Santa Cruz Attractions: What to do & Places to Visit in Santa Cruz
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Things to do in Santa Cruz
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Attractions travelers recommend
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31 of 31 shown
Ranked #1 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”great place to walk or ride your bike“ 05/17/2013
- ”A bike riders dream“ 05/13/2013
Category: Landmarks/ Points of Interest
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(49)
Ranked #2 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Visited during an 'Accepted Students...“ 04/15/2013
- ”Peer Gynt Play“ 04/07/2013
Category: Educational Sites
The Santa Cruz campus offers an attractive blend of notable architecture and panoramic views.
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(10)
Ranked #3 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Love it!“ 05/06/2013
- ”The best movies...“ 04/17/2013
Category: Theaters
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(1)
Ranked #4 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Always a pleasure“ 05/07/2013
- ”Wouldn't miss it!“ 05/06/2013
Category: Performances
Owner description:
Shakespeare Santa Cruz is a professional theatre company in residence at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Founded in...
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Owner description:
Shakespeare Santa Cruz is a professional theatre company in residence at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Founded in 1981, SSC presents a season of Shakespeare and non-Shakespeare plays each summer, as well as a family musical each November and December. SSC is perfect entertainment for the whole family, and welcomes groups of all sizes!
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(3)
Ranked #5 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Good spot even for the non-science per...“ 05/05/2013
- ”Behind the scenes at a real working bi...“ 04/22/2013
Category: Aquariums; Science Museums
See a wide variety of marine animals at the University of Californias research lab.
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(24)
Ranked #6 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Walking paths wind past large exotic p...“ 05/04/2013
- ”Australian Plants Galore!“ 03/28/2013
Category: Gardens
The Arboretum at UC Santa Cruz is an unsurpassed garden with flowering plants from around the world, especially Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, California, and Chile. It's... more »
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(17)
Ranked #7 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Easy and beautiful walk above ocean“ 05/01/2013
- ”nice stroll through time“ 03/29/2013
Category: State Parks
Website: http://www.parks.... more »
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(17)
Ranked #8 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”I loved this beautiful natural park“ 05/15/2013
- ”Bridges have disappeared!“ 05/04/2013
Category: State Parks; Geologic Formations; Beaches
Owner description:
A refuge for wintering Monarch Butterflies, this park boasts a sandy cove, tidepools, a nature trail through the Butterfly...
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Owner description:
A refuge for wintering Monarch Butterflies, this park boasts a sandy cove, tidepools, a nature trail through the Butterfly Preserve, and several hiking trails. There is also a bicycle path around the perimeter of the park.
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(31)
Ranked #9 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”monday and tuesday summer nights“ 05/17/2013
- ”Funtime Outing - Amusement, Beach & Fo...“ 05/14/2013
Category: Wharfs/ Piers/ Boardwalks; Amusement/ Theme Parks; Historic Sites
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - Fun in the Sun The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been a popular destination for more than 100 years. There are a variety of rides to enjoy. Take a... more »
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(238)
Ranked #10 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”great food and a nice stroll“ 05/17/2013
- ”a very pleasant walk with many dining...“ 05/08/2013
Category: Wharfs/ Piers/ Boardwalks
Santa Cruz Wharf is adjacent to the Boardwalk and Main beach. Lots of restaurants, shops and the Sea Lions at the end of the pier. Can rent boats or go on boat rides from the... more »
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(88)
Ranked #11 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”A "Roaring Steam Engined Train Ride"“ 04/20/2013
- ”Wrong Phone Number“ 04/18/2013
Category: Scenic Railroads
Owner description:
See California’s towering redwood trees from two historic railroads. Ride steam trains to Bear Mountain or Beach Trains to...
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Owner description:
See California’s towering redwood trees from two historic railroads. Ride steam trains to Bear Mountain or Beach Trains to Santa Cruz. Visit an 1880s logging town located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. Between San Francisco and Monterey Bay in Felton.
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(14)
Ranked #12 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Worth Stopping and Seeing - Located at...“ 05/07/2013
- ”History of surfing in a nutshell“ 05/01/2013
Category: Specialty Museums
Owner description:
For more than a hundred years, Santa Cruz has been a hot spot for hard-core surfers. This museum tells their stories through...
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Owner description:
For more than a hundred years, Santa Cruz has been a hot spot for hard-core surfers. This museum tells their stories through photographs, surfboards and other related items.
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(7)
Ranked #13 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”One of my favorite beaches in Santa Cr...“ 05/07/2013
- ”beachlover“ 04/08/2013
Category: Beaches
Adjacent to Santa Cruz harbor, this beach has beach volley ball as well as nearby shops and restaurants.
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(14)
Ranked #14 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Must visit if you are in this part of...“ 05/16/2013
- ”Gotta go at least once in your life.“ 05/08/2013
Category: Mysterious Sites
This enigmatic place draws curious visitors who come to witness its gravity-defying properties.
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(90)
Ranked #15 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Interesting way to learn more about Sa...“ 05/01/2013
- ”Recent improvements have helped this m...“ 02/25/2013
Category: Art Museums; History Museums
Native American pottery and modern beach photos all on exhibit.
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(1)
Ranked #16 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”A Fun Place on the Pacific!“ 05/14/2013
- ”Beach with everything“ 05/08/2013
Category: Beaches; Wharfs/ Piers/ Boardwalks; Amusement/ Theme Parks
This popular beach, with killer waves, is known as one of the top surfing spots in the world.
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(35)
Ranked #17 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Great local history“ 05/07/2013
- ”Great for kids“ 04/03/2013
Category: Natural History Museums
This museum's exhibits feature Ohlone Native American artifacts and local flora and fauna.
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(1)
Ranked #18 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”One of a kind.“ 04/04/2013
- ”Poor condition, over priced, will not...“ 03/21/2013
Category: Golf Courses
Owner description:
Spanish for "passing of time," this delightful 18-hole golf course overlooks scenic Monterey Bay providing both beauty and...
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Owner description:
Spanish for "passing of time," this delightful 18-hole golf course overlooks scenic Monterey Bay providing both beauty and challenge to amateur and pro golfers alike.
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(1)
Ranked #19 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Fun Times with the Kids“ 05/07/2013
- ”Karaoke and Booze“ 04/29/2013
Category: Bowling Alleys
Owner description:
Next to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Boardwalk Bowl is a state-of-the-art bowling facility, arcade, restaurant, and...
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Owner description:
Next to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Boardwalk Bowl is a state-of-the-art bowling facility, arcade, restaurant, and lounge with plenty of party fun!
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(16)
Ranked #20 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Dirty Beach“ 05/07/2013
- ”WARNING.“ 05/07/2013
Category: Beaches
One of the best and most popular beaches in the United States for learning to surf.
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(2)
Ranked #21 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”I Recommend this place to everyone!!“ 01/13/2013
- ”Nice Beach“ 02/27/2012
Category: Beaches
This windy beach is good for hang-gliding and wind-surfing.
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Ranked #22 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Just fun.“ 05/07/2013
- ”it changes slightly every summer“ 02/03/2012
Category: Amusement/ Theme Parks
A popular kiddie ride at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
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(1)
Ranked #23 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Great views“ 04/17/2013
- ”Love....“ 10/08/2012
Category: Lighthouses
This historic lighthouse, rebuilt in the 1960s, is a great place from which to check out the local surfing culture.
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(1)
Ranked #24 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Excellent“ 04/11/2013
- ”Windy and poor parking“ 02/01/2013
Category: Beaches
Pleasure Point is a great area! Enjoy bringing the dog to the "Dog Park" or "Dirt Farm" as the locals sometime call it. Best time is to go is in the morning around 8:30am and... more »
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(1)
Ranked #25 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Very Small But cute“ 03/10/2012
- ”Santa Cruz Mission“ 01/20/2012
Category: Missions; State Parks
The park houses a replica of the mission founded in 1791.
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(2)
Ranked #26 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Do yourself a favor“ 07/16/2010
Category: Health Clubs
Owner description:
NOURISH is a relaxing and rejuvenating yoga and wellness center located in downtown Santa Cruz that empowers it's clients to...
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Owner description:
NOURISH is a relaxing and rejuvenating yoga and wellness center located in downtown Santa Cruz that empowers it's clients to discover the best of themselves. We offer yoga, massage therapy and nutrition consultations with a registered dietitian.
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(3)
Ranked #27 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
- ”Was Not Open!“ 10/04/2012
Category: Specialty Museums
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(1)
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Category: Parks
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Category: Performances
Owner description:
The Santa Cruz County Symphony presents live classical performances throughout the year. Evening performances are at the...
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Owner description:
The Santa Cruz County Symphony presents live classical performances throughout the year. Evening performances are at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium and afternoon matinees are at the Mello Center for Performing Arts in Watsonville. The Symphony also collaborates with local performers such as the White Album Ensemble for a Beatles benefit concert and with arts groups such as the Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre and the Santa Cruz County Symphony for a low-cost Family Concert.
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(1)
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Category: Historic Sites
This 1850s-era home rests at the top of a hill.
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(1)
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Santa Cruz weather essentials
Month
High
Low
May
72°F 22°C
51°F 10°C
Jun
77°F 25°C
55°F 12°C
Jul
80°F 26°C
57°F 13°C
Aug
81°F 27°C
57°F 13°C
Sep
79°F 26°C
55°F 12°C
Oct
72°F 22°C
50°F 10°C
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