Things to do in Santa Cruz

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Santa Cruz

Types of activities

Where to stay

Santa Cruz travel guide

Santa Cruz which includes a beach, general coastal views and rugged coastline

Santa Cruz featuring rocky coastline, flowers and general coastal views

Santa Cruz featuring general coastal views, a sandy beach and tropical scenes

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What to do in Santa Cruz

Popular places to visit

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

4/5(41 reviews)

Have a fun-filled day with the family at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk during your visit to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

Mystery Spot

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Find out about the history of Santa Cruz when you take a trip to Mystery Spot. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the surfing spots.

Santa Cruz Wharf

5/5(1 review)

Explore the waterfront of Santa Cruz Wharf and enjoy activities such as surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

Natural Bridges State Park

4/5(9 reviews)

You can take time to visit Natural Bridges State Park during your travels to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

Ocean Street

During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Ocean Street. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Pacific Avenue

During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Pacific Avenue. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Santa Cruz Main Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Santa Cruz Main Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

Santa Cruz Harbor

Explore the waterfront in Santa Cruz with a trip to Santa Cruz Harbor. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Cowell's Beach

Explore the waterfront of Cowell's Beach and enjoy activities such as surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

Areas of Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz featuring views and general coastal views as well as an individual male

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(31 area reviews)

Travellers to Westside Santa Cruz praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay.

Eastside Santa Cruz

4/5(1 area review)

Travellers come to Eastside Santa Cruz for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town.

Pleasure Point

While visiting Pleasure Point, you might make a stop by sights like Monterey Bay and 38th Avenue Beach Access.

Downtown Santa Cruz

Unique features of Downtown Santa Cruz include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Pacific Avenue or Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History while you're exploring the area.

Beach Hill - Beach Flats

While there might not be top attractions in Beach Hill - Beach Flats, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Main Beach and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.

Upper Seabright

While Upper Seabright isn't home to many top sights, Santa Cruz Harbor and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk are some notable places to visit nearby.

Bay Area showing landscape views, a small town or village and tranquil scenes

Scotts Valley

Ben Lomond

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?

One of the most common things to do in Santa Cruz is explore Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Tick this major attraction off your list, then discover more of this area's history and surfing.

How do I spend a day in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp Railroads are two excellent places to start your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Santa Cruz while you're here too.

What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz?

The top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz is Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.

Is three days enough to stay in Santa Cruz?

Three days will be plenty of time to check out some popular city attractions, like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Wharf and Natural Bridges State Park. The average stay in Santa Cruz is two days. If you have the urge to extend your trip, San Jose isn't far away.

Is Santa Cruz a walkable city?

With popular neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, Santa Cruz is a good destination to visit on foot. Enjoy wandering between Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf. Then take a stroll around Westside Santa Cruz, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Lower Ocean, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.

What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids?

Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our ideas for what to do in Santa Cruz with kids.

What to do in Santa Cruz for adults?

Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there's no shortage of things to do in Santa Cruz for adults including Soquel Vineyards and Poetic Cellars Winery.

Are there free things to do in Santa Cruz?

One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Santa Cruz is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without taking your wallet out. Santa Cruz Wharf is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.