24 AWESOME Things to Do in Santa Cruz
There are so many things to do in Santa Cruz, and it just might be our favorite town in California! Miles of beaches, a buzzing downtown, a classic boardwalk, and redwood forests just up the hill. Would it be too much to say Santa Cruz has it all?
You can surf in the morning, hike through giant trees at lunch, and end the day with a local beer by the beach. Here are our favorite things to do in Santa Cruz.
📌 BEFORE YOU GO
- Where: On the north end of Monterey Bay, about 1.5 hours south of San Francisco
- Parking: Beach parking fills up fast on summer weekends. State parks charge a day-use fee, and town beaches use meters
- Dogs: Not allowed on Main Beach or Cowell Beach. Leashed dogs are fine at Its Beach, and Mitchell’s Cove has off-leash hours
- Best time: September and October bring the warmest, clearest days and smaller crowds
- Tours: Santa Cruz tours and activities
🏨 Where to stay: Santa Cruz (near the beach and boardwalk) · Capitola (cute and colorful) · Scotts Valley (near the redwoods)
1. See Giant Trees at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
If you can tear yourself away from the coast, head up to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, about 15 minutes from downtown. Ocean views get swapped for towering old-growth redwoods, some of them well over 1,000 years old.
Short on time? Take the flat Redwood Grove Loop, the most popular trail, right through the old-growth grove. It’s cool, quiet, and fern-filled, broken only by the whistle of the Roaring Camp trains. Speaking of which…
👉 Read the full guide: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
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2. Ride a Steam Train Through the Redwoods
Roaring Camp Railroads, right next to Henry Cowell, feels like stepping back into the 1880s, with a general store, covered bridge, and old-timey depot.
The train ride is the real highlight. The Redwood Forest Steam Train chugs through the redwoods and over trestles up Bear Mountain. The seasonal Beach Train runs down the San Lorenzo River Gorge to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
3. Hit the Trails at DeLaveaga Park
Most visitors head straight for the beach and miss DeLaveaga Park, a local favorite with miles of winding trails, great views, picnic spots, a golf course, and a disc golf course.
The trails are multi-use, so watch for mountain bikers, or grab a bike and join them.
4. Relax at Twin Lakes State Beach
Looking for a big stretch of sand? Twin Lakes State Beach runs for about a mile on either side of the harbor, and it’s great for swimming, picnics, and lazy beach days. Behind it, Schwan Lagoon is a bird-watching hot spot.
We’ll be honest, we just sat on the sand and did nothing here. Parking is a bit chaotic, so grab a spot along the road wherever you can.
5. Cruise East Cliff and West Cliff Drives
You can see a lot of Santa Cruz without leaving your car. East Cliff Drive hugs the coast around Pleasure Point, with big views over the Pacific.
West Cliff Drive runs from the wharf past the Surfing Museum and Steamer Lane to Natural Bridges, with tide pools and bluffs the whole way. Honestly, walking or biking these routes is even better, since you can stop and soak up the views.
✋ HOLD UP! Don’t Forget…
You need some wheels! It’s nearly impossible to get around the USA and check out the best adventures without a car! Here are our top recommendations…
🚗 Rent a car
If you don’t have your own, renting a car is your best bet!
🚐 Rent a home on wheels
For the more adventurous, rent a van or RV and ditch the hotel.
🏨 Need a place to crash nearby?
From rustic cabins to boutique inns—check prices and availability in just a click.
6. Spend Some Time at Lighthouse Point
Lighthouse Point has a bit of everything. The little brick Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse is home to the free Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, all about the town’s surf history.
Right below is Steamer Lane, one of the most famous surf breaks in California. Even if you’re not surfing, watching the pros from the bluff is a blast. Add a stroll along the bluff path and a dog-friendly beach, and what more could you want?
7. Hit the Beach
The beaches are one of the biggest reasons to visit Santa Cruz. Most people head to Main Beach, right in town next to the wharf and boardwalk, with easy access and a fun vibe.
Want something quieter? There are plenty of other beaches in Santa Cruz, from colorful Capitola to dog-friendly Its Beach. Some beaches nearby, like New Brighton and Seabright, have fire rings, so you can end the day with a bonfire.
🏨 Where to stay in Santa Cruz:
👉 Read the full guide: Beaches in Santa Cruz
8. Surf the Waves
Santa Cruz is a legendary surf town. Cowell Beach, just west of the wharf, is the classic place to learn, with shallow water and gentle waves. Several surf schools work out of here, or you can book a surf lesson here.
Steamer Lane is the total opposite, with powerful waves and crowds watching from the cliffs. Pleasure Point is a great all-rounder, with waves for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
9. Step Back in Time at Santa Cruz Mission
Up on Mission Hill, Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park protects the only building left from California’s 12th mission. Pop inside for exhibits on the people who lived and worked here.
Next door, Mission Plaza has a little garden with a fountain, a church, and nice views over town.
10. Take a Hike
Santa Cruz has some seriously good hikes. We have a whole post on hikes in Santa Cruz, but these are a few favorites:
- Bonny Doon Beach and Shark Fin Cove Loop: Down onto the sand at Bonny Doon and up the bluffs for views of Shark Fin Cove.
- Redwood Grove Loop: Busy at the start, but it gets quieter the deeper you go into the redwoods.
- West Cliff Drive: An easy, paved walk with big views of the ocean, wharf, and boardwalk.
- Old Landing Cove Trail: A flat bluff walk in Wilder Ranch State Park, past old farm machinery and right along the Pacific.
👉 Read the full guide: Hikes in Santa Cruz
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11. Go Looking for Sea Lions
You’ll probably hear the sea lions before you see them. The Santa Cruz Wharf is a favorite hangout, and if they’re not lounging under the docks, check the viewing spots near the end of the wharf. Keep an eye out for sea otters too.
Want to get closer? Paddle out on a wildlife kayak tour, like the ones from Kayak Connection. And for the ultimate seal experience, head up to Año Nuevo (more on that below).
12. Explore the Coast Dairies Beaches
This is our favorite thing to do in Santa Cruz! Just north of town, the wild beaches of Coast Dairies don’t have the amenities of the town beaches, but they more than make up for it with rugged beauty and way fewer people.
Panther Beach has a rock arch and a hidden cove you can only reach at low tide. Bonny Doon is backed by tall cliffs and dunes, and Shark Fin Cove has a rock that looks, you guessed it, just like a shark fin. Parking is in small dirt lots off Highway 1, so don’t leave valuables in your car.
👉 Read the full guide: Coast Dairies State Beaches
13. Hike or Bike Wilder Ranch State Park
Wilder Ranch has miles of trails over coastal bluffs and up into the hills, perfect for hiking or mountain biking. Along the coast, you’ll pass little pocket beaches, tide pools, and sea caves. We love the coastal trail, of course!
It’s packed with history too. The restored ranch buildings and old farm machinery tell the story of the dairy ranchers who once worked this stretch of coast.
14. See the Arch at Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges is named for its sea arches. The ocean has taken the others, but one big arch still stands just offshore. Check out the view from the overlook before heading down to the sand. It’s gorgeous at sunset.
Explore the tide pools at low tide, and from about mid-October through February, thousands of monarch butterflies cluster in the eucalyptus grove. We spent half a day here just wandering around.
15. Visit Colorful Capitola
Just down the coast, Capitola is a cute beach town known for the brightly painted houses lining its beach. Shops and restaurants run along the waterfront, and the rebuilt Capitola Wharf is perfect for a stroll.
Rent a boogie board or paddleboard and make a day of it, then wander up the hill for boutique shops and a treat from the bakery.
🏨 Where to stay in Capitola:
16. Stroll the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the town’s most famous attraction. It’s free to walk in, and you pay for the rides you want, from the classic wooden Giant Dipper coaster to family-friendly carousels.
There are arcade games, indoor attractions, and classic beach snacks too, all with great views over the bay. Some rides are seasonal, so check the hours before you go.
17. Get Cultural at a Museum
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (the MAH, to locals) always seems to have something going on, from exhibits to community events.
The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History covers the plants, animals, and people from the Santa Cruz Mountains down to Monterey Bay.
18. See the Elephant Seals at Año Nuevo State Park
Every winter, thousands of elephant seals haul out at Año Nuevo State Park to fight, mate, and give birth. It’s about 30 minutes up the coast and one of the largest mainland elephant seal colonies in the world.
From December 15 to March 31, you can only see the seals on a docent-guided walk, so book ahead on ReserveCalifornia. The rest of the year, grab a free permit at the entrance and walk out to the viewing areas yourself.
There’s more than seals here too, with dunes, marshes, and wild bluffs to explore. It’s well worth the detour.
👉 Read the full guide: Año Nuevo State Park
19. Taste the Local Brews
Is there anything better than a cold pint in the sun? Santa Cruz County is packed with craft breweries, from tiny hidden taprooms to big patios with full menus.
Two of our favorites are Woodhouse Blending and Brewing in town and Steel Bonnet Brewing in Scotts Valley. Want to ditch the car? Hop on the Brew Cruz, a vintage bus tour of local breweries. One of their buses is an old VW bus, just like our Lucy!
20. Visit Pigeon Point Light Station
Perched on a rocky point near Pescadero, Pigeon Point Light Station is one of the tallest lighthouses on the West Coast. Huge swells crash into the rocks below, so it’s easy to see why they needed it here.
The tower itself is closed while it’s being restored, but you can see the huge original Fresnel lens up close in the Fog Signal Building. Pair it with a walk along the bluffs to watch the waves.
21. Find the Old Davenport Pier
Just north of Santa Cruz, the little town of Davenport has a photographer’s dream: the concrete arches of an old pier, marching out into the waves.
Locals often hang a rope swing from the last arch on the sand. It isn’t always there, but when it is, swinging out over the waves is way better than any playground swing!
TIP: The path down is steep and sketchy, and the beach is only reachable at low tide. Wear good shoes, only go down if you’re confident, and watch for big waves.
22. Find Some Peace in the Forest of Nisene Marks
Walking through the thick redwood and oak forest of The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, you’d never guess this whole area was clear-cut for lumber about a century ago. Today it’s a lush, regrown forest with miles of trails.
Stick to the flat paths along Aptos Creek or climb into the hills. Bring a picnic, or hike out to Maple Falls, a pretty waterfall deep in the forest.
🏨 Where to stay in Aptos:
23. Catch an Event
Whenever you visit, there’s probably something going on. Santa Cruz has a busy events scene, from art festivals to food events. A few to plan around:
- Wharf to Wharf race
- Open Studios Art Tour
- Woodies on the Wharf
- Santa Cruz County Fair
24. Visit Walton Lighthouse
Everyone loves a lighthouse, and little Walton Lighthouse is extra scenic, standing at the end of the jetty at the entrance to Santa Cruz Harbor. Fun fact: it flashes green instead of the usual white.
It sits next to Seabright State Beach, a quieter alternative to Main Beach with fire rings for evening bonfires.
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz
FAQs About Things to Do in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is famous for its surf culture, the classic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, great beaches, and the redwood forests just inland at parks like Henry Cowell.
Two or three days is perfect. That gives you time for the beaches and boardwalk, a redwood hike, and a drive up the coast to the wild beaches and Año Nuevo.
September and October usually bring the warmest, sunniest weather with fewer crowds. Summer is busy and can be foggy in the mornings, and winter is great for elephant seals and monarch butterflies.
Yes, it’s free to walk in. You pay for rides and games individually or with a ride wristband. Some rides only run seasonally, so check the hours before you go.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Santa Cruz
Phew, that was quite the list! We can’t say it enough: Santa Cruz is such a vibe. It’s laid-back, the food and art scene is thriving, the boardwalk is iconic, and the nature is unmatched.
Add in some of the nicest beaches in California and super friendly locals, and it’s easy to see why we keep coming back. We’re sure you’ll love it too.
We hope this list of things to do in Santa Cruz helped you plan your visit!
Great guide! A few fun things to add for next time you’re in town: wine tasting (we have over 80 wineries!), golfing at one of our many excellent golf courses (Pasatiempo, Seascape Golf Club, Boulder Creek Golf Club, De La Veaga, Spring Hills Golf Course), charter a boat on Chardonnay sail boat or O’Neill catamaran (or one of the whale watching tours), mountain biking, visit a U-Pick farm like Gizditch Apple Farm or Swanton Berry Farm!
Those sound like excellent add ons. Thank you, Ace!