Scenic Drives • Scenic Walking Areas
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Things to Do in Santa Cruz, CA - Santa Cruz Attractions
Things to Do in Santa Cruz
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Santa Cruz.
Top Attractions in Santa Cruz
Amusement & Theme Parks
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Science Museums • Aquariums
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Speciality Museums
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What travelers are saying
- Adele Shaw3 contributionsBest place to stay in Santa Cruz with amazing views, perfect location and lovely helpful staff. The breakfast was a special touch and you even get free bike hire.Written October 3, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Divingbecs1Reading, UK745 contributionsWe had a drink on the boardwalk and looked in some of the T-shirt shops but the highlight of the visit was watching the sea lions at the end of the boardwalk as they climbed on and fell off a wooden platformWritten September 24, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Balasubramanian RChennai (Madras), India607 contributionsNatural bridge is situated in the beach in Santa Cruz and it is the tourist attraction spot. It is a state park and the park features section of the natural bridge. It is a good vantage point for viewing shore birds and other sea creatures.Written September 15, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Balasubramanian RChennai (Madras), India607 contributionsWilder Ranch Park is on the coast of Pacific Ocean in North of Santa Cruz. Ranch Buildings have been restored and used as museum. Favorite for hikers and mountain bikers.Written September 16, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jorge S2 contributionsWe have participated in the Moonlight Dinner Train and it has always been great time. Good food, music and train ride.Written October 3, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SAI_Traveller_2015Hyderabad, India240 contributionsWent here, was pleased with the location spot and the trees surrounding. The hosts are really trained well and they make your time in there fun.Written April 26, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Christine PHighland Park, IL8 contributionsIts a great place to walk to the end of, take in the sights, and hear the sea lions. We didn't go to any of the restaurants but they looked pretty good. Lots of shops selling clothes and knick knacks.Written March 26, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- akat411San Francisco, CA119 contributionsWorth a visit if you're in the area and want to see some ocean research exhibits. It's not very big but there are a number of tanks to see different animals. There is a touch pool to touch sea stars and the best thing was the chance to touch a swell shark. Very cool! We went as a big family group and the kids were engaged. The site is cliff side with a pretty walking path and beautiful view. Would recommend.Written June 27, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JackandBettyBristol, CT191 contributionsMy daughter-in-law and I stopped at this tranquil place while our husbands were golfing something different to do . and very interesting I enjoy the succulent garden the most and I’m sure there are things that blossom during different seasons of the year. Most plants were labeled but it would’ve been nice to have a guided tour - it was a very hot day and you could stay as long as you’d like. we liked the little gift shop as wellWritten June 23, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sonofdragonSan Jose, CA232 contributionsLived in the bay area for years but never take Santa Cruz seriously. Some good things surely come during this pandemic madness. Discovery of Pleasure Point was a blessing for us since we're having pandemic fatigue. Walking the public path while enjoying the breeze/waves was cooling/calming to the mind. Watching the surfers ride the waves was so exciting. Seeing people jogging/running/walking/biking is very inspiring. And the sea birds flying close just above the waves and diving for a catch was a sure wow moment to watch. Words cant say more. Stop the worry and make life livable again!Written January 15, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Balasubramanian RChennai (Madras), India607 contributionsSanta Cruz Surfing Museum is one of the main tourist attractions in the town. It is located on the shore of Pacific Ocean and almost three sides are covered by the ocean. Museum houses a historical account of surfing.Written September 15, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Balasubramanian RChennai (Madras), India607 contributionsSanta Cruz Main Beach is one of the important tourist attraction place. Behind the beach amusement park boardwalk and other things are there. Enjoyed the beach and an excellent view. It attracts tourists from all walks of lifeWritten September 16, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- miniFremont, CA175,080 contributionsI had a fun time at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center. It describes the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and also simiar sanctuarys.
There are good exhibits as well as a short but good movie.
The center is free to visit.
There is also a nice outdoor overlook of the Santa Cruz area.Written December 19, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - RSM123123Plano, TX779 contributionsCampus is spread out and with incredible landscapes. More trees on campus than in most forests. From some spots you can see the ocean.Written August 2, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sybille CEdgartown, Massachusetts, United States56 contributionsCould be advertised with better signage, but a place to visit for as long as we have these beautiful monarchsWritten May 3, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz
- The top attractions to visit in Santa Cruz are:
- West Cliff Drive
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Wilder Ranch State Park
- Roaring Camp Railroads
- The best outdoor activities in Santa Cruz according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Wilder Ranch State Park
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- UCSC Arboretum
- Santa Cruz Main Beach
- The best day trips from Santa Cruz according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- BEST Redwood Forest Steam Train and Santa Cruz Harbor Day Trip
- Beyond The Bay: Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Santa Cruz VIP Boutique Private Tour
- Monterey Big Sur Private Charter by Luxury SUV 1 - 6 people
- Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Private Day Trip from San Francisco
- Silicon Valley Big Sur Monterey California Coast One Day Charter
- The most popular things to do in Santa Cruz with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Chardonnay Sailing Charters
- Stagnaro Sport Fishing Charters & Whale Watching Cruises
- O’Neill Yacht Charters
- Sea Spirit Ocean Safari
- California Classic Sail