Things to do in Santa Cruz

Activities, attractions and tours

A sandy beach with waves, a lighthouse, and rocky outcrops.
A red bicycle parked in front of a rack holding several kayaks.
Two seagulls perched on a white railing by the sea.
A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, a cliff with vegetation, and ocean waves crashing against the shore.
A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters, a sandy beach, and a rocky outcrop.

Things to do

Santa Cruz Beach Hill to Mission Hill Loop Via Downtown

Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop

HK$353
per adult
Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop
Humpback Whale Breaching

Ocean Safaris Whale Watching semi-private limited to 6 people max

HK$3,216
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ocean Safaris Whale Watching semi-private limited to 6 people max
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour

Capitola Friday Night Food Tour

HK$1,012
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill

Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill

HK$353
per adult
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill
Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour

Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour

HK$353
per adult
Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour
Santa Cruz Spooks & Shadows Ghost Tour

Santa Cruz Spooks & Shadows Ghost Tour

HK$188
per adult
Santa Cruz Spooks & Shadows Ghost Tour
Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing - Bay Area

Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing - Bay Area

HK$1,012
per adult
Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing - Bay Area
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What to do in Santa Cruz

Stay near popular Santa Cruz attractions

A pier with colorful cable cars, a beach, and a sign that reads "WORLD FAMOUS."
Photo by Adri VDM Photography
Open Photo by Adri VDM Photography

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

8.8/10 (6,089 reviews)
Experience America's classic seaside fun at this historic amusement park, home to two National Historic Landmarks. Ride the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden coaster or enjoy carnival games before stepping onto the sandy beach.
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Where to stay in Santa Cruz

Find the best Santa Cruz areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Cruz
Learn more about Santa Cruz
A clock tower, a church, and residential buildings in a hilly town.

Downtown Santa Cruz

Unique features of Downtown Santa Cruz include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Pacific Avenue or Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History while you're exploring the area.

A tall white lighthouse with a green top, surrounded by large rocks and a clear blue sky.
Photo by Dawn Madden
Open Photo by Dawn Madden

Seabright

While visiting Seabright, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Cruz Harbor and Seabright Beach.

A coastal rock formation with an arch, waves crashing against it, and a seagull standing on the beach.
Photo by rabbit.Hole
Open Photo by rabbit.Hole

Westside Santa Cruz

Travellers to Westside Santa Cruz praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay.

A lighthouse at sunset, rocky shoreline, calm water, and a clear sky.
Photo by Alex Sam
Open Photo by Alex Sam

Eastside Santa Cruz

Travellers come to Eastside Santa Cruz for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town.

A crowded beach with numerous boats and people.

Pleasure Point

While visiting Pleasure Point, you might make a stop by sights like Monterey Bay and Pleasure Point Park.

A mountainous landscape with dense forests and rolling hills.

Ben Lomond

A coastal town with colorful houses, a pier, and a beach.

Capitola

A steam locomotive with a yellow passenger car traveling through a dense forest.

Felton

A coastal landscape with clear blue waters, rocky cliffs, and a winding road along the coastline.

Davenport

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Santa Cruz is explore Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Tick this major attraction off your list, then discover more of this area's history and surfing.
How do I spend a day in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp Railroads are two excellent places to start your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Santa Cruz while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz is Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Cruz?
Three days will be plenty of time to check out some popular city attractions, like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Wharf and Natural Bridges State Park. The average stay in Santa Cruz is two days. If you have the urge to extend your trip, San Jose isn't far away.
Is Santa Cruz a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, Santa Cruz is a good destination to visit on foot. Enjoy wandering between Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf. Then take a stroll around Westside Santa Cruz, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Lower Ocean, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our ideas for what to do in Santa Cruz with kids.

What to do in Santa Cruz for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there's no shortage of things to do in Santa Cruz for adults including Soquel Vineyards and Poetic Cellars Winery.
Are there free things to do in Santa Cruz?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Santa Cruz is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without taking your wallet out. Santa Cruz Wharf is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.