Santa Cruz California, USA Travel Guide
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, established in 1907, has classic rides like the Giant Dipper roller coaster and the Looff Carousel.
It also has arcades, games, and food stalls for a complete experience.
Visit at low tide for the best tide pooling opportunities.
Go early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
Trails can feel damp, wear appropriate footwear.
Check visitor center hours as they vary.
A day-use parking fee ($10) applies.
The main "Redwood Grove Loop Trail" is flat and accessible.
Santa Cruz museums give insight into marine life, art, and history.
Focuses on marine science and conservation, part of UC Santa Cruz's Long Marine Lab.
Features aquariums, touch tanks, and an 87-foot blue whale skeleton.
Open Tuesday-Sunday, admission fee applies. Check website for current hours.
Focuses on local art, history, and culture.
Housed in Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, chronicles local surfing history.
Pedestrian-friendly commercial area, cultural hub with historic architecture.
Features reconstructed buildings from Mission Santa Cruz (1791). It gives insight into California's mission era and Native American history.
A former dairy ranch with beautifully preserved Victorian farm buildings. It offers a glimpse into 19th-century Californian ranch life.
A historic seaside village known for its colorful Venetian Court apartments, charming shops, and restaurants. It is one of California's oldest resort towns.
Further sites connecting to Santa Cruz's past.
Santa Cruz has natural beauty, from beaches to redwood forests.
Main Beach, Cowell Beach, Natural Bridges, Capitola Beach, Twin Lakes State Beach offer diverse coastal experiences.
Arboretum at UC Santa Cruz and Delaveaga Park for diverse plant collections and city views.
West Cliff Drive, Shark Fin Cove, Panther Beach for stunning ocean vistas and unique formations.
Observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitats.
Find Wildlife Tours on GetYourGuideBest viewed in Elkhorn Slough, a short drive north of Santa Cruz.
Plan Your Visit to Elkhorn SloughThousands cluster from mid-October to mid-February at Natural Bridges State Beach.
Various coastal and redwood habitats support diverse birdlife.
Natural Bridges rock formations and sea caves accessible at low tide.
Explore the coastline and redwoods by bike or on foot.
Discover trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous treks.
Stay on marked trails and carry water.
Be aware of wildlife and poison oak.
Beyond the main tourist spots, Santa Cruz holds some unique, lesser-known places.
Discover attractions outside the main tourist core.
Find tranquil escapes in less crowded natural areas.
Explore local breweries, wineries, and artisan shops in converted industrial spaces.
This area gives a taste of local craft culture.
A popular swimming hole in the San Lorenzo River, accessible via a moderate hike.
Go early for a quieter experience, as it can get crowded.
A more secluded and rugged beach north of Santa Cruz, popular with surfers and for bonfires (where allowed).
Access involves a steep trail, so plan accordingly.
Visit on a weekday in shoulder season for fewer crowds. Arrive early for parking on busy days, especially in summer.
The best views of the sea lions are from the western side of the wharf. Sunset views from the wharf are spectacular.
Visit at low tide for the best tide pooling opportunities. Monarch butterflies are present from mid-October to mid-February; check for their presence before visiting.
