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Things to Do in Santa Cruz

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Browse Santa Cruz Activities by Category

Adventure & outdoor (2) Attractions (3) Classes & workshops (3) Cruises & boat tours (1) Family friendly (6) Food, drink & nightlife (3) History & culture (10) Likely to sell out (3) New on Expedia (8) Spa & wellness (1) Tours & day trips (17) Transportation (3) Water activities (1) Wildlife & nature (1)

Top Activities in Santa Cruz

See all 37 things to do in Santa Cruz

#1Redwood Forest Steam Train Adventure

Live a piece of California’s history and see captivating 1,500-year-old, 250-foot-tall redwood trees on a vintage steam train ride up to Bear Mountain. Admir...

Duration 1h 15m Free Cancellation Free Cancellation
4.5 of 5 (26 reviews)
The price now is
$33
per adult
Redwood Forest Steam Train Adventure

#2Santa Cruz Beach Train Adventure

Board a vintage 1900s Pullman train for captivating views of 1500-year-old, 250-foot-tall redwoods and the lively Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Explore outdoor...

Duration 3h Free Cancellation Free Cancellation
4.5 of 5 (8 reviews)
The price now is
$35
per adult
Santa Cruz Beach Train Adventure

#3Wilderness Survival Skills Clinic

Discover the secrets of making it in the wild as you learn to make fires, build shelters, trap animals, and identify edible plants. This all-encompassing int...

Duration 5h Free Cancellation Free Cancellation
5 of 5 (1 review)
The price now is
$135
per traveler
Wilderness Survival Skills Clinic

#4Santa Cruz Scavenger Hunt: Licensed to Thrill

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's historic amusement park has been attracting visitors for more than a century. Download the Let’s Roam scavenger hunt app and sta...

Duration 2h Free Cancellation Free Cancellation
The price now is
$20
per traveler
Santa Cruz Scavenger Hunt: Licensed to Thrill

#5Beginner Surfing Lessons - Santa Cruz

Hit the beach for an introduction to the killer swells and radical breaks off California’s coast. Choose a 1- or 2-day excursion to learn how paddle out to s...

Duration 3h+ Free Cancellation Free Cancellation
1 of 5 (1 review)
The price now is
$109
per traveler
Beginner Surfing Lessons - Santa Cruz

#64 Hour Summer Whale Watch

Look for whales as they spend time in the waters of the Pacific Ocean off of California on this half-day whale watching cruise from Monterey. Your naturalist...

Duration 4h Free Cancellation Free Cancellation
4.8 of 5 (35 reviews)
The price now is
$48
per adult
4 Hour Summer Whale Watch

#7Self-Drive Excursion in a Convertible California Roadster

Fall madly in love with Monterey during a self-drive excursion in a compact electric car. Slide behind the wheel of a zippy convertible and travel to the sea...

Duration 2h Free Cancellation Free Cancellation
5 of 5 (1 review)
The price now is
$70
per traveler
Self-Drive Excursion in a Convertible California Roadster

#8Yosemite One Day - Half Dome and El Capitan 4 Hours in Park

Yosemite One Day Trip. Take this opportunity to see one of America's most unique National Parks, located 4 hours south east of San Francisco. Comfortable and...

Duration 15h 40m Free Cancellation Free Cancellation
4.7 of 5 (2 reviews)
The price now is
$139
per adult
Yosemite One Day - Half Dome and El Capitan 4 Hours in Park

#9California Big Sur (PCH, Route 1) Self-Guided Driving Tour

Welcome to Big Sur This stunning drive in California is the most scenic stretch of the famous Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) road trip. Are you ready to t...

Duration 4h Free Cancellation Free Cancellation
3.2 of 5 (4 reviews)
The price now is
$8
per traveler
California Big Sur (PCH, Route 1) Self-Guided Driving Tour

#103-Hour Sea Car Tour

Hop behind the handlebars of a quirky 3-wheeled Sea Car and explore the coastal curiosities and historic sights scattered around Monterey. With a pre-planned...

Duration 3h Free Cancellation Free Cancellation
5 of 5 (1 review)
The price now is
$174
per traveler
3-Hour Sea Car Tour
Map

Santa Cruz Attractions

It's hardly surprising that so many tourists keep coming back to Santa Cruz every year. This charming city is bursting with things to do. Whether you're interested in exploring tourist attractions or trying more adventurous activities, you'll never have a boring moment here.

Learn what makes Santa Cruz tick with some of the very best tours & day trips. Scroll through our 37 fun activities in Santa Cruz, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Things to Do in Santa Cruz with Kids

You'll find loads of fun things to do with the kids in and near Santa Cruz. Keep the crew happy with our family friendly experiences.

Free Things to Do in Santa Cruz

They say the best things in life are free. Make sure you explore the following around Santa Cruz:

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center - Roam around and appreciate the interesting displays and well-curated collections at this popular museum.

University of California Santa Cruz - Architecture buff or not, you're certain to be awed by this landmark's modern-day design.

Williams-Reynolds House - If you'd like to explore the area's history through its landmarks, pencil this one in your itinerary.

Santa Cruz Wharf - Allow some time to check out this place of local importance.

Mission Santa Cruz - Get an insight into the local faith at this sacred site.

Main Beach - Take a nice, relaxing stroll along the water's edge and perhaps even dip your toes in.

Lighthouse Point Park - Be treated to views that'll leave you speechless at this natural wonder.

Lighthouse Point Park - Grab your blanket, pack some nibbles and find a cozy spot to be at one with nature.

Explore The Neighborhoods of Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz

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.

SportsWalkingBeaches
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Eastside Santa Cruz

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

SeaBeachesPorts
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Downtown Santa Cruz

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

WalkingLive MusicBiking
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Seabright

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

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Opal Cliffs

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

See all 486 hotels

Upper Seabright

If you're spending some time in Upper Seabright, Santa Cruz Harbor and Ocean Street are top sights worth seeing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to do in Santa Cruz on a sunny day?

A Operation city Quest of California is a fun way to get out of the hotel and soak up some rays.

What is Santa Cruz famous for?

Brace yourself for lots of sightseeing, because these top attractions are yours to explore:

  • Mystery Spot
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • University of California Santa Cruz

What should I not miss in Santa Cruz?

Bring your camera, because this treasure trove of wonders is just waiting to be explored:

  • Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
  • Natural Bridges State Park
  • Main Beach

Are there cheap things to do in Santa Cruz?

What can you do in Santa Cruz for free?

You'll barely have time to dig your wallet out of your backpack with so many great free attractions:

  • Cowell's Beach
  • Williams-Reynolds House
  • Felton Covered Bridge Park
  • Sky Glider