Things to do in Santa Cruz

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Santa Cruz featuring rugged coastline, general coastal views and a beach
Santa Cruz showing general coastal views
Santa Cruz which includes bird life
Santa Cruz featuring general coastal views, flowers and a beach
Santa Cruz which includes a beach, general coastal views and tropical scenes

Santa Cruz Attractions

They say that the best things come in small packages, and this alluring city is no exception to the rule. From outstanding tourist attractions to exciting excursions, there are loads of things to do in Santa Cruz.

Find out what makes Santa Cruz tick with some of the most popular tours & day trips. Look into our {18 fun activities in Santa Cruz fun activities in Santa Cruz}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.


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Most popular activities in Santa Cruz

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What to do in Santa Cruz

Free Things to Do in Santa Cruz

Leave your purse in the hotel room. It's easy to have a blast in Santa Cruz without spending a cent.

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center - See if there are any special exhibits or tours on at this museum.

University of California Santa Cruz - Admire the creativity and design of this impressive example of modernistic architecture.

Williams-Reynolds House - If you're thinking of exploring the history of the area through its landmarks, pencil this one in your to-do list.

Santa Cruz Wharf - Chat to a local resident and discover why many tourists visit this place.

Mission Santa Cruz - Work on your spiritual side or simply soak up the tranquil atmosphere at this sacred site.

Main Beach - Dive into a new book or listen to some music while you're basking in the sun.

Lighthouse Point Park - Relax and let the natural surroundings here soothe your soul.

Lighthouse Point Park - Recharge your mind and body by spending a little time with Mother Nature.

Things to Do in Santa Cruz with Kids

There are lots of incredible experiences in Santa Cruz that the whole gang will love. Here are a few of the top family friendly experiences around.


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Santa Cruz? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Cruz

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz showing general coastal views and views as well as an individual male

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(2,586 area reviews)

Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.

Westside Santa Cruz
41.5 feet tall, 350,000 pounds and able to withstand a quarter million pounds of wave energy: Walton Lighthouse

Eastside Santa Cruz

4.5/5(78 area reviews)

Eastside Santa Cruz is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town.

Eastside Santa Cruz
What better way to start your day!

Pleasure Point

World-renowned surf spot with a strong surf culture, Pleasure Point offers picturesque ocean views along East Cliff Drive and a walkable path with separate bike lanes. Enjoy amenities at Pleasure Point Park and nearby 41st Ave commercial district.

Pleasure Point
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Beach Hill - Beach Flats

Beach Hill - Beach Flats might not have many top sights, but Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Beach Hill - Beach Flats
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Downtown Santa Cruz

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

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.

Downtown Santa Cruz
Evening stroll at the Seabright Beach. If you are lucky, you might run into Matt performing amazing bike tricks by the lighthouse. #LifeAtExpedia #sunset #goldenBeach #blueSky

Upper Seabright

When in Upper Seabright, you can plan a visit to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Harbor, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Upper Seabright

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Santa Cruz is visit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Check this top sight off your to-do list, then experience more of this area's history and surfing.
How do I spend a day in Santa Cruz?
Begin your day with a visit to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf. Then, tour different areas of Santa Cruz for a bite to eat and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz is Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Cruz?
Three days in Santa Cruz is plenty of time to enjoy the city's key attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Wharf and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park are among the most popular sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like San Jose.
Is Santa Cruz a walkable city?
That comes down to what you plan to see and do in Santa Cruz. Several attractions, like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Santa Cruz's best neighborhoods, Westside Santa Cruz is 1 mile away from downtown, while Lower Ocean is 1 mile away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all of your group, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in Santa Cruz with kids.

What to do in Santa Cruz for adults?
Soquel Vineyards and Poetic Cellars Winery are just a couple of the things to do in Santa Cruz. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Santa Cruz?
In Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Wharf is a must-see spot for anyone planning to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local neighborhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a top way to discover the best free things to do in Santa Cruz.