16 Best Things To Do in Santa Cruz for Coastal Fun

Santa Cruz is a popular coastal destination south of San Francisco in California that offers lots of exciting things to do for everyone. Spend some time exploring the vibrant atmosphere to discover the best things to do in Santa Cruz – from the scenic beach and boardwalk attractions to exploring the massive redwood forests.

Santa Cruz, California, is the perfect NoCal vacation destination, and you’re about to find out why! Here are some fun things to do in Santa Cruz to add to your itinerary when you visit.

COOLEST PLACES TO STAY IN SANTA CRUZ

• Closest to the Boardwalk. Located 2 minutes’ walk away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Carousel Beach Inn offers rooms equipped with a private balcony. This highly-rated hotel serves a daily continental breakfast.

• Best for Foodies. Hotel Paradox is a gorgeous hotel that has an awesome outdoor pool area and an onsite restaurant foodies will love. Solaire Restaurant + Bar features locally sourced cuisine and is open 7 days a week.

• Best on the Beach. Dream Inn is a beachfront hotel that’s located next to Santa Cruz’s famous boardwalk and steps from the center of the city. All guest rooms and suites include private balconies or patios with spectacular views of Monterey Bay.  The pool and hot tub overlook the ocean.

SANTA CRUZ MAIN BEACH

Main Beach is one of the most popular beaches to hang out, especially for tourists. It’s where you’ll find the famous boardwalk and wharf – there is always a lively atmosphere at the beach.

Visit the beach with friends or family to enjoy a fun day out in the Santa Cruz sun. The long stretch of beach has plenty of room to lay out blankets and go for a sandy stroll. Main Beach is a fun surfing spot with gentle waves perfect for beginners. And if you’re up for some recreation, beach volleyball is a favorite activity.

Stick around for one of the most beautiful sunsets in Santa Cruz.

SANTA CRUZ WHARF

Extending from the Main Beach is the Santa Cruz Wharf, the longest pier in California. The large wooden pier is so long that cars can drive onto it to reach the end. Or you can go for a leisurely stroll.

Santa Cruz Wharf has several visitor attractions. You can get a taste of the best seafood in Santa Cruz at one of the restaurants, listen to live music, or browse some cool souvenirs in the small shops.

If you make it to the end of the wharf, you’ll reach a popular spot for seeing Sea Lions all year round.

SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of the most fun things to do in Santa Cruz county. It’s where you’ll find the famous amusement park and have incredible views looking out into Monterey Bay.

The boardwalk is known for its amusement park with large rides towering over Main Beach. Go for an adrenaline-filled ride on the Giant Dipper roller coaster or win prizes at one of the carnival-style games. Be sure to enter Neptune’s Kingdom for pirate-themed arcade games and mini-golf.

Admission to the amusement park is free, and you only have to pay-per-ride or games.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is also where you can board the Santa Cruz Beach Train. Take a scenic train ride through an 1875 tunnel, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, down the San Lorenzo River Gorge, and through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

MYSTERY SPOT

The local slogan in Santa Cruz is “keep Santa Cruz weird,” and the Mystery Spot is a perfect example of how it’s accomplished. Tucked inside the redwood forests, it’s one of the quirky things to do near Santa Cruz.

As soon as you enter the attraction, it’ll transport you to a gravitational vortex where you’ll experience unexplainable natural phenomena. You’ll take a guided tour through an old cabin where heights are distorted, you can lean while defying gravity, and see some other interesting sights.

While it’s still unclear whether it’s an optical illusion or other explained causes, it’s a place worth checking out to determine yourself.

PACIFIC AVENUE

Downtown Santa Cruz is an exciting area to hang out in the daytime and night. Take a walk down Pacific Avenue, the central downtown hub where you’ll find most local activity.

Pacific Avenue is lined with boutique shops and restaurants on either side. You’ll discover unique art, clothing, antiques, surf shops, and more. There are some favorite tourist destinations like the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History and the famous Penny Ice Creamery.

It’s an excellent people-watching spot with street performers or pick up some local handicrafts from the sidewalk vendors.

You can take a trolley from downtown to the beach boardwalk area.

BIG BASIN STATE PARK

Get ready to be amazed at the sheer size of the massive Redwood trees found inside Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The park was established in 1902, making it the oldest state park in California. It’s one of the best outdoor things to do near Santa Cruz.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park preserves the old-growth forest predominantly consisting of redwoods. Hiking trails wind throughout the park, where you’ll be able to see famous trees and other landmarks like the Mother and Father trees and the scenic Berry Creek Falls.

If you can’t get enough of the park in one day, it also permits camping at one of the over 100 designated campsites.

WEST CLIFF SCENIC DRIVE

It’s no secret that Santa Cruz is among the top scenic destinations along the California coast. The West Cliff Scenic Drive gives a chance to take it all in at once. It’s a 3-mile stretch used by locals for exercise, but as a tourist, you’ll have plenty of viewpoints worth stopping by.

West Cliff Drive starts at Santa Cruz Wharf and ends at Natural Bridges State Bridge. You can experience it by driving or walking on the paved sidewalk. You’ll pass by famous buildings, statues, lighthouses, and always see surfers out on the water.

SURFING IN SANTA CRUZ

Despite other nearby cities trying to claim the title, the true Surf City, USA is Santa Cruz. It’s historically documented that surfing was introduced to the US mainland via Santa Cruz. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a first-timer, you’ve got to try out surfing in Santa Cruz.

There are lots of popular surfing spots to check out with the ideal wave conditions for everyone. Catch some waves in Monterey Bay at Cowell’s Beach or visit Pleasure Point. You can find lots of nearby surfing spots for picking up gear or taking a quick lesson.

Visit the Surf Museum to learn more about the local surfing history.

WHALE WATCHING IN SANTA CRUZ

There is lots of marine life swimming off the shores of Santa Cruz. Whales and dolphins are two of the most exciting creatures to spot swimming in Monterey Bay. Hop on a boat for an up-close view of the majestic sea animals.

Santa Cruz has several tour options for whale watching cruises or guided kayaking tours. The cruises leave from the Santa Cruz Harbor or Moss Landing that take you for a few hour excursion into the bay. You’ll have an expert captain that knows just where to go to see the animals.

The peak season to see humpback whales and blue whales is January to April, but there is still a chance to see them throughout the year.

WILDER RANCH STATE PARK

Travel just outside of Santa Cruz to Wilder Ranch State Park, a popular recreational area for locals and visitors. It’s a historic dairy ranch covering 7000 acres that has been restored. Many of the original buildings are used as a museum, but the site is most known for the scenic coastal trails.

Visit Wilder Ranch State Park to go on some of the best coastal hikes near Santa Cruz. Several hiking and biking trails offer incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. The trails wind along the rocky cliffs extending down to a beach area. It’s also a great place to go for horseback riding.

MISSION HILL HISTORIC DISTRICT

Mission Hill was one of the earliest sites established in what would become Santa Cruz. Spaniards arrived and established the mission in 1791 to serve the religious purpose of converting Native Americans into Catholicism. Today, it’s a California Historical Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The historic district is one of the interesting places to visit in Santa Cruz, where you’ll get to see several structures from the mission. Centered around the Mission Plaza are the Holy Cross Church, a replica of the original Mission Santa Cruz Chapel, and ruins.

The site is used as a museum to explore the mission’s history. The hilltop location also offers a nice viewpoint of Downtown Santa Cruz.

CAPITOLA VILLAGE

A trip to Capitola Village is one of the top things to do near Santa Cruz. The small seaside village boasts lots of fun activities during the day for the entire family. And you’ll enjoy the views of the village or the bay.

Capitola Village is a popular Instagram photo spot thanks to the colorful buildings lining the beach. It’s located right on the Monterey Bay shores, where you can enjoy a day at Capitola Beach or explore the village attractions.

The Capitola Museum is a cool place to learn the village history or grab a bite to eat at a beachfront restaurant located on the wharf. Golfers will love the beautiful, nearby golf courses here too.

NATURAL BRIDGES STATE BEACH

You don’t have until forever to see the most famous attraction at the Natural Bridges State Beach, so be sure to put it at the top of your bucket list when visiting Santa Cruz. The beach features a natural bridge formed by erosion.

It’s taken millions of years to form multiple natural bridges on the beach, but today, only one remains. Visitors were once permitted to climb atop the bridge, but now it’s strictly for photos.

A highlight to visiting the beach is the migratory Monarch butterflies. You can see over 100,000 butterflies between October and February.

It will be a unique beach experience that you don’t want to miss.

ROARING CAMP RAILROADS

All aboard the vintage steam trains for a unique perspective of the Santa Cruz mountain regions! The Roaring Camp Railroad is a scenic train ride that takes you through the mountains’ redwood forests. It’s a fun ride for all ages, and you’ll have lots of great photo opportunities along the journey.

The train ride experience lasts just over an hour. It’s hosted by a tour guide with a fun personality to give you an entertaining history lesson about the region.

A quick pro-tip: grab a seat in the open-air car for the best views to look up at the towering canopy.

HENRY COWELL REDWOODS STATE PARK

After you’re done with your Roaring Camp train ride, stop by Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park next door.

This state park is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and is famous for its 40-acre grove of old-growth redwood trees. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, biking, swimming and camping at this awesome state park.

The largest tree is approximately 277 feet tall and about 1,500 years old. You can even take a flashlight and step inside the famous Fremont Tree! It’s so large, there’s room inside for the whole family.

The beauty found here brigs travelers from all over the world.

SEYMOUR MARINE DISCOVERY CENTER

You have lots of opportunities to see local marine life in Santa Cruz. For a more in-depth look at the abundant animals, visit the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. It is a science museum and aquarium where you’ll have many close encounters with your favorite animals.

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center offers guided tours by expert volunteers who walk you through the various exhibitions. You’ll see life-size whale skeletons and even have a chance to pet a shark. It’s one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz for all ages to enjoy.

SANTA CRUZ FAQ

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO CALIFORNIA

• YOUR CALIFORNIA VACATION
• JOSHUA TREE: 15 Things to Do in Joshua Tree (In & Out of the National Park)
• BIG SUR: 15 Great Big Sur Camping Spots Adventurers Will Love
• REDWOOD PARKS: 12 Best Hikes in Redwood National Park (+2 Nearby Gems)
• BIG BEAR: 11+ Adventurous Things To Do In Big Bear

WHERE TO STAY IN SANTA CRUZ