Best 10 Things to Do in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a fantastic spot for nature lovers! Those beaches and redwood forests are amazing, right? Have you hiked in Henry Cowell State Park? You can do so much here including enjoying the magnificent Pacific Ocean vistas at West Cliff Drive and Natural Bridge State Beach. Go shopping at Santa Cruz Wharf or enjoy a thrilling carousel ride at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in the radiant California heavens. In search of relief from California's heat? Head for a train trip on the Roaring Camp Railroads along the gorgeous redwood trees. With so much to see and do, Santa Cruz is an exciting destination to visit. In this blog, we will explore the best things to do in Santa Cruz. Each destination will promise you a trip filled with venture and excitement.
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive promises magnificent Pacific Ocean vistas and a breathtaking stroll on its biking and walking trail that is 3 miles long. You can spot experienced surfers at Streamer Lane, dolphins, and whales at Lighthouse Point, and visit the Surfing Museum. This scenic destination is a must-visit with its gorgeous landscapes and benches for rejuvenation. Explore this place on weekdays to escape crowds and parking problems. Go for a stroll that is 6 miles long and indulge in the natural beauty of Santa Cruz's beachfront.
Santa Cruz Main Beach
Santa Cruz Main Beach is a famous destination near the legendary Beach Boardwalk. As the summer heat approaches, the beach is bustling with conveniences like restrooms, lifeguards, food, and thrilling park rides. In other seasons, the beach is ideal for beautiful walks. Families adore the gentle shores and lifeguards for security. Visit this place early in the summer to get a nice spot as it gets busy very quickly. Explorers love its amenities and fun settings.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Embrace the allure of the iconic Santa Cruz Wharf, a historic destination. Santa Cruz Wharf is an ancient location that is 100 years old. This coastline region promises gorgeous landscapes and local wonders. You can shop for exceptional souvenirs here or buy handcrafted Marini's candles. Apart from the shopping scenes, indulge in the spellbound scenery of this location. You can witness sea lions, soak in the magnificent views of the surf spot in Streamer's Lane, or enjoy the Beach Boardwalk. No doubt, visiting Santa Cruz Wharf is one of the fun things to do in Santa Cruz.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center at the University of California is a natural science marvel showcasing a huge aquarium with many marine collections. From jellyfish to rockfish this aquarium has all types of aquatic species. You can even experience a touch pool filled with lots of sharks how cool is that? In the outdoor region, explorers can see the skeletons of different kinds of whales and further discover the coastal ecosystems of California on a 45-acre land. Families love the educational exhibits and knowledgeable guides here.
Roaring Camp Railroads
Roaring Camp Railroads promise beautiful train exploits along the breathtaking redwoods to Henry Cornwell Redwoods State Park and Bear Mountain. Visitors can discover the ancient train terminal, showcasing an event platform with playing fields and a historic general shop. Regardless of the expensive train tickets, many visitors find the stunning vistas truly enchanting, specifically during special exhibitions.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is an exciting amusement park spanning over a mile towards the south of the main Santa Cruz. This amusement park has been a captivating destination for explorers for over a century! Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk houses a huge collection of thrilling rides like the Looff Carousel and Giant Dipper. Savor the delectable food treats like fried Twinkies or cheesy corn dogs in this carnival-like park. Locals and travelers adore its historic allure, specifically during Friday evenings in the summer when free music concerts are hosted. Amenities like a huge space for parking are available in this park.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach showcases beautiful formations of rocks and a variety of animals, like seals and shorebirds. In autumn and winter, a huge number of monarch butterflies gather in this region. Visitors love the tranquil beachfront which is ideal for romantic strolls. This location is great for family-friendly picnics, you can also go hiking on the well-maintained hiking trails. The natural bridge is the most adored site for travelers, as a camera-friendly destination, you can take many snaps here. This place promises you loads of memories and great experiences.
Wilder Ranch State Park
Wilder Ranch State Park situated towards the west of main Santa Cruz is home to a 19th-century Victorian Farmhouse and hydraulic workshop. With several trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking, explorers can witness the beautiful vistas without any distractions, making the 35 miles of these trails a must-visit spot of this mesmerizing park.
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum offers a view of Steamer Lane, one of the area’s most celebrated surfing locations. Alongside a collection of historic surfboards and surfing photographs, the museum displays an assortment of memorabilia. Visitors can purchase souvenirs, including books, which will benefit the nonprofit museum.
Many travelers suggest this cozy museum is worth a brief visit, particularly during a walk along West Cliff Drive. Additionally, they recommend taking time to watch surfers at Steamer Lane.
Private Sunset Cruise
As one of the top boat tours in Santa Cruz, a private cruise on Monterey Bay promises a relaxing and memorable experience. This fully equipped yacht, guided by experienced skippers, takes you through the serene waters. Enjoy breathtaking views of the stunning landscape and soak in the peaceful ambiance as you unwind in this beautiful bay. Are you ready for this adventure?
In a nutshell, these Santa Cruz activities ensure a wonderful trip for all. Promising a refreshing getaway in the heart of Santa Cruz, these destinations deserve to be visited once!
So, what are you waiting for? Discover the beauty of Santa Cruz! Book your stay at Motel Santa Cruz for comfort and easy access to top attractions. Your adventure starts here!