Things to do in Santa Cruz

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Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz

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What to do in Santa Cruz

Stay near popular Santa Cruz attractions

Photo by Adri VDM Photography
Open Photo by Adri VDM Photography

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

4.4/5 (6,089 reviews)
Experience America's classic seaside fun at this historic amusement park, home to two National Historic Landmarks. Ride the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden coaster or enjoy carnival games before stepping onto the sandy beach.
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Where to stay in Santa Cruz

Find the best Santa Cruz areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Cruz
Learn more about Santa Cruz
Clock tower in downtown Santa Cruz, California, USA. The tower is a local landmark and gathering place, decorated with flowers and pumpkins.

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.

Photo by Dawn Madden
Open Photo by Dawn Madden

Seabright

While visiting Seabright, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Cruz Harbor and Santa Cruz Main Beach.

Photo by rabbit.Hole
Open Photo by rabbit.Hole

Westside Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.

Photo by Alex Sam
Open Photo by Alex Sam

Eastside Santa Cruz

Eastside Santa Cruz is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town.

Jack O'Neill Memorial Paddle Out Surfers

Pleasure Point

While visiting Pleasure Point, you might make a stop by sights like Monterey Bay and Pleasure Point Park.

Popular day trips from Santa Cruz

Los Gatos Beach in Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Los Gatos

Scotts Valley

Scotts Valley

Aerial view of Capitola Beach in California, featuring pastel Venetian cottages, a wooden pier, a bridge over an inlet, and the Pacific Ocean.

Capitola

Panoramic view of deer creek in the morning near nevada city california

Boulder Creek

Roaring Camp' Dixiana Shay Steam Train Crossing Redwoods in Santa Cruz Mountains

Felton

The dramatic Pacific Ocean coastline close to Santa Cruz, California; the scenic Highway 1 and eroded cliffs visible on the right

Davenport

Capitola Village Reflections. Capitola, Santa Cruz County, California, USA.

Soquel

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 vacation 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 neighborhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city center, 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 kilometers from the center, and Lower Ocean, which is roughly 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids?
Whether you're vacationing 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 neighborhoods, 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.