Santa Cruz offers the perfect mix of towering redwoods, coastal adventures, and laid-back beach town charm. Key highlights include riding the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, strolling along West Cliff Drive, exploring the deep redwood forests at Henry Cowell, and visiting the quirky, gravity-defying Mystery Spot.
Thrills & Coastal Sightseeing
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: California’s oldest surviving amusement park (est. 1907) features classic arcade games, carnival food, and the iconic 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster.
- West Cliff Drive: Take a scenic, 3-mile walk or bike ride from the Santa Cruz Wharf to Natural Bridges State Beach, passing world-class surf breaks and dramatic ocean cliffs.
- Santa Cruz Surfing Museum: Located inside the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, this pint-sized gem explores over a century of local surfing history.
- Santa Cruz Wharf: Stroll down the half-mile pier to dine on fresh seafood, spot sea lions lounging below, and enjoy panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Nature & Redwoods
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Wander the flat, easy Redwood Loop trail to marvel at towering, old-growth trees up to 285 feet tall.
- Roaring Camp: Ride vintage 19th-century steam trains through the redwood canopy and up the steep mountain grades.
- Natural Bridges State Park: Famous for its distinctive natural rock arch, this is a beautiful spot for tide-pooling, picnicking, and viewing migratory monarch butterflies (in the late fall and winter).
Dining & Shopping
- Downtown Santa Cruz: Walk along Pacific Avenue to explore indie bookstores (like Bookshop Santa Cruz), sip artisan coffee, and browse unique local boutiques.
- Abbot Square: Located right next to the Museum of Art & History, this outdoor hub offers great food trucks, craft beer, and local artist stalls.
- Treat Yourself: Grab a scoop of locally famous scratch-made ice cream from The Penny Ice Creamery or Mariannes Ice Cream.
Quirky & Unique
Capitola Village: Just a 10-minute drive south, this charming, colorful seaside village is perfect for shopping, waterfront dining, and paddleboarding.
The Mystery Spot: A classic California roadside attraction nestled in the redwoods that features interactive, gravity-defying optical illusions.