea Trail. To make your journey car-free, the Santa Cruz Metro station offers weekend shuttles from mid-March to mid-December.

The most extensive pier on the West Coast is the Santa Cruz Wharf, which is located between Main Beach and Cowell Beach. Take a boat ride, rent a kayak, savor fresh seafood, and spot sea lions, or purchase fresh fish at the local market. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Boardwalk and the ocean with a leisurely walk down the wharf. At the end of the pier, indulge in confections from Marini's, Santa Cruz's beloved candy store known for its locally made treats.

Experience a ride on an authentically restored steam engine with Roaring Camp Railroads, which operates from its depot in Felton. Originally built to transport massive redwood logs from the mountains, these 19th-century locomotives now carry adventurous passengers through scenic landscapes. The train journey winds past Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, ascends Bear Mountain, traverses the San Lorenzo River Gorge, and concludes at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Due to its incredible illusions that appear to defy gravity, Mystery Spot serves as a well-liked tourist destination, offering fun things to do in Santa Cruz. Located on a sharply sloping slope, it's a wonderful place to visit and take odd-angle selfies. Visitors can explore at seemingly impossible angles where the rules of gravity seem suspended. Additionally, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the nearby Redwood Grove.

Visiting the surfing museum is one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz, offering a good opportunity to learn about and experience the city's renowned surf culture. The museum has artifacts from the sport's inception and chronicles the city’s history. Peruse the pictures and surf-related memorabilia to get a taste of Santa Cruz's surfing culture.

West Cliff Drive serves as a three-mile walking and bicycling path with jaw-dropping panoramas of Monterey Bay. This location is best enjoyed on foot or by bike, thanks to its easy-to-navigate path that runs parallel to Santa Cruz's Pacific coast. It's also a great spot for a walk with your pet, as dogs are welcome. The trail leads directly to Steamer Lane, offering exciting surfing opportunities.

The cutting-edge Seymour Marine Discovery Center provides an enthralling glimpse into the ocean, its inhabitants, and its ecosystems. It offers some of the very best Santa Cruz activities for kids and families. In addition to both indoor and outdoor displays, there are several aquariums with shoals of fish and other marine life to explore. It is located on a cliff with a view of the ocean. In addition to this amazing sight, there are interactive displays and hands-on activities for youngsters to enjoy, as well as tanks with sharks, starfish, and sea anemones.

Chardonnay Sailing Charters is the best spot to explore Santa Cruz from the sea since they provide a variety of interesting Santa Cruz boat tours in addition to the option to hire private tours. They offer pizza cruises in the afternoon and at sunset, featuring Upper Crust pies, with wine and beer available for purchase on board. These excursions last about two hours. Additional options include a brunch cruise with champagne or a closer look at a regatta. Public cruises accommodate parties of fifteen or fewer, but you can inquire about chartering a boat for larger groups.

Natural Bridges State Park offers a range of experiences, including sandy beaches, stunning sunsets, monarch butterflies, and its iconic natural bridges. This 65-acre state park provides breathtaking views from its renowned granite arch. Located on West Cliff Drive, it offers an excellent vantage point for watching California sunsets. Explore the tidal pools, stroll along the paths, relax on the shore, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Santa Cruz's outdoor beach.