Mystery Spot, Santa Cruz: Hours, Address, Mystery Spot Reviews: 4/5
Mystery Spot
Mystery Spot
4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 8:00 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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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
129 within 3 miles
Hollins House Restaurant
45
1.5 mi$$$$ • American
The DeLaveaga Lodge Restaurant
9
1.5 mi$$ - $$$
Mac Kenzie Bar & Grill
10
1.5 mi$$ - $$$
Back Nine Grill & Bar
64
1.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar
Ambrosia India Bistro
34
1.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Mountain Mike's
26
1.7 mi$ • Pizza
Stonehouse Bar & Grill
40
1.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Scotts Valley Coffee
1
1.7 mi$ • American
The View at Chaminade
28
1.8 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Auntie Mame's
118
2.2 mi$ • American • Cafe • Diner
Attractions
110 within 6 miles
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
729
State Parks
West Cliff Drive
1,332
Scenic Drives • Scenic Walking Areas
University of California at Santa Cruz
253
Educational sites
Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow-Gauge Railroad
325
Scenic Railroads
Roaring Camp Railroads
716
Scenic Railroads
Wilder Ranch State Park
268
State Parks
Capitola Beach
422
Beaches
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
3,615
Amusement & Theme Parks
Natural Bridges State Beach
849
Beaches
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
241
Speciality Museums
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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
1,135 reviews
Excellent
445
Very good
455
Average
157
Poor
40
Terrible
38
Don'tWaitForRetirement
California4,565 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.
colleen
Sewell, NJ3 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.
NA22
Northampton, UK113 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.
pablucho35
Savannah, GA92 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.
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.
Olivia
6 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.
Boromir1234
San Francisco, CA57 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.
KnickerbockerJones
San Francisco, CA137 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
My husband and I had the day off and wanted to get out of the city but not go to far. So why not go to the Mystery Spot and enjoy some food down in Santa Cruz. I can't believe I stayed once in Santa Cruz for 3 months and never went out of my way to watch this $8.00 attraction. $5.00 parking. This road side unique oddity attraction was great. It is about a 40 minute tour that makes science fun and I appreciate that. The young girl at the ticket booth was incredibly polite and handled the large crowd well. Our tour guide Sean was fantastic. He engaged adults and children a like. I appreciated the jokes, sarcasm, and tips for a good picture. I chose the smooth criminal. Word of caution...your equilibrium will be thrown off. This can make you dizzy.
The gift shop attendant's customer service was superb. Going back and forth between the clients at the window and the ones in the shop without missing a beat and a smile on his face. I was able to leave with a little redwood tree to grow at home.
I love a place that knows who they are and don't take themselves to seriously. They offer you a good time. Thank you Mystery Spot and thank you Sean for a good time. I strongly recommend this tour. PLEASE tip your tour guides!!!
The gift shop attendant's customer service was superb. Going back and forth between the clients at the window and the ones in the shop without missing a beat and a smile on his face. I was able to leave with a little redwood tree to grow at home.
I love a place that knows who they are and don't take themselves to seriously. They offer you a good time. Thank you Mystery Spot and thank you Sean for a good time. I strongly recommend this tour. PLEASE tip your tour guides!!!
Written November 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SV
2 contributions
Jun 2021
Surprisingly fun. Beautiful forested location. I was expecting an event where I could take some interesting photos, but the tour guide had some humor and flair and that made for a fun outing for the family. A bit of an uphill, sidewalk climb and some strength needed for balance at the slanted spot as you leave handrails behind. Bring cash for tip and parking. I felt bad I had no cash for tip, $5 would have been appreciated I'm sure. For management, I would allow for a add-on tip on register receipt from store for tour guide for people that buy a souvenir.
Written June 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Richard W
Penn Valley, CA725 contributions
Jun 2022
I hadn't been here for decades and really wanted to see it again to refresh my memory. I was not disappointed!!
The walk up to the main "spot" is steep and uneven. This tour is not really for handicapped or some elderly.
For all others in our tour group we had a total blast. Zach was out tour guide and his sense of humor along with information and demonstrations made the tour great. The "mystery" of the spot seems more than just illusion. We experienced a real sense of being pulled against gravity. Having visited the vortexes at Sedona, Arizona and never feeling anything this was a refreshing experience of actually "feeling" something!
We enjoyed the visit and the location is beautiful and surrounded by redwood trees.
Restrooms are clean, staff are well trained and friendly. There is a snack and souvenier shop. Prices are reasonable. I suggest you go and have some fun visiting this place.
The walk up to the main "spot" is steep and uneven. This tour is not really for handicapped or some elderly.
For all others in our tour group we had a total blast. Zach was out tour guide and his sense of humor along with information and demonstrations made the tour great. The "mystery" of the spot seems more than just illusion. We experienced a real sense of being pulled against gravity. Having visited the vortexes at Sedona, Arizona and never feeling anything this was a refreshing experience of actually "feeling" something!
We enjoyed the visit and the location is beautiful and surrounded by redwood trees.
Restrooms are clean, staff are well trained and friendly. There is a snack and souvenier shop. Prices are reasonable. I suggest you go and have some fun visiting this place.
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rocio7g
San Francisco, CA21 contributions
Do they allow dogs?
Brian B
16 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, CA201 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, Israel59 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, CA74 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mystery Spot
- Mystery Spot is open:
- Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 10:00 AM - 8:00 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
- (4.08 mi) Sea & Sand Inn
- (3.86 mi) Beach Street Inn and Suites
- (4.37 mi) Monarch Cove Inn
- Restaurants near Mystery Spot:
- (2.64 mi) Marianne's Ice Cream
- (3.39 mi) Linda's Seabreeze Cafe
- (2.87 mi) The Buttery
- (2.63 mi) Lillian's Italian Kitchen
- (3.16 mi) Laili Restaurant
- Attractions near Mystery Spot:
- (3.44 mi) Chardonnay Sailing Charters
- (3.38 mi) Stagnaro Sport Fishing Charters & Whale Watching Cruises
- (4.18 mi) Surf School Santa Cruz
- (3.66 mi) O’Neill Yacht Charters
- (3.09 mi) Sea Spirit Ocean Safari