Things to Do in Santa Cruz, CA - Santa Cruz Attractions
Things to Do in Santa Cruz
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- fromper group (up to 6)$912
Fun & Gamesfromper adult$190
Nature and Wildlife Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$185
Surfing Lessonsfromper adult$124
E-Bike Toursfromper adult$120
Fun & Gamesfrom$22per adult$18
Unique Experiencesfromper adult$139
Craft Classesfromper adult$297
Likely To Sell Outfromper adult$65
Adventure Toursfromper adult$45
Scenic Drives
Scenic coastal drive lined with historic architecture and walking trails. Highlights include cliffside views, local fauna at Natural Bridges State Park, and a surfing museum.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Piers & Boardwalks
Lively wharf ambiance with scenic views, ideal for leisurely strolls and sea lion sightings. Features diverse dining options, gift shops, and opportunities for photography amid marine life.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Other Top Attractions around Santa Cruz
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- Zapped13 contributionsWe walked along West Cliff from Lighthouse Pt. to Natural Bridges State Park. (a couple times) On one side, outstanding views of the coast and the other side, beautiful handcrafted homes from an era gone by. You just can't loose; beautiful scenery, beautiful architecture.Written August 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NoMoney TravelGuyUnited States3 contributionsThis is a must-do for anyone visiting the Santa Cruz or Bay Area. This boardwalk has it all as a miniature amusement park with games, food, shops, and the rides of course. It’s great for kids and teens to spend a day. It is a bit pricey with the food, games, and rides. The best park is you can hang out on the beach with family and/or friends and have restrooms and food right there. The boardwalk does have areas for smaller children so it can be fun for everyone. It is free to walk in, but you do have to pay for everything else once there. The beach is also free and great for people watching. If you are driving in, they do charge $20 per car to park in their lots. The meter is the way to go if they are available. We paid $4 for a couple of hours. There is also free parking just across the bridge towards SeaBright beach, and that is a short walk to the boardwalk. If you head over there, don’t forget to take a stroll down the pier. The food is cheaper and they have great views of the ocean. It’s free to walk in as well.Written March 31, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Antonio V3 contributionsNot a big deal, but it was a nice distraction. You have to go so you can say you went. Only $10!!!!!Written December 21, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CarovegavPanama City, Panama57 contributionsIs a perfect place to relax and enjoy the nice weather in Santa Cruz. Is easy to get there and has parking available. The views are beautiful.Written November 14, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Corrado RVedano al Lambro, Italy1,142 contributionsLongest wooden wharf in USA.
Lots of nice restaurants to choose and at the very end hundreds of noisy sea lions that jump into the water from the lower poles.
Awesome sunset views.Written October 13, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sarah W8 contributionsI recently went here with my kids (ages 8-12) as a morning outing when we were on a weekend trip near Santa Cruz. We had considered heading to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but many sources say it's crowded, which is not great for us. So this was our better option. This place is very manageable - parking is easy, it's not crowded, it's not large. There is an entry fee, but not a huge investment, and both times I've visited we could opt into a 30-minute guided tour, which makes the ticket feel worth the price to me. Most of the staff seems to be UCSC students, so I like that my kids might absorb an impression of science-minded college students. Don't expect that the docents you'll be interacting with are highly polished TV-ready marine science spokespeople, however, as they have varying levels of experience and public interaction skills.
There is a shark you can pet, as well as a touch tank with sea stars, hermit crab, etc. Another hands-on exhibit is a powerful digital magnifying glass with interesting specimens; and a little wave tank; otter pelt and seal pelt to feel. In tanks there are interesting local sea creatures but I didn't have a chance to look at those much. There are nice posters that seem to be student-made that raise interesting points beyond what your kid probably already knows about sea life (e.g. breaking down the fear of sharks). On the tour, you might see sea mammals who are engaged in research. They make a big deal about how these animals are not engaged in entertainment, no photos allowed, so that's an interesting point to be exposed to.
The center is perched on a cliff above the Monterey Bay. I think learning about the incredible characteristics of the Monterey Bay (via the 30 minute tour or signage) is one of the most valuable aspects of a visit here. It's also beautiful.Written November 21, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - BoboTravlrLos Angeles, CA613 contributionsThis is a beautiful park with lots of trails to explore. We enjoyed walking the cliff trail which overlooked a small beach with lots of sea lions. Beautiful.Written March 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ian BSherborn, MA147 contributionsBeautiful 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, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- James MLake Norman, NC68 contributionsSat on the deck with owner Marin J Artukovich for two hours of wine tasting and conversation supreme! Marin developed Kona coffee in Hawaii and now has his wine business in Santa Cruz...he knows the beverage business from a lifetime of experiences! He has himself in the position of knowing growers that allow him and his winemakers to put together fine varieties of wines under unusual, expressive names! What a joy to sit and sip fine wine and learn from a master! Thanks for a great afternoon, Marin! Come see us in North Carolina!Written January 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MorganAptos, CA29 contributionsThis 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, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- johnmodestoModesto, CA713 contributionsLarge 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, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sonofdragonSan Jose, CA320 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.
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 most popular things to do in Santa Cruz with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Chardonnay Sailing Charters
- O’Neill Yacht Charters
- Stagnaro Sport Fishing Charters & Whale Watching Cruises
- California Classic Sail
- Nomad Sailing
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
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