Mystery Spot
Mystery Spot
4
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly located in the redwood forests just outside of Santa Cruz, California. It is a circular area of effect around 150 feet or 46 meters in diameter. Within the Mystery Spot you will be stunned as your perceptions of the laws of physics and gravity are questioned. But don't take our word for it, come and decide for yourself! The Mystery Spot was discovered in 1939 by a group of surveyors and opened to the public in 1940. The Mystery Spot has amazed and perplexed hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world, and many return time and time again to experience these puzzling variations of gravity, perspective, and height. Some speculate that cones of metal were secretly brought here and buried in our earth as guidance systems for their spacecraft. Some think that it is in fact the spacecraft itself buried deep within the ground. Other theories include carbon dioxide permeating from the earth, a hole in the ozone layer, a magma vortex, the highest dielectric biocosmic radiation known anywhere in the world, and radiesthesia. Whatever the cause is, it remains a mystery.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
121 within 3 miles
Attractions
113 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Don'tWaitForRetirementCalifornia4,929 contributionsGo once to see what it's all about. I found it slightly underwhelming. Could do without the extra $5 parking fee.I'd seen the bumper stickers for years, so while visiting Santa Cruz we had to go! It's definitely a tourist trap and it's definitely a 'go once to say you've seen it' type of place, but ultimately fun and slightly overrated. We went in October (2021) and were able to walk up, buy a ticket and get on the next tour, but I believe you need to book ahead in peak season. My biggest peeve was besides the $8 ticket price, (2021) they charged $5 to park. Talk about a rip off! You get a tour guide, who's basically a glorified actor who tells a story, throws in a lot of humor and wangles some audience participation, for the roughly 30 minutes that it takes to see a cabin where you'll see some optical illusions. It's fun and humorous, but I felt slightly underwhelmed to be honest. There's a gift shop on site where you can buy the usual tourist trappings...magnets and mugs, etc. If you found this useful, please click the thank button.Visited October 2021Written February 15, 2022
- Linda WLos Angeles, California86 contributionsInteresting but not as exciting as expected.Book your tickets online in advance. The tickets get sold out quickly at the site and you may need to wait for an hour or longer for next available time. The tour was ok, about 25 min long, not as exiting as expected. You will have a tour guide who will guide you to walk up a short hill to a small cabin - the “mystery spot”. You get to stay inside the cabin for like 10 min to get some photos. That’s about it. If you are near the area, it’s an interesting spot to stop by since the ticket is only $10/person. But I wouldn’t go out of my way just to come for the tour.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 22, 2023
- Olivia7 contributionsMust go!I knew people who went to the Mystery Spot before and they never gave much info. For an $8 tour it gave us more than we were expecting! Our guide Kenna was great and had plenty of $8 jokes, even knew how to put me at ease when my toddler had a little meltdown. Everyone should go at least once to experience thisVisited July 2021Written July 21, 2021
- Lisa LTampa, Florida83 contributionsExceeded my expectationsThis place was super cool. I loved the whole vibe when we first got there. It's in the middle of the Redwoods, so it's just so calm and peaceful....well, until you go on the tour. I thought it was going to be very gimmicky, but I didn't feel like that at all when I was there. The place made me feel dizzy and nauseated. It was cool, though. If you're in the area, I definitely recommend this and it's only $8.Visited June 2021Written July 23, 2021
- pablucho35Savannah, Georgia120 contributionsFun and out of the ordinaryFun attraction, something you don’t experience every day. It is a bit pricey but I’ve spent more money on less memorable things. I love it how they present it as a gravitational anomaly and the staff really play in that. Something unique.Visited February 2022Traveled with friendsWritten February 9, 2022
- Boromir1234San Francisco, California58 contributionsAmusing use of 45 minutesThis was an amusing use of 45 minutes. And we have seen bumper stickers for it forever, and wanted to check it off the list. We were able to just show up and walk right onto the tour that was starting when we arrived. The Mystery Spot is really just one cabin that is mysterious. So the tour guide talks about the cabin, then you go in the cabin, then you come back down. I won't spoil it here, but I think I know what the mystery is.Visited November 2020Written November 29, 2020
- colleenSewell, New Jersey4 contributionsSuper fun place to explore!Stopped at the Mystery Spot on our way out of Santa Cruz… so glad we stopped!!!! First, we had THE BEST tour guide, Cameron! We really felt like he made it even more fun- such a great sense of humor while also showing us the weird, or interesting, things about this place. Definitely a warning that you might feel some physical effects from the weird gravity pulls in there, but we all did fine. My whole family loved this place! Worth stopping for sure!Visited July 2022Traveled with familyWritten July 2, 2022
- NA22Northampton, United Kingdom144 contributionsUnderwhelmingA bit of a novelty experience. As another reviewer suggests- go once to see what it’s all about, but you need only budget around 30 minutes. It’s a good optical illusion and the staff put a lot of effort into the story and the acting, which kept it fun. This is also a beautiful setting but it is in the middle of nowhere. If we had known that this was such a brief ‘tour’ with only one thing to look at, we probably wouldn’t have gone out of our way.Visited June 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten May 31, 2022
- s0cal310Torrance, California2 contributionsFun Tour!Fun place! Our kids and their cousins enjoyed it (ages 9-15). Get a reservation to ensure the timeframe you want. The tour is about 30 minutes and the guides are funny and relatable. The short hike up to the main attraction is super steep. The cabin and the ground it’s on are very crooked; the tall wooden fence around it makes the optical illusion possible. Therefore, this tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues or vertigo. Everyone received the famous bumper sticker at the end of the tour and we bought souvenirs from the gift shop. Highly recommend!Visited April 2023Written April 10, 2023
- ColoradoMtsLafayette, Colorado140 contributionsMystery spot was mysterious!!I’ve been driving past the Mystery Spot for over 60 years as we lived within a few hours. Finally a trip with my 12 yr old Granddaughter made me finally stop by and see the illusion for ourselves. I must admit we were skeptical and yet it was amazing!! Can I explain it?! No! It was fun to see the water and billiard balls run uphill. I was quite dizzy and had to hang in to the rails so I wouldn’t tumble. It was worth the money and I’d highly recommend it if you are passing by. FYI. You also pay $5.00 to park after you buy your tickets. Beautiful location in the redwoods.Visited August 2022Traveled with familyWritten August 3, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,159 reviews
Excellent
465
Very good
459
Average
157
Poor
40
Terrible
39
Don'tWaitForRetirement
California4,929 contributions
Oct 2021
I'd seen the bumper stickers for years, so while visiting Santa Cruz we had to go!
It's definitely a tourist trap and it's definitely a 'go once to say you've seen it' type of place, but ultimately fun and slightly overrated.
We went in October (2021) and were able to walk up, buy a ticket and get on the next tour, but I believe you need to book ahead in peak season. My biggest peeve was besides the $8 ticket price, (2021) they charged $5 to park. Talk about a rip off!
You get a tour guide, who's basically a glorified actor who tells a story, throws in a lot of humor and wangles some audience participation, for the roughly 30 minutes that it takes to see a cabin where you'll see some optical illusions. It's fun and humorous, but I felt slightly underwhelmed to be honest.
There's a gift shop on site where you can buy the usual tourist trappings...magnets and mugs, etc.
If you found this useful, please click the thank button.
It's definitely a tourist trap and it's definitely a 'go once to say you've seen it' type of place, but ultimately fun and slightly overrated.
We went in October (2021) and were able to walk up, buy a ticket and get on the next tour, but I believe you need to book ahead in peak season. My biggest peeve was besides the $8 ticket price, (2021) they charged $5 to park. Talk about a rip off!
You get a tour guide, who's basically a glorified actor who tells a story, throws in a lot of humor and wangles some audience participation, for the roughly 30 minutes that it takes to see a cabin where you'll see some optical illusions. It's fun and humorous, but I felt slightly underwhelmed to be honest.
There's a gift shop on site where you can buy the usual tourist trappings...magnets and mugs, etc.
If you found this useful, please click the thank button.
Written February 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda W
Los Angeles, CA86 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Book your tickets online in advance. The tickets get sold out quickly at the site and you may need to wait for an hour or longer for next available time. The tour was ok, about 25 min long, not as exiting as expected. You will have a tour guide who will guide you to walk up a short hill to a small cabin - the “mystery spot”. You get to stay inside the cabin for like 10 min to get some photos. That’s about it. If you are near the area, it’s an interesting spot to stop by since the ticket is only $10/person. But I wouldn’t go out of my way just to come for the tour.
Written July 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olivia
7 contributions
Jul 2021
I knew people who went to the Mystery Spot before and they never gave much info. For an $8 tour it gave us more than we were expecting! Our guide Kenna was great and had plenty of $8 jokes, even knew how to put me at ease when my toddler had a little meltdown. Everyone should go at least once to experience this
Written July 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa L
Tampa, FL83 contributions
Jun 2021
This place was super cool. I loved the whole vibe when we first got there. It's in the middle of the Redwoods, so it's just so calm and peaceful....well, until you go on the tour. I thought it was going to be very gimmicky, but I didn't feel like that at all when I was there. The place made me feel dizzy and nauseated. It was cool, though. If you're in the area, I definitely recommend this and it's only $8.
Written July 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pablucho35
Savannah, GA120 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
Fun attraction, something you don’t experience every day. It is a bit pricey but I’ve spent more money on less memorable things. I love it how they present it as a gravitational anomaly and the staff really play in that. Something unique.
Written February 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boromir1234
San Francisco, CA58 contributions
Nov 2020
This was an amusing use of 45 minutes. And we have seen bumper stickers for it forever, and wanted to check it off the list. We were able to just show up and walk right onto the tour that was starting when we arrived. The Mystery Spot is really just one cabin that is mysterious. So the tour guide talks about the cabin, then you go in the cabin, then you come back down. I won't spoil it here, but I think I know what the mystery is.
Written November 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
colleen
Sewell, NJ4 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Stopped at the Mystery Spot on our way out of Santa Cruz… so glad we stopped!!!! First, we had THE BEST tour guide, Cameron! We really felt like he made it even more fun- such a great sense of humor while also showing us the weird, or interesting, things about this place. Definitely a warning that you might feel some physical effects from the weird gravity pulls in there, but we all did fine. My whole family loved this place! Worth stopping for sure!
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NA22
Northampton, UK144 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
A bit of a novelty experience. As another reviewer suggests- go once to see what it’s all about, but you need only budget around 30 minutes.
It’s a good optical illusion and the staff put a lot of effort into the story and the acting, which kept it fun.
This is also a beautiful setting but it is in the middle of nowhere. If we had known that this was such a brief ‘tour’ with only one thing to look at, we probably wouldn’t have gone out of our way.
It’s a good optical illusion and the staff put a lot of effort into the story and the acting, which kept it fun.
This is also a beautiful setting but it is in the middle of nowhere. If we had known that this was such a brief ‘tour’ with only one thing to look at, we probably wouldn’t have gone out of our way.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
s0cal310
Torrance, CA2 contributions
Apr 2023
Fun place! Our kids and their cousins enjoyed it (ages 9-15). Get a reservation to ensure the timeframe you want. The tour is about 30 minutes and the guides are funny and relatable. The short hike up to the main attraction is super steep. The cabin and the ground it’s on are very crooked; the tall wooden fence around it makes the optical illusion possible. Therefore, this tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues or vertigo. Everyone received the famous bumper sticker at the end of the tour and we bought souvenirs from the gift shop. Highly recommend!
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ColoradoMts
Lafayette, CO140 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
I’ve been driving past the Mystery Spot for over 60 years as we lived within a few hours. Finally a trip with my 12 yr old Granddaughter made me finally stop by and see the illusion for ourselves.
I must admit we were skeptical and yet it was amazing!! Can I explain it?! No!
It was fun to see the water and billiard balls run uphill. I was quite dizzy and had to hang in to the rails so I wouldn’t tumble.
It was worth the money and I’d highly recommend it if you are passing by.
FYI. You also pay $5.00 to park after you buy your tickets. Beautiful location in the redwoods.
I must admit we were skeptical and yet it was amazing!! Can I explain it?! No!
It was fun to see the water and billiard balls run uphill. I was quite dizzy and had to hang in to the rails so I wouldn’t tumble.
It was worth the money and I’d highly recommend it if you are passing by.
FYI. You also pay $5.00 to park after you buy your tickets. Beautiful location in the redwoods.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rocio7g
San Francisco, CA21 contributions
Do they allow dogs?
Brian B
18 contributions
I don't know. I didn't see any, but I wouldn't recommend it. You do get disoriented and sometimes finding your footing is difficult. Having a dog there would make it dangerous, especially if the animal also feels the same effects.
Could I go to the Mystery Spot and not do the tour?
007bshampa
Pune District, India27 contributions
The tour is the mystery and the solution. Other than that there are only trees to see. It would be a scenic drive without a point. Enjoy the tour.
Why do i get and feel sick. And the world is spinning like vertigo.
dandksmommy
Fair Oaks, CA203 contributions
It's an optical illusion. That's it. Your eyes/brain is playing tricks on you and your belly. If you just take a moment to focus on one single object while standing still, you will stop spinning. There is no magnetic field. Look it up online.
Yael D
Ramat Gan, Israel70 contributions
traveling with a 4.5 year old and a toddler from SF to SLO and stopping at Monterrey bay. Is it worth stopping here? will the girls get anything out of it?
puneet265
Agra, India771 contributions
The tour guides are very good. They involve every one especially children. Even if they cant understand the mystery they will enjoy the presenter.
Drive is good.
Must visit with children or alone.
Not to forget Chai (TEA) and samosa for indian tourists in canteen
We will be traveling through with a small dog. Are dogs allowed?
MJH
Green Valley, AZ240 contributions
I agree with the other people who responded in regards to your dog. I don't agree with the 'total ripoff'. It's just something fun to do, and I have spent the same amount of money for a 2 minute quick thrill (with an hour wait in line) at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.
Belinda B
Fresno, CA
How do you get there via public transportation?
GuestGroup
Ukiah, CA75 contributions
Considering that the location is off the road, I would suggest a Taxi. It is also a few minutes outside of Santa Cruz.
cocurlgurl
nj24 contributions
How long does the tour take? How much total time should be allotted for a visit?
Margo M
Laguna Hills, CA54 contributions
You should allot at least an afternoon for the entire experience. Sometimes you have to wait for a tour to start, but there is plenty to look at, so give yourself 2-3 hours between parking, touring and wandering around checking out the scenery.
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Claim your listingMystery Spot (Santa Cruz) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Mystery Spot
- Mystery Spot is open:
- Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Mystery Spot tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Mystery Spot tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Mystery Spot:
- (1.77 mi) Chaminade Resort & Spa
- (3.71 mi) Bella Notte Inn
- (3.86 mi) Beach Street Inn and Suites
- (4.37 mi) Monarch Cove Inn
- (4.08 mi) Sea & Sand Inn
- Restaurants near Mystery Spot:
- (2.64 mi) Marianne's Ice Cream
- (3.39 mi) Linda's Seabreeze Cafe
- (3.97 mi) Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
- (2.87 mi) The Buttery
- (3.16 mi) Laili Restaurant
- Attractions near Mystery Spot:
- (3.44 mi) Chardonnay Sailing Charters
- (4.18 mi) Surf School Santa Cruz
- (3.38 mi) Stagnaro Sport Fishing Charters & Whale Watching Cruises
- (3.77 mi) Mount Hermon Adventures
- (3.66 mi) O’Neill Yacht Charters
Mystery Spot Information
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| Very Good Reviews | 458 |
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