Things to Do in Santa Cruz-Guide to 2025 California Coast Adventures

What is the ideal coastal getaway for you? Things to do in Santa Cruz offers a stunning blend of California beach culture, historic charm and natural wonders. Things to do in Santa Cruz offer a blend of California beach culture, historic charm, and natural wonders that will captivate every traveler.

This California beach resort is ideal for adventure seekers, couples, families and solo explorers. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk along Monterey Bay or the Santa Cruz Mountains’ towering coastal-redwoods are some of the most memorable experiences in this surf city.

Santa Cruz Beaches–Coastal Paradise Located Along California’s Central Coast

Main Beach & the Legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Main Beach is the beating center of this cherished coastal destination. This is where the golden sand meets ‌ the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This classic seaside theme park has arcade games, tasty corn dogs, the iconic wooden Giant Dipper, and a hand carved carousel, which has been delighting guests since 1911. Main Beach, with its beautiful sand, volleyball courts on the beach, lifeguards and proximity to Santa Cruz’s legendary boardwalk, is the epitome .

There’s always something going on at the beach. From concerts and fireworks in the summer to winter storm watching, there are plenty of activities. Family surfers will love the gentle waves, while photographers will capture breathtaking sunset photos against the colorful boardwalk. Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf stretches a quarter mile into Monterey Bay. This offers additional shopping and dining opportunities.

Natural Bridges State Beach–A Masterpiece of Nature

People have rated Natural Bridges State Beach as one of the most impressive things to do in Santa Cruz. The beach is renowned for the dramatic arch-shaped by waves and its monarch butterfly migration. For just $10, each vehicle can enjoy tide pools full of sea anemones. Starfish and hermit crayfish. Plus, there are picnic areas where you can enjoy breathtaking ocean views.

In winter (October to February), thousands upon thousands of Monarch butterflies transform the park’s eucalyptus forest into a magical world. The beach also provides great opportunities for surfing and windsurfing. Low tide offers a chance to see marine life. Guided nature walks and educational programs help visitors better understand the fragile ecosystem along the coast.

Natural Features of State Beaches:

• Natural rock arch formation viewed from the beach
• Monarch butterfly refuge (Oct to Feb peak season)
• Tide pooling during low tide
• Picnic spots with ocean views
• Visitor center displaying educational exhibits
• Beach wheelchair accessibility
• Dog-friendly areas (leashed pets only).
• Sunset viewing platforms

Twin Lakes Beaches & Seabright Beaches: Local Favorites

Twin Lakes Beach is unique in that it’s one of few Santa Cruz beach areas to permit bonfires. Perfect for romantic gatherings, family cookouts, and starlit California nights. The beach provides a calmer atmosphere than Main Beach. There are plenty of spaces to play beach games and build sandcastles.

Seabright Beach features a wide expanse of pristine white sand, with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. The beach is ideal for walking, jogging and enjoying California sun. This beach is popular with local families, who use it for picnics or celebrations. It feels spacious and not crowded.

Twin Lakes and Seabright Beach Amenities

• Twin Lakes is the only location that offers bonfires.
• Pay parking
• Restroom facilities
• Outdoor showers
• Beach volleyball courts
• Dog-friendly zones
• Nearby Restaurants and cafes
• Harbor Seal Viewing Opportunities

Cowell’s Beach & Pleasure Point–Surfing Heaven

Cowell’s Beach in California is the best place for new surfers to experience California’s culture. There are many surf schools on site that provide lessons all year long. The protected bay creates manageable waves which are perfect for new surfers to build their confidence. Meanwhile, experienced instructors guide and provide safety tips.

Pleasure Point is considered one of California’s premier surf destinations. It attracts wave riders from all around the world who come to experience this legendary right-hand tip break. The beauty of both locations is what makes things to do in Santa Cruz so unique. This includes watching dolphins and sea-otters play, as well as enjoying stunning sunrise sessions.

Santa Cruz Mountains: Nature’s Playground, Coastal California

Ancient Giants at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

This stunning state park offers a spectacular cathedral of 1,500+ year-old redwood giants. They tower 275ft above the forest. The park features hiking trails of every level. From the Redwood Loop Trail, perfect for families and young children, to the challenging backcountry routes which reward hikers by offering panoramic mountain views.

Explore the magnificent redwood forests in California on steam trains. Or, visit an authentic logging community from the 1880s and discover how these ancient trees have survived centuries. The diverse ecosystem in the park supports wildlife like banana slugs or Steller’s Jays. There are also occasional sightings of black bears.

Activities in the Redwood Park: Henry Cowell

• Redwood Grove Loop Trail: 0.8-mile easy walk
• Backcountry hiking (moderate to hard)
• Picnic Areas Among the Redwoods
• Visitor centre with interactive exhibits
• Guided nature walks & programs
• Mountain biking trails
• The river is accessible for wading as well as fishing
• Photographic tours and workshops

Roaring Camp Railroads Historic Steam Train Adventures

Experience the magic as authentic 1880s steam locomotives wind through pristine redwood forests built originally for logging. This unique attraction brings together California history, nature, beauty, family entertainment and one of Santa Cruz things to do.

The hour-long tour through the redwoods offers a rich historical narrative, beautiful forest views and breathtaking panoramas from Bear Mountain Summit. Roaring Camp, a Victorian-era village that was authentically restored to its original Victorian splendor, is home to period buildings, stores, and dining venues.

Wine Tasting Santa Cruz Mountains AVA

Santa Cruz Mountains American Viticultural Area offers exceptional wines from a cool climate. Boutique vineyards like Beauregard Vineyards provide intimate tastings underneath towering coastal trees. The region’s unique terroir – influenced both by Pacific Ocean fog and mountain height – creates the perfect conditions for Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and Cabernet Sauvignon to rival Napa Valley’s finest.

Many wineries provide outdoor tasting spaces where visitors can sip award-winning vino while admiring the surrounding forest and learning about sustainable farming practices. These ‘Santa Cruz things to do’ cater to wine enthusiasts who are looking for an authentic California wine region experience, but without the crowds.

Santa Cruz Vacation Rentals: Your Perfect Coastal Retreat

Santa Cruz County is home to over 1,200 vacation homes. They include beachfront properties, mountain cottages, downtown condominiums, luxury estates and more. All are suitable for couples, families, extended stays and groups. Santa Cruz has a vast variety of accommodation choices, so every visitor will find the ideal place to explore all the things to do in Santa Cruz .

Oceanfront Properties: Get up and enjoy the Pacific views

Renting a premium beachfront rental in California offers the ultimate California coastal vacation experience. It includes private patios and gourmet kitchens. Direct beach access is also available. There are outdoor hot tubs to enjoy morning coffees or sunset cocktails. West Cliff Drive features dramatic cliff-top views, Seabright Beach has a family atmosphere and Twin Lakes offers romantic getaways.

Some of the most luxurious properties come with modern amenities, including high-speed Internet, smart homes, professional grade kitchens, and systems for entertainment. These are great for entertaining or working remotely. Many coastal rentals include beach equipment, bicycles and surfboards. They may also offer concierge services.

Oceanfront Rental Prices:

• Luxurious beachfront villas (4-6 bedrooms): $400-1200/night
• Ocean View Cottages (2-3 bedrooms), $200-450/night
• Beachfront condos (1-2 bedrooms): $150-350/night
• Studio beach apartments: $120-250/night
• Weekly booking discounts: up to 20 percent off ‌nightly rates
• Summer peak season surcharge: +30-50% premium
• Holiday weekend rates: +40-75% increases
• Cleaning fees: $100 to 200 per stay
• Pet-friendly properties: +$35-75/night
• Extra guest fees: $25-50 per person/night

Mountain Retreat, Forest Sanctuary Escapes

Get away to mountain properties that are surrounded by coastal redwoods. You’ll find rustic charm coupled with modern conveniences. These properties are mostly located in Ben Lomond. Boulder Creek. Scotts Valley.

Mountain cabins give you easy access to the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The Roaring Camp Railroad and Big Basin State Park are also nearby. There are hundreds of hiking trails. Property features include BBQ areas, BBQ pits, games rooms, fully equipped and furnished kitchens and complete privacy. This is perfect for romantic getaways, family reunions or corporate getaways.

Rental Rates of Mountain Cabins

• Luxury redwood estates (5-8 bedrooms): $350-800/night
• Mountain family home (3-4 bedrooms): $200 – $500/night
• Cozy forest cabins (1-2 bedrooms): $125-300/night
• Stay in tiny houses for up to $80/night
• Treehouses for unique and $150-400/night
• Hot tub properties: +$40 to $100/night premium
• Fireplace Cabins: +$25-60/night
• Mountain Home with pets welcome: plus $30-65/night
• Get a discount of between 25-40% on the normal rates for November-March
• Extended stays of 3 months or more: Save 45-60%

You can still enjoy the city’s convenience at a budget-friendly price.

Renting a vacation home in Santa Cruz downtown is a smart choice for those who are looking to save money. It’s a convenient location near Pacific Avenue and offers access to many restaurants, shops, markets, nightlife venues, public transportation, and more. All of this can be reached on foot or bicycle. These properties feature amenities like Wi-Fi access, parking, basic cooking facilities, and comfortable furniture for travelers who prefer to spend the majority of their time on their travels rather than at their accommodation.

Downtown locations are ideal for an authentic experience. Cafes, vintage shops, books, and restaurants that serve local food create a lively urban atmosphere. Some budget rentals are available at monthly rates to accommodate extended stays. These properties are popular with digital workers and nomads.

Budget Downtown Rental Costs:

• Downtown apartments (1-2 bedrooms), $100-220/night
• Studio City condos range from $75 to $160 per night
• Shared private rooms: $45/night
• Hostel-style accommodations: $35-75/night
• Get up to a 50% discount on the cost of a nightly rental when you rent ‌on a monthly basis
• Book last-minute and save up to 30 percent
• Extended stay discounts (10-20% off)
• Student discounts and group discounts: up to 15% off
• Off-peak Season Rates: 20-35% Lower
• Walking-up availability specials: up to 50 percent off

Santa Cruz Hotel Deals: Find Accommodations to Fit Every Budget

Budget-Friendly Boardwalk Area Hotels

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is home to a number of hotels that are affordable and offer quality accommodations. Carousel Beach Inns and Continental Inns are great properties for families and offer convenient locations and essential amenities.

These budget accommodations usually provide rooms that are spotlessly clean and have private bathrooms. They also offer climate control, cable TV, high-speed Internet, and parking. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk attractions, restaurants, and shops are easily accessible from most hotels. Many hotels offer outdoor seasonal pools, continental service for breakfast, 24-hour front-desk assistance, and amenities for families like cribs or connecting rooms.

Complete Hotel Pricing For Budget Hotels:

• Carousel Beach Inn (Oceanside): $95-179/night
• Continental Inn (downtown): $85-149/night
• West Cliff Inn (cliff views): $105-199/night
• Economy motels, basic rooms: $70-130/night
• Roadside Inns (highway access): $60-110/night
• Resort/facilities fee: $18-30/night
• Parking is normally free
• Pet accommodation fees: $25-45/night
• Extra adult charges: $15-25/night
• Breakfast add-ons: $8-15/person

Mid-Range Comfort Hotels – Enhanced Amenities

Beach Street Inns, like Sea & Sand Inn and Hampton Inn, strike the ideal balance between location, comfort, price, and value. These properties typically offer swimming pools, breakfast buffets for free, fitness centers and excellent locations that are within walking distance to major Santa Cruz attractions.

These carefully designed hotels feature upgraded features such as concierge services, ocean view rooms, and therapeutic hot tubs. Many properties boast a unique vintage California architectural appeal enhanced by recent renovations. Rooms are spacious, with family suites available, flat-screen televisions modernized, mini-refrigerators included, and premium coffee is offered.

Mid Range Rates Included in Hotels

• Beach Street Inn, adjacent to boardwalk: $160-310/night
• Sea & Sand Inn–Oceanfront: $180-359/night
• Best Western Plus (Downtown): $145-279/night
• Hampton Inn & Suites: $170-329/night
• Holiday Inn Express: $155-289/night
• Upgrade to Ocean View Rooms – +$40-95/night
• Suite upgrade premiums: +$65-180/night
• Breakfast typically includes.
• Parking fees $12-25/night for select locations
• Resort amenities access: $15 to $35/night

Alternative Accommodations: Unique Budget Options

Choose from a variety of hostels, campgrounds, RV parks, and unique accommodations for ultra-budget travelers. These options provide safe, clean accommodation while still maximizing your budget to enjoy the many Santa Cruz things to do. Hostels International Santa Cruz & similar properties have dormitory rooms that share bathrooms, laundry facilities & kitchens. There are also common areas to relax in and organize group activities.

State parks feature developed camping sites that include restrooms, showers (with hot water), fire pits and picnic tables, while RV parks in private locations offer WiFi, full hookups and recreational facilities. The unique options available include vintage trailers converted into tiny houses and glamping. They offer memorable experiences at affordable rates while being close to all the amazing things to do in Santa Cruz.

A Different Accommodation Pricing:

• Hostel dormitory beds: $30-55/night
• Private hostel rooms: $75-115/night
• State park camping: $20-45/night
• Private RV parks with full hookups: $50-95/night
• Glamping tents with furniture: $85 to 160/night
• Backpacker offers: $25-40/night
• Extended Camping Stays: Get 15-25% off per week
• Get 10-20% off your membership fee at hotels
• Discounts between 5-15% for group bookings
• Tent rental add-ons: $20-35/night

Santa Cruz Attractions Go Beyond Beautiful Beaches

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, California’s premier seaside amusement park

This seaside amusement center, open since 1907 and featuring thrilling rides for children of all ages and a world class arcade with 200 games. It also features iconic roller coasters such as the Giant Dipper.

The Looff Carousel, hand-carved, and the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster have been designated National Historic Landmarks. Both continue to create magical moments for millions of visitors every year. Summer nightlife includes live music, firework displays and special events. The boardwalk transforms into a celebration of California beach culture.

Boardwalk Attraction Highlights

• Giant Dipper (National Historic Landmark), wooden roller coaster
• Looff Carousel featuring hand-carved Horses (1911).
• Hurricane Spinning Coaster is a thrill for thrill seekers
• Tsunami spinner for family
• Fright Walk haunted attractions (seasonal).
• Neptune’s Kingdom Mini Golf
• Arcade with 200+ prizes and games
• Laser Tag arena battles
• Mini bowling lanes
• Beach Train scenic rides

Downtown Santa Cruz: Cultural Heart of the Coast

Pacific Avenue’s pedestrian friendly streetscape is home to a vibrant downtown district that pulsates with locally owned stores, award-winning farm-to Table restaurants, craft breweries, live music venues, and cultural attractions. Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History anchors a district of cultural attractions, including weekly farmers’ markets, First Friday Art walks, and seasonal celebrations.

Santa Cruz’s local shops, like independent booksellers, vintage clothing boutiques, and artisanal chocolate and coffee roasters, reflect its creativity and support for small businesses. During the evening, restaurants and bars feature live music, comedy, and cultural shows.

Gravitational Anomaly and the Mystery Spot

Since its opening in 40, this famous gravitational anomaly has amazed and puzzled visitors. Enjoy 45-minute tours that will challenge your perception and amaze you with family-friendly wonder. The mysterious circular redwood forest area appears to be defying the laws of physics. Compasses are spinning, balls roll uphill and people are standing in impossible positions.

Professional guides take small groups to see demonstrations where the real world seems to be distorted, creating Instagram-worthy images and unforgettable memories. The giftshop offers unique gifts and explanations of science, while the nearby redwood forests provide additional hiking options.

Steamer Lane – Birthplace of Mainland US Mainland Surfing

Santa Cruz can rightfully claim the title “Surf City USA,” as legendary Steamer Lane is one California’s famous surf breaks. This break is visible along the West Cliff Drive walking or biking path. Santa Cruz Surfing Museum displays the area’s rich wave riding heritage and honors pioneers of California’s surf culture. The museum is located in the historic Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse.

Jack O’Neill invented the modern wetsuit in the 1950s. It revolutionized cold-water surfing throughout the world. Steamer Lane continues today to draw world-class wave riders and spectators.

Conclusion.

Santa Cruz masterfully combines California’s spectacular natural beauty with authentic small-town charm and exciting attractions, creating a destination where every visitor discovers their own perfect coastal adventure. From pristine beaches and ancient coastal redwood forests to thrilling boardwalk rides and sophisticated mountain wine tastings, the incredible variety of Santa Cruz things to do ensures unforgettable memories for travelers of all ages, interests, and budgets.

Whether you’re planning a romantic oceanfront getaway, action-packed family vacation, solo adventure, or group retreat, this remarkable coastal destination delivers experiences that exceed expectations while maintaining the authentic, welcoming atmosphere that makes California’s Central Coast so special. The community’s commitment to preserving natural beauty while embracing sustainable tourism creates a unique destination that feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.

TouristaGuru has detailed guides for comprehensive travel planning and advice. Insider tips and recommendations are also available.

FAQs

1: How should I plan my visit to Santa Cruz? 

The best months are from April through October, when the weather is warmest. Winter brings lower prices and less crowds.

2: How long can I stay in the area? 

A week is sufficient to visit wine and mountain country.

3: Are Santa Cruz’s accommodations and dining affordable?

Yes, Santa Cruz offers free beaches, hiking trails and affordable lodging.

4: Does Santa Cruz require a rental car? 

No, the downtown and beaches of Santa Cruz are accessible by foot. A car is required for mountain attractions and wine tours.

5: What should you pack? 

Sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes and swimwear.