Things to do in Santa Cruz

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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Most popular experiences in Santa Cruz

Tours & day trips

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What to do in Santa Cruz


Popular places to visit

Areas of Santa Cruz

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

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(31 area reviews)

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.

Westside Santa Cruz
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Eastside Santa Cruz

4/5(1 area review)

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.

Eastside Santa Cruz
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Pleasure Point

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

Pleasure Point
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Beach Hill - Beach Flats

While there might not be top attractions in Beach Hill - Beach Flats, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach.

Beach Hill - Beach Flats
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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.

Downtown Santa Cruz
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Upper Seabright

While Upper Seabright isn't home to many top sights, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Harbor are some notable places to visit nearby.

Upper Seabright

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.