Introduction
Santa Cruz, California, is a coastal haven defined by sandy beaches, towering redwoods, and a laid-back vibe. If you’re planning a getaway, you’ll soon discover that the things to do in Santa Cruz range from classic boardwalk fun to scenic hikes in ancient forests. In 2025, the town brims with fresh events, upgraded attractions, and the same breezy charm. This guide highlights 15 must-see spots, perfect for beach lovers, thrill-seekers, and families. Let’s dive in!
Best Outdoor Things to Do in Santa Cruz for Nature Lovers
Santa Cruz is renowned for its gorgeous beaches and redwood-filled parks. Below are some outdoor must-dos for any nature enthusiast.
Explore Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach is famous for its stunning rock arches extending over the water. At low tide, visitors wade into tide pools teeming with starfish and crabs. Monarch butterflies also migrate here in fall, clustering on eucalyptus trees. Photographers adore capturing the arch at sunset when soft orange light frames the shoreline.
- Location: West Cliff Drive area
- Entry Fee: $10 vehicle day-use
- Best Season: Late October to February for monarch sightings
- Why Go: Unforgettable sunsets, butterfly grove, tide-pool exploration
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Hike in Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Big Basin Redwoods State Park is one of California’s oldest. Trails wind through soaring redwoods, some over 1,000 years old. The Berry Creek Falls Loop covers about 10 miles, leading to waterfalls that splash amid lush ferns. If you prefer a gentler trek, Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail sections let you soak up forest serenity without heavy climbing.
- Approx. Cost: $10 parking
- Trail Difficulty: Ranges from easy interpretive loops to long, challenging routes
- Highlight: Towering redwoods that block out midday sun, creating a mystical vibe
Discover Wilder Ranch State Park
Wilder Ranch blends historic ranch buildings with cliffside hiking and biking trails. The coastal path reveals panoramic Pacific Ocean views. Birdwatchers spot pelicans or hawks circling overhead. Check out the 19th-century ranch structures for insight into early California dairy farming. On weekends, docents offer interpretive talks about the ranch’s past.
- Entry Fee: $10 vehicle day-use
- Activities: Hiking, biking, wildlife spotting, ranch tours
- Photography Hotspot: Cliffs with crashing waves below, prime for wave-spray images
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Visit Capitola Village for a Seaside Escape
Capitola Village sits just east of Santa Cruz. Its colorful seaside cottages form a postcard-perfect scene. The main beach is ideal for gentle wading and stand-up paddleboarding. Small boutiques stock unique gifts, while waterfront cafes serve seafood or coffee. Surfers ride mild waves near the pier, adding to the relaxed coastal feel.
- Best Time: Summer for vibrant shops, winter for quieter strolls
- Parking: Some free street parking; paid lots also available
- Local Tip: Stroll the wharf for ocean views, then sip a latte at a local café
Must-Visit Santa Cruz Attractions and Landmarks
Santa Cruz boasts an iconic boardwalk, quirky illusions, and scenic wharves that reflect its coastal culture and storied past.
Have Fun at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the city’s entertainment hub since 1907. Its vintage rides, including the Giant Dipper roller coaster, beckon thrill-seekers. Families can munch on funnel cakes or cotton candy while wandering arcade alleys. Free summer concerts on Friday nights add live music to the surf. Even if rides aren’t your thing, the lively atmosphere, ocean views, and carnival scents deliver a nostalgic treat.
- Admission: Free entry, pay-as-you-go rides ($5–$8 each) or unlimited wristbands (~$40)
- Highlight Ride: Giant Dipper, a wooden coaster from 1924
- Open Season: Year-round, though hours vary by season
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Experience the Mystery Spot
Tucked in the redwoods, the Mystery Spot defies gravity—or so it seems. Visitors stand at impossible angles in a tilted cabin. Balls roll uphill. Some say it’s a trick of perspective; others claim magnetic anomalies. Expect a guided tour to walk you through each perplexing phenomenon. It’s playful, puzzling, and popular with all ages.
- Tour Cost: Around $8–$10 per adult, plus $5 parking
- Duration: 45-minute guided tour
- Booking: Reserve online to secure your preferred time slot
Walk Along the Santa Cruz Wharf
At 2,745 feet, the Santa Cruz Wharf ranks among the longest wooden piers on the West Coast. Fishing fans drop lines hoping for perch or rockfish. Sea lions lounge on the pier’s underside, barking occasionally. It’s also a launch point for glass-bottom boat cruises. Don’t forget fresh seafood restaurants—some with epic ocean views. Stroll over for an ice cream or watch surfers across the bay.
- Parking: Paid spaces on the wharf, ~$1–$2 per hour
- Nearby: West Cliff Drive, surfing hotspots like Steamer Lane
- Local Tip: Evenings can be chilly; bring a light jacket for the breeze
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Visit the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) Arboretum
UCSC Arboretum specializes in rare plant species from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and California. Succulents, proteas, and exotic flowers color the rolling hills. The breeze carries ocean scents up the campus slope. Volunteers often lead free tours, explaining conservation efforts or highlighting seasonal blooms. A gift shop sells unique seeds and garden accessories.
- Entry Fee: Around $5–$10 donation suggested
- Best Season: Spring for blooms, though something’s always flowering year-round
- Pro Tip: Combine with a campus walk for panoramic Monterey Bay vistas
Fun Things to Do in Santa Cruz for Adventure Seekers
Seeking waves or wildlife thrills? Santa Cruz calls with top-notch surfing, whale watching, and scenic train rides.
Go Surfing at Steamer Lane
Steamer Lane is legendary in California surf culture. Waves break near a cliff, offering consistent swells. Locals skilled in the water carve graceful lines on boards. Beginners watch from Lighthouse Field to see how the pros do it. If you’re new to surfing, local shops near the wharf rent boards and wetsuits, but the Lane suits confident surfers most.
- Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Parking: Street parking along West Cliff Drive
- Extra: The Surfing Museum at the nearby lighthouse details local surf history
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Take a Whale Watching Tour in Monterey Bay
Santa Cruz lines the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a hotspot for whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Whale watching tours typically last 3–4 hours, heading into deeper bay waters. In spring and fall, migrating gray whales pass through. Summer might bring blue whales or humpbacks. Spotting these giants up close leaves a lasting memory.
- Tour Cost: $50–$60 per adult
- Best Times: March–May, September–November for migrations
- Clothing: Dress warmly; even summer breezes on the bay can be brisk
Kayak at Elkhorn Slough
Elkhorn Slough is an estuary about 25 miles south of Santa Cruz, near Moss Landing. It’s known for calm waters, perfect for beginner kayakers or families. Sea otters float on their backs, munching shellfish. Harbor seals poke curious heads above the surface. Birdlife abounds on marshy banks. Guided tours or rentals help you navigate channels safely.
- Rental Fees: $30–$40 half-day kayak rental
- Difficulty: Gentle paddling, minimal waves
- Wildlife Bonus: Penguins from the Aquarium sometimes get reintroduced nearby—rare chance to spot them
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Ride the Roaring Camp Railroads Train
Roaring Camp offers an old-fashioned steam train trip through redwood groves. Departing from Felton, you’ll pass giant trunks and babbling creeks, eventually reaching the summit of Bear Mountain. Conductors share stories of California’s logging past. Kids adore the open-air cars, while adults enjoy the nostalgic hiss of the locomotive. Seasonal events like the Holiday Lights Train or Great Pumpkin Patch in fall add themed fun.
- Ticket Price: $30–$35 adult, child discounts
- Duration: ~1 hour each way
- Tip: Summertime can see big lines; book tickets online to secure seats
Best Food, Wine & Shopping Experiences in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz’s laid-back culture extends to its dining and shopping scenes. Local produce, sustainable wines, and indie boutiques reflect the town’s eco-minded vibe.
Explore Pacific Avenue in Downtown Santa Cruz
Pacific Avenue buzzes with street musicians, coffee shops, and unique boutiques. Grab artisanal pastries at The Buttery or indulge in plant-based sweets at a vegan bakery. Vintage stores and art galleries attract treasure hunters. Occasional events feature live music or craft fairs, turning the street into a festival of color.
- Shopping Gems: Bookshop Santa Cruz, Pacific Trading Co., retro thrift shops
- Parking: City garages from $1–$2 per hour
- Don’t Miss: The downtown Farmers’ Market on certain weekdays
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Visit Santa Cruz Farmers’ Markets
These markets brim with organic fruits, farmstead cheeses, and local honey. Artisans sell homemade jams, salsas, and baked goods. Some stands cook on-site, dishing up fresh tamales or vegan wraps. Shoppers chat with growers about sustainable farming practices, creating a friendly atmosphere. Reusable bags recommended!
- Location & Times: Downtown (Wednesdays), Live Oak (Sundays)
- Price Range: Produce costs vary, but often cheaper than groceries
- Tip: Arrive early for the best selection of in-season produce
Taste Wine at Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries
The Santa Cruz Mountains are a celebrated wine region, featuring vineyards perched on hillsides with ocean breezes. Wineries like Bonny Doon Vineyard, Storrs Winery, or Ridge Vineyards offer tastings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and unique blends. Tasting rooms typically provide scenic vistas and knowledgeable staff. For a romantic twist, some vineyards host live music or intimate dinners among the vines.
- Tasting Fees: $10–$20, often waived if you buy a bottle
- Timing: Many tasting rooms open weekends only or by appointment
- Romantic Angle: Book a sunset tasting for a serene end to your day
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Things to Do in Santa Cruz
How to spend a perfect day in Santa Cruz?
Start at Natural Bridges State Beach for sunrise, then visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. After lunch on the Wharf, hike in Wilder Ranch for stunning coastal views. If time allows, enjoy a wine tasting at a Santa Cruz Mountain winery. End your day with dinner downtown on Pacific Avenue.
Why is Santa Cruz so popular?
Santa Cruz merges laid-back surf culture with Redwood forests and family-friendly fun. Locals and tourists love the scenic coastline, iconic boardwalk, and fresh local flavors. Its mild climate, strong environmental ethos, and lively music scene also draw creative types year-round.
What is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?
- Spring (Mar–May): Blooming wildflowers, fewer crowds
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Beach weather, boardwalk events, can be crowded
- Fall (Sep–Nov): Pleasant weather, good surf, quieter weekdays
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Whale watching peak, possible rain, holiday festivities
What are some unique things to do in Santa Cruz?
Try the Mystery Spot for a gravity-defying experience, kayak among sea otters at Elkhorn Slough, or ride a steam train at Roaring Camp. You can also discover hidden tide pools at low tide near Pleasure Point or hunt for sea glass at quieter beaches like Sunny Cove.
Conclusion
Santa Cruz’s blend of beaches, redwood hikes, and chill surfer culture sets it apart on California’s coast. From classic amusements at the Boardwalk to breathtaking trails in Big Basin, there’s an endless list of things to do in Santa Cruz for every taste. Whether you’re sipping local wine, marveling at monarch butterflies, or cheering at a surf competition, 2025 promises fresh experiences and old favorites. For the best places to stay during your visit, check out Santa Cruz’s top-rated hotels on Booking.com. Ready to plan your Santa Cruz adventure? Book now and soak up the breezy, fun-loving spirit of this coastal gem!