Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Santa Cruz

THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in Santa Cruz

Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Santa Cruz

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    Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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What travelers are saying

  • Margaret H
    Los Angeles, CA2 contributions
    Cliff drive is a must, it’s a spectacularly beautiful drive showcase a gorgeous stretch of California coastline. Plenty of places to pull over to get out and take photos and soak in the scenery.
    Written June 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • VictoriaAllen
    Las Vegas, NV93 contributions
    This was our family's first time visiting Santa Cruz so we weren't quite sure what to expect other than what we had read online.

    Being from Vegas, the weather was absolutely perfect! Upper 60's to low 70's with a nice ocean breeze...definitely a nice break from the Vegas heat!

    So first off, parking. There were lots located in front of the park...all looked to be about 20.00 for the whole day so make sure to add that to the budget unless you're within walking distance.

    We had purchased the all day ride bands for about 55.00 a person I believe and we were able to ride a lot of rides during the day, some even 2 or 3 times. Since the park is cashless, we also purchased a "fun" card with 200.00 to spend later ...turned out to be a fiasco but more on that later...

    Rides: they ranged from kid friendly to high adrenalin which was nice since we had a 9 and 12 year old with us. Lines were doable, longest wait for us was about 15 minutes. Not too bad when compared to places like Disney or Legoland.

    Food: your average boardwalk fare... deep fried everything, ice cream, hot dogs, burgers, etc.... They had a "special" on their plastic souvenir cup for 11.99, with 99 cent refills all day.... normally I would pass but since I had trouble with that "fun" card, I purchased one... its a tourist spot so highway robbery is to be expected.

    As for the downfalls, there were a few unfortunately... We went on a Friday when its normally expected to stay open until about 9pm but we had gone a night designated for grad night so they closed at 6 instead so that was disappointing.

    As for that "fun" card that was purchased... we weren't able to use it all
    on food so we were under the impression that we could use the rest to buy souvenirs at the gift shop. Sadly, this was not the case so just be advised that when purchasing the card, you can only use on food and arcade. I ended up going back and buying one of those ridiculously expensive souvenir cups just to burn through some of the remaining funds.

    Overall, minus the few hiccups, it was a good experience and a great way to spend the day with kids. Would recommend to anyone visiting the area!
    Written July 8, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Milap S
    Ahmedabad, India94 contributions
    This is nice place to go with kids, if you have senior citizens in your family it is very difficult for them to maintain balance, it is a unique place where gravity seems to be messed up. Don’t drive immediately after visiting this place as some of us may feel dizzy after touring mystery spot. My family had an awesome time at this place
    Written August 4, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • glennmartinwc
    San Francisco, CA33 contributions
    We just strolled here from our hotel to check out the arch, but found this to be a hidden gem! A short walk through the lushly forested area brings you to a small beach strewn with driftwood. This is certainly the place to come if you want a day at the beach and don't need the boardwalk. There is a Visitors' Center, and several trails that delve deeper into the wooded areas. Don't miss this if you're in the area!
    Written July 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Life traveller
    North East England, UK3,804 contributions
    Enjoyed strolling down the windy Wharf, catching some good views of Santa Cruz beach and boardwalk, including when the fog obscured both! Interesting posters of the Wharf history, and lots of sea lions resting on the girders, supplied some general interest, and there was a selection of restaurants to choose from. Apparently this is the longest warf in the US. Interesting in itself. If you visit Santa Cruz, I would say a 'must do'. Well, why not?!
    Written November 24, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alan F
    Los Gatos, CA236 contributions
    Wilder Ranch State Park is one of my favorite hiking destinations. Even if you’re not into hiking, there’s plenty to do at this popular nature preserve.

    There are easy, moderate, and strenuous trails for hikers and mountain bikers alike, both inland and along the coast. I especially enjoy the Ohlone Bluff Trail in the summer when it’s hot inland. Hawks circle overhead, pelicans dive into the chilly water to catch fish, and cormorants sun themselves on rocky outcroppings. There are spectacular picture-perfect ocean vistas of massive cliffs carved by centuries of wave action. Between December and April you might spot migrating grey whales just offshore. I’ve often seen seals lounging on the beaches below as well as sea otters floating nearby. The trails along the bluff are flat but if you’re adventurous you can scramble down to one of several beaches where you can explore a fern grotto (at Marker Post 8) or maybe wade into a tide pool to see the colorful sea anemones at low tide.

    All-day parking is $10 per car (or $9 for seniors) and it’s worth it if you want to support this amazing park. There are clean restrooms at the parking lot.

    This former ranch and dairy is also a terrific destination for history buffs. You can stroll around the complex of historic buildings, including an 1859 Gothic Revival farmhouse, a red tile-roofed adobe, and the beautifully preserved Queen Anne Victorian home that California pioneer Deloss Wilder built for his family in 1897. There are plenty of picnic tables. Docents are often available for guided tours on weekends. The water-powered machine shop, built in 1896, is fascinating. Kids will enjoy seeing the farm animals up close.

    I highly recommend Wilder Ranch State Park. It’s ideal for hiking, biking, families, and especially out-of-town visitors who want a classic Northern California coastal experience.
    Written March 17, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • johnmodesto
    Modesto, CA670 contributions
    Large arboretum with excellent display of Australian and South African plants. The arboretum has its own entrance off of Empire Grade/High Street. There is a large free parking area. You can buy admission tickets online or at the gift shop, if it happens to be open. If not you can stuff money into a metal tube, which is what we did. The gardens for Australia and South Africa are large, with many diverse trees, bushes, succulents, and other plants. The setting is beautiful, though casual--nobody would accuse UC Santa Cruz of having formal gardens. Squirrels and rabbits wander here and there, and useful signage tells you about the plants and their normal environment. There is a New Zealand section, we didn't visit that but looking through the fence it appeared to be a picturesque meadow with wooden sculptures.
    Written February 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ian B
    Sherborn, MA142 contributions
    Beautiful campus, great little trails, and spectacular views across to the Pacific. The university itself is removed from the town, literally a campus on the hill, and feels isolated.
    Written April 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • akat411
    San Francisco, CA138 contributions
    Worth 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, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • laura g
    Nottingham, UK50 contributions
    We stopped at the Surfing museum as we arrived in Santa Cruz, it was such a novel place and we really enjoyed, glad to have stopped in. There was some very cool memorabilia and stories of the surfers and of surfing. A 'must do' if you are in Santa Cruz
    Written October 17, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Balasubramanian R
    Chennai (Madras), India732 contributions
    Santa 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 life
    Written September 16, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sonofdragon
    San Jose, CA268 contributions
    Lived 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, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Morgan
    Aptos, CA28 contributions
    This place is so cool I’m a local person and I haven’t been here in 30 years, and I absolutely love it. We went for the mastodon tooth to look at it and view it and I was pleasantly surprised with everything else.
    Written June 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Deb
    Bethany Beach, DE15 contributions
    What a great place showcasing the local area. I really enjoyed the movie about octopi. Good gift shop, too. Close to the Wharf and free on Sundays!
    Written April 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michelle G
    Prien am Chiemsee, Germany22 contributions
    Area around the lighthouse is very nice and clean. We were there at low tide, so we could walk up to the lighthouse without getting drenched by breaking waves. Very cool!
    Written January 21, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

See what travelers are asking

Forum posts were selected by looking for forum titles asking specific questions and taking the top showtopic page by total pageviews as the optimal topic.
So I havent seen this post recently. Debating the merits of staying in Santa Cruz vs Capitola.

We are are a sports team of 15- 16 yr old boys traveling from Orange County ,ca to the area in end of July. Games can range from being in Sc, Aptos, cabrillo and San Lorenzo. We will be in the area for four days with some down time in the evenings.

Hotels are expensive in both areas. Looking into the Fairfield inn in Capitola (rates ave ~$300 but with breakfast & bocci ball court) with some of chain restaurants like chipotle & mall nearby.

The other option to to get a hotel in SC possibly Hotel Paradox in the higher end (~$330 but no breakfast) or Holiday Inn or Hyatt place same price as FI.

Pls lmk your thoughts of what would be a better city SC or C?

Would like a hotel where parents & kids have a nice common area to congregate during down time.

Also would like to have the boys have access to fun things to do during down time & have access to good food options since 16 yrs old boys playing sports are always hungry.

Will the team with 30+ people be frustrated trying to get into a non chain restaurant in Sc?

Hotel P is off the beaten path & expensive but has nicer facilities like pool area with nice lounge area. Is the hotel worth the extra $?

Any appreciate suggestions on the hotel I mentioned or any others that I have may have overlooked.

Thank you for your advice.
Answer: There is not much for boys that age in Capitola. Its core is a small village with boutique shopping. The hotel itself is on busy 41st Avenue, not very near the village. The mall you speak of is considering going out of business and turning into something else. It has a couple of semi-fast food restaurants. It is not something the boys could walk to from the Fairfield Inn, or has anything of interest to them, IMO.

The Holiday Inn Express in Santa Cruz is not near anything for the boys except Denny's :~). It is on Ocean Street as you come into the town. The Paradox is a new remake of a Holiday Inn and it screams 'businessmen'. It is also on Ocean Avenue, but further down and just across San Lorenzo Park (about two or three blocks) from the main street of town, Pacific Avenue, with lots of restaurants of various kinds, two movie theaters, ice cream parlors, a cookie company, pizza, etc.

Have you looked into the Dream Inn? This is of the same quality as, or better than, the others but near the Wharf and a block from the Boardwalk, an old fashioned historic amusement park with no admission charge.

The hotel has a pool and faces a beach. Surfing lessons happen there. There are volleyball nets set up on part of the beach near the Boardwalk. During the summer there are free movies and concerts and aerial acts at various times on the main beach there. Of your choices, I really think this is the best. It is not inexpensive, but I think it might be in the same ballpark as the Paradox. The boys *could* walk to Pacific Avenue from here, but it is about 8 or 9 blocks to the main area .

The Hyatt is new and I know nothing about it except its location. It is on the west side and not really convenient to activities for the boys.

I am going to give you a link to a traveler article on Santa Cruz. Trip Advisor has stopped supporting these, so there is a disclaimer that the information may be outdated. The information in this article is not outdated. I will be re-writing it to put in my own files.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g33048-c133677/Santa-Cruz:California:Santa.Cruz.Sights.And.Activities.html

Good luck and let me know if I can be of help....

Edit. The Paradox is not in a "shady area of town". Yes, homeless people do hang out in San Lorenzo Park, but there is no reason for the boys to go there. If you should pick that hotel they can walk on city streets, quite safely, to get to Pacific Avenue...
Note that forum content are individual perspectives of forum posters and not the opinion of Tripadvisor