Santa Cruz, California: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Getting to Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is conveniently located on California’s Central Coast, approximately 75 miles south of San Francisco and 35 miles north of Monterey. The closest major airports are San Jose International Airport (SJC) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), both within a 1-2 hour drive depending on traffic.

If driving from San Francisco, take Highway 1 south for a scenic coastal route or Highway 17 for a faster option through the Santa Cruz Mountains. From Southern California, follow Highway 101 north to Highway 156 west, then connect to Highway 1 north.

Best Time to Visit Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Summer (June-August) brings warm temperatures perfect for beach activities, though this is also peak tourist season with larger crowds and higher prices.

Fall (September-October) offers warm days, fewer crowds, and the bonus of monarch butterfly migration at Natural Bridges State Park. Winter (November-February) brings cooler temperatures and occasional rain, but also the best whale watching opportunities. Spring (March-May) features pleasant weather and wildflowers blooming throughout the region.

Where to Stay in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz offers accommodations for every budget and preference, from luxury beachfront hotels to cozy vacation rentals. Downtown provides easy access to restaurants and shops, while beachfront properties near the Boardwalk put you steps from the sand. For a quieter experience, consider staying in nearby Capitola Village or in the redwood forests near Felton.

Getting Around Santa Cruz

While having a car provides the most flexibility for exploring Santa Cruz and its surrounding areas, the downtown and beach areas are quite walkable. The Santa Cruz Metro offers bus service throughout the county, and the free Downtown-Beach Trolley operates during summer months.

Renting a bicycle is another excellent option, with dedicated bike paths like the West Cliff Drive offering spectacular ocean views. For exploring further afield to places like Big Basin Redwoods State Park or Año Nuevo State Park, a rental car is recommended.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the heart of the city’s tourist attractions and has been delighting visitors since 1907. This classic seaside amusement park features over 40 rides and attractions, including the historic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, a National Historic Landmark built in 1924.

Admission to the Boardwalk is free, and you can purchase individual ride tickets or all-day wristbands. Don’t miss the historic Looff Carousel with its hand-carved horses, arcade games, and classic boardwalk treats like corn dogs, funnel cakes, and saltwater taffy. During summer, free outdoor movies and concerts add to the festive atmosphere.

Best Beaches in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz boasts some of California’s most beautiful beaches, each with its own unique character. Main Beach and Cowell Beach, located on either side of the wharf, offer gentle waves perfect for swimming and beginner surfing lessons.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Known for its iconic natural sea arch and monarch butterfly sanctuary, this protected beach offers excellent tide pooling and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Pleasure Point

A legendary surf spot with consistent waves and a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for watching local surfers or taking lessons.

Seabright Beach

A local favorite with fire pits for evening bonfires and views of the Santa Cruz Harbor and Walton Lighthouse.

For a more secluded experience, head to Panther Beach or Shark’s Cove, hidden gems accessible via short trails from Highway 1 north of Santa Cruz. These beaches feature dramatic cliffs and are less crowded than the main city beaches.

Outdoor Adventures in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz’s diverse landscape offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. From world-class surfing to hiking through ancient redwood forests, there’s something for every nature lover.

Surfing and Water Sports

Santa Cruz is known as one of California’s premier surfing destinations. Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point offer world-class waves for experienced surfers, while Cowell Beach provides gentler conditions perfect for beginners. Several local surf schools offer lessons and equipment rentals for those looking to catch their first wave.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park features a 0.8-mile accessible loop through ancient redwoods, including the famous 1,500-year-old Fremont Tree. For more challenging terrain, Wilder Ranch State Park offers 35 miles of trails with spectacular ocean views.

Whale Watching and Wildlife

Monterey Bay is one of the best places in California to observe marine wildlife. From April through November, humpback whales migrate through the area, while gray whales can be spotted from December through April. Several companies offer whale watching tours departing from the Santa Cruz Harbor.

Unique Santa Cruz Attractions

Beyond beaches and redwoods, Santa Cruz offers several one-of-a-kind attractions that showcase the area’s quirky character and rich history.

Mystery Spot

This puzzling attraction in the redwood forest defies the laws of physics with its gravitational anomalies that make water flow uphill and people appear to stand at impossible angles.

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

Located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, this small but fascinating museum chronicles over 100 years of surfing history in Santa Cruz through vintage photographs, boards, and memorabilia.

Roaring Camp Railroads

Step back in time with a ride on a 19th-century steam train through the majestic redwood forests. Choose between the Redwood Forest Steam Train to Bear Mountain or the Santa Cruz Beach Train to the Boardwalk.

Other notable attractions include the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, where you can learn about ocean research and view “Ms. Blue,” an 87-foot blue whale skeleton; and the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden, featuring plants from Australia, California, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Downtown Santa Cruz and Shopping

Downtown Santa Cruz centers around Pacific Avenue, a vibrant pedestrian-friendly street lined with unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. This eclectic district showcases Santa Cruz’s artistic spirit and independent business culture.

Bookshop Santa Cruz, an independent bookstore operating since 1966, offers an extensive collection of books and regular author events. Nearby, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) showcases local art and history exhibits, with a rooftop sculpture garden offering panoramic views of the city.

For unique souvenirs, visit the local artisan shops selling handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and art. Don’t miss the weekly Downtown Farmers’ Market held on Wednesdays, featuring fresh local produce, prepared foods, and live music.

Where to Eat in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz’s food scene reflects its diverse culture and proximity to agricultural regions and the ocean. From fresh seafood to farm-to-table cuisine, the city offers dining options for every palate and budget.

Seafood and Waterfront Dining

The Santa Cruz Wharf offers several restaurants with panoramic ocean views. Stagnaro Bros. serves classic seafood dishes like clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls and fish and chips. For a more upscale experience, Shadowbrook Restaurant in nearby Capitola features a unique funicular that transports diners down to the riverside restaurant.

Local Favorites

Pretty Good Advice offers creative vegetarian cuisine that appeals to even dedicated meat-eaters, while Steamer Lane Supply serves fresh poke bowls and fish tacos with ocean views. For breakfast, The Buttery bakery and café is renowned for its pastries and hearty morning meals.

Sweet Treats

No visit to Santa Cruz is complete without ice cream from the Penny Ice Creamery, which makes small-batch organic ice cream with seasonal ingredients. Marianne’s Ice Cream, a local institution since 1947, offers over 75 flavors including the famous “10-20,” a caramel ice cream with fudge and Oreo cookies.

Day Trips from Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz’s central location on California’s coast makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions. Several fascinating destinations are within a short drive, perfect for day trips.

Monterey and Carmel

Just 45 minutes south, Monterey offers the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and historic Cannery Row. Continue a bit further to reach the charming village of Carmel-by-the-Sea with its fairy-tale cottages and white-sand beach.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

California’s oldest state park features over 80 miles of trails through ancient coast redwoods, some over 1,500 years old. The park is recovering from the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex fires, with limited areas reopened to visitors.

Año Nuevo State Park

Home to one of the world’s largest mainland breeding colonies for northern elephant seals, this park offers guided wildlife viewing tours during the December-March breeding season.

Other worthwhile day trips include the charming seaside town of Capitola, the Santa Cruz Wine Country in the nearby mountains, and Pinnacles National Park, known for its unique rock formations and California condor sightings.

Practical Tips for Visiting Santa Cruz

Experience the Magic of Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz captures the essence of California’s coastal charm with its unique blend of natural beauty, laid-back surf culture, and quirky attractions. Whether you’re riding the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, hiking among ancient redwoods, catching your first wave, or simply relaxing on the beach, Santa Cruz offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.

From the crashing waves of Steamer Lane to the towering redwoods of Henry Cowell, from the vintage thrills of the Beach Boardwalk to the innovative cuisine of downtown restaurants, Santa Cruz invites you to create memories that will last a lifetime. Pack your sunscreen, sense of adventure, and laid-back attitude – Santa Cruz is waiting to welcome you to its slice of California paradise.