The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of the oldest amusement parks on the West Coast, offering classic rides, games, and attractions along the beach. It is famous for its historic Giant Dipper roller coaster and vibrant carnival atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy beachfront dining, live entertainment, and a variety of family-friendly activities, making it a must-visit spot in Santa Cruz.

Natural Bridges State Beach is renowned for its natural rock formations and tide pools teeming with marine life. It is a popular spot for picnicking, bird watching, and viewing monarch butterfly migrations in the fall.

The beach offers scenic walking trails and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, making it a favorite for nature lovers and photographers.

The Santa Cruz Wharf extends into Monterey Bay and provides opportunities for fishing, dining, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can often see sea lions and pelicans along the wharf.

It features several seafood restaurants, shops, and boat rental services, offering a lively waterfront experience.

West Cliff Drive is a scenic coastal path offering breathtaking views of the ocean, surfers, and the Santa Cruz coastline. It is ideal for walking, jogging, biking, and whale watching during migration seasons.

The route connects several beaches and parks, providing access to picnic areas and benches for relaxation.

Roaring Camp Railroads offers historic steam train rides through the redwood forests and up to the summit of Bear Mountain. It provides a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The trains run on vintage locomotives and feature themed rides, making it a popular attraction for families and history enthusiasts.

Housed in a historic lighthouse, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum showcases the history and culture of surfing in Santa Cruz, one of the sport’s birthplaces.

The museum features exhibits on surfing pioneers, vintage boards, and local surf culture, offering insight into the city’s deep connection to the ocean.

The Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly and tourist attraction where the laws of physics appear to be defied. Visitors experience optical illusions and strange phenomena in a guided tour.

It is a quirky and fun destination that has intrigued visitors since it opened in 1941.

Capitola Village is a charming seaside community just east of Santa Cruz, known for its colorful beachfront cottages, boutique shops, and restaurants.

The village offers a relaxed atmosphere with a sandy beach, ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and enjoying local festivals.

The University of California, Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden features diverse plant collections from California and around the world, including rare and endangered species.

Visitors can explore themed gardens, walking trails, and educational exhibits in a peaceful natural setting.

Lighthouse Field State Beach is a popular spot for picnicking, walking, and watching surfers at the famous Steamer Lane surf break.

The beach offers panoramic views of the ocean and the historic Santa Cruz Surfing Museum located nearby in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse.