Santa Cruz is a lively coastal city in California. It’s famous for its beautiful beaches, tall redwoods, and many outdoor activities. You can enjoy the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk or hike through beautiful coastal trails. This place has something for everyone, whether you want to relax, hike, or enjoy the surf town vibe.
Key Takeaways
- Explore the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, featuring thrilling rides, classic beachfront entertainment, and a lively atmosphere.
- Discover the stunning redwood forests of Santa Cruz, with hiking trails offering a chance to immerse yourself in the serene natural beauty.
- Indulge in the local cuisine, from farm-to-table dining to craft breweries and wineries, showcasing the region’s culinary offerings.
- Enjoy a variety of water activities, including surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, with rentals and lessons available.
- Experience the scenic coastal trails, such as West Cliff Drive and East Cliff Drive, offering breathtaking views of the Monterey Bay.
Explore the Iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Step into a world of classic seaside fun at the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This historic amusement park has been delighting visitors for over a century. It offers thrilling rides, classic carnival games, and captivating beachfront entertainment.
Thrilling Rides and Games
Soar high above the Pacific Ocean on the Giant Dipper, a legendary roller coaster since 1924. Brave the thrilling drops of the Double Shot tower or take a spin on the Satellite swinging ride. Challenge your skills at timeless carnival classics like skee-ball, ring toss, and water gun races. You can win prizes and create unforgettable memories.
Classic Beachfront Entertainment
Beyond the rides and games, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers a vibrant array of classic beachfront entertainment. Stroll along the historic boardwalk and enjoy live music, street performers, and food and shopping options. Indulge in classic seaside treats like corn dogs, soft-serve ice cream, and locally crafted souvenirs. All while soaking in the sun and the salty sea air.
- Over 300 games at the Santa Cruz Arcade
- Three categories of rides: Thrill, Family, and Kiddie
- The iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster operating since 1924
- Competitive bowling leagues at the Boardwalk Bowl
- Diverse dining options from classic snacks to sophisticated fare
- Unique souvenirs from local small businesses and artists
- Family-friendly activities at Neptune’s Kingdom
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a true gem. It offers a timeless experience that captivates visitors of all ages. Whether you’re seeking thrilling rides, classic games, or simply the charm of a historic beachfront destination, this iconic attraction is a must-visit during your time in Santa Cruz, California.
Soak Up the Sun at Santa Cruz Beaches
Santa Cruz is a coastal gem with many beautiful beaches along the Monterey Bay. You can find the perfect spot to sunbathe, swim, or enjoy the stunning views. These beaches offer a wide range of activities for beach lovers.
At Santa Cruz beaches, you can try different water sports and outdoor activities. Surfing is a favorite, with its consistent waves and various breaks. For a calm experience, try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking to see the Monterey Bay.
There’s more than just water sports at these beaches. You can go beachcombing, wildlife spotting, or just relax and enjoy the view. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is full of marine life and learning opportunities.
Looking for a fun beach day or a quiet spot to relax? Santa Cruz has beaches for everyone. From the lively Main Beach to the quiet Cowell’s and Twin Lakes, these spots are perfect for soaking up the sun and making memories.
Discover the Redwood Forests
In the heart of Santa Cruz, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Nisene Marks State Park are waiting. They let visitors step into the magical Santa Cruz redwood forests. These forests are peaceful and full of tall trees, perfect for escaping city life.
Hiking Trails in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has the Redwood Grove Loop Trail. It’s a 0.9-mile walk through a beautiful old-growth redwood forest. Here, you can see trees that are over 300 feet tall and live for more than 2,000 years.
Exploring Nisene Marks State Park
Nisene Marks State Park has trails for those who like a challenge. The Cape Horn Loop Trail is a 3.5-mile hike. It offers amazing views and lets you enjoy the quiet beauty of the redwoods.
Things to do in Santa Cruz California
Surfing Lessons and Equipment Rentals
Santa Cruz is a top spot for surfers of all levels. You can learn to surf with local experts and rent gear like surfboards and wetsuits. The Santa Cruz Wharf, built in 1914, is the longest wooden pier on the West Coast. It’s perfect for surfers and those who love the beach.
Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
For a calm water adventure, try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in Santa Cruz. You can paddle in the Monterey Bay and see beautiful sights. Look out for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the oldest amusement park in California, and the Walton Lighthouse, a tall beacon from 2002.
Santa Cruz offers fun and peaceful water activities for everyone. Whether you want excitement or a calm day, you’ll find it here.
Experience the Scenic Coastal Trails
Santa Cruz is a beautiful coastal city in California. It has scenic trails with views of Monterey Bay and rugged cliffs. West Cliff Drive and East Cliff Drive are two popular trails that offer unique experiences.
West Cliff Drive
The West Cliff Drive trail goes from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to Natural Bridges State Park. It shows off the famous Steamers Lane surf spot and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. This 6-mile walk has views of Monterey Bay, tall cliffs, and seaside neighborhoods.
East Cliff Drive
East Cliff Drive is on the other side of the city. It’s a peaceful walk with views of the coastline and Capitola Village. It’s perfect for those who want a calm walk by the sea.
Choose between West Cliff Drive’s lively vibe or East Cliff Drive’s quiet beauty. Santa Cruz’s coastal trails let you enjoy the area’s stunning nature.
Indulge in the Local Cuisine
Santa Cruz is a food lover’s dream, with a lively food scene. It’s full of fresh, local ingredients. You can enjoy meals made with care at places like HOME in Soquel. They use produce from nearby farms and seafood from the ocean.
Craft Breweries and Wineries
Santa Cruz has a great craft beer scene. Places like Humble Sea and Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing offer many artisanal beers. They use local hops and barley.
There are also wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Bonny Doon Vineyard and Vino Locale let you taste their wines and enjoy the view.
The area’s farming history is seen in its Santa Cruz farm-to-table food. Chefs work with local farmers to make delicious meals. You can find many places to eat, from fresh seafood to craft beers and wines.
- Discover the rich agricultural history of the Santa Cruz region, where dairies, strawberry farms, and apple orchards have thrived for generations.
- Indulge in the area’s renowned craft beverage scene, with a selection of innovative Santa Cruz craft breweries and scenic Santa Cruz wineries.
- Explore the vibrant Santa Cruz dining landscape, where farm-to-table experiences and locally sourced ingredients take center stage.
Visit Historic Landmarks
Santa Cruz is a city full of history. It has many landmarks that show the area’s past. The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is a key spot. It started in 1791 as part of the Spanish mission system.
The park has old mission buildings like the bell tower and parts of the main church. Visitors can see these buildings and learn about the people who lived there. They can also learn about the Native American and colonial history of the area. There’s a museum with artifacts and displays that make history come alive.
There’s more to see in Santa Cruz County, like the Wilder Ranch State Park. It has buildings from the late 19th and early 20th century. The Lime Kilns in the Pogonip are also worth a visit. These are big stone furnaces from the lime industry days.
Architecture fans will love Walnut Avenue in Santa Cruz. It has beautifully restored Victorian homes from the 19th century. Don’t miss the Felton Covered Bridge. It’s one of the tallest covered bridges in the U.S.
Whether you love history or just want to learn more, Santa Cruz’s landmarks are great for everyone. They offer a fun and educational trip back in time.
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is a top spot for history lovers. It started in 1791 and has the old Spanish mission’s remains. You can see the bell tower and parts of the main church.
Visitors can learn about the people who lived there. They can also understand the Native American and colonial history of the area. The museum has artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays to make history come alive.
- Established in 1791 as part of the Spanish mission system
- Features the remains of the original mission buildings, including the bell tower and parts of the main church
- On-site museum with artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays
- Offers a glimpse into the region’s Native American and colonial history
Shop for Local Treasures
Santa Cruz is perfect for those who love to shop. It has many local shops and boutiques. These places show off the city’s creative side. You can visit the famous O’Neill Surf Shop, a key spot in the community for decades.
Here, you can find lots of Santa Cruz surf clothes, gear, and accessories.
Surf Apparel at O’Neill Surf Shop
The O’Neill Surf Shop is a top spot for surf gear and clothes. It was started in 1952 by Jack O’Neill. The shop has been dressing surfers in the latest wetsuits and surf fashion for years.
Artisan Crafts and Souvenirs
Santa Cruz is full of artisans and makers. They sell their unique items at local markets and shops. This is a great chance to get a special Santa Cruz souvenir or craft.
You can find everything from handwoven baskets to woodcarvings and paintings. The shopping scene in Santa Cruz celebrates the city’s artistic side. Whether you want a gift or a keepsake, you’ll find something special here.
Explore Nearby Towns
Santa Cruz has lots of fun activities and sights. But, don’t forget to check out the towns and villages around it. Places like Capitola Village and Davenport are great to visit.
Capitola Village
Capitola Village is close to Santa Cruz and is very pretty. It has a lovely downtown with colorful buildings and a busy beach. You can walk on the Capitola Wharf, look at unique shops and galleries, or eat at a waterfront restaurant.
Davenport
Davenport is a quiet town up the coast. It has a historic old bridge, beautiful coastal views, and Shark Fin Cove. This spot is perfect for people who love the outdoors and taking photos.
These Nearby Santa Cruz towns, like Capitola Village and Davenport, show a different side of the area. They let visitors see the area’s beauty and variety.
Attend Local Events and Festivals
Santa Cruz is known for its lively Santa Cruz events and Santa Cruz festivals. These events celebrate the city’s diverse culture and community. Visitors can dive into local celebrations all year round.
The Santa Cruz Open Studio Art Walk is a big hit. It brings together hundreds of artists to show their work. You can see the local talent and find unique art pieces.
Don’t miss the Santa Cruz Greek Festival. It’s a fun event that celebrates Greek heritage. You’ll enjoy traditional food, music, and dance.
- Enjoy the Santa Cruz Shakespeare Festival, which brings Shakespearean productions to life in the stunning natural setting of The Grove at DeLaveaga Park.
- Experience the Japanese Cultural Fair, a vibrant festival that showcases the rich traditions and artistry of Japanese culture through music, dance, and authentic cuisine.
- Attend the Santa Cruz Half Marathon/10K, where participants can take in breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline while challenging themselves to a scenic run.
Santa Cruz also has outdoor concerts, farmers’ markets, and seasonal events. These offer great ways to connect with the local community and culture. Whether you like art, music, food, or adventure, there’s something for you in Santa Cruz.
Conclusion
Santa Cruz, California, is a place full of different things to do for everyone. You can enjoy the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the beautiful redwood forests, and the great food scene. It’s perfect for those who want adventure, peace, or to learn about the local culture.
This city has a deep history, a lively community, and stunning nature. Visitors can find calm beaches, green trails, and exciting rides. Santa Cruz is great for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for something special.
When you’re in Santa Cruz, dive into all the activities and sights it offers. You can learn to surf, go kayaking, see historic spots, and try local food. So, get your bags ready, put on your hiking boots, and explore the magic of Santa Cruz.
