Things to do in Santa Cruz, California—a resource guide for visitors to Santa Cruz County
About Santa Cruz
Situated on the northern part of beautiful Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, California is a beach town synonymous with surf, sun and fun! Home to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the last remaining seaside amusement park on the West Coast, this delightful town, with its diverse community, attracts visitors from all over the world.
But Santa Cruz offers more than a typical beach vacation. Its carefully preserved state parks, including the awe-inspiring redwood forests, are perfect for camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and horseback riding. And for those who like their activities a little less strenuous, the vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtown area – filled with shops, galleries, restaurants, outdoor cafes, museums, theaters and street entertainers—offers a European-style experience that’s sure to charm the most seasoned traveler.
Because there’s so many fun things to do in Santa Cruz this resource guide can’t possibly cover everything. But we’ve chosen what we consider to be some of the best. So what are you waiting for? Discover Santa Cruz. You won’t be disappointed.
If you want to see everything Santa Cruz has to offer, why not take a road trip? AutoWorld Santa Cruz has a selection of rental cars for you to choose from…all at a price you can afford. Call 831-423-9830 to reserve your car now! Email us at rentals@autoworldsantacruz.com. Or use our online car rental reservation form.
Things to do in Santa Cruz, California
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- California’s oldest family amusement park, this locally owned park is a true Santa Cruz treasure. Home to the 1911 Louff Carousel and the 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster, the park is a sure-fire winner with adults and children alike. Open Daily.
- Roaring Camp Narrow Gauge Railroad
- See California’s towering redwood forests from two historic railroads. Travel by steam train up a narrow-gauge track through the Big Trees to Bear Mountain or by beach train down the scenic San Lorenzo River to the sunny beaches of Santa Cruz.
- Shakespeare Santa Cruz
- See lively, innovative theatre performed under the magnificent coastal redwoods or the intimate indoor Mainstage Theatre of UCSC.
- Chardonnay Sailing Charters
- Chardonnay II is a 70 foot sailing yacht operated out of beautiful Santa Cruz, California. Showing the beauty of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to thousands of visitors a year is the Chardonnay’s speciality.
Santa Cruz Hotels and Accomodation
- The Sea & Sand Inn
- With its European charm and picturesque setting, the Sea & Sand Inn is a romantic oasis within easy walking distance of the beach, Boardwalk, and wharf.
- Howden Castle
- Ever wanted to stay in a castle fit for a king or queen? Well, now’s your chance. This charming castle, based on the original owner’s memory of Scottish castles, is available for rent. The castle is located in the charming town of Ben Lomond—about 6 miles from Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz restaurants
- Shadowbrook Restaurant
- Located beside lush Soquel Creek in Capitola-by-the-Sea, the Shadowbrook restaurant provides world-class service, fine food, wines and liqueurs in an atmosphere of Old World charm and grace.
General Santa Cruz Related Resources
- Santa Cruz, California’s Hometown USA Community
- Tons of Santa Cruz community information including population statistics and demographics, businesses, real estate, travel, maps, events, history, trivia, classified ads, forums and more.
Please check back soon. This page is a work in progress. Thank you.