Top 7 Places to Visit in Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is an iconic seaside amusement park offering endless fun right on a magnificent mile-long stretch of sandy beach. Since 1907, this historic boardwalk has delighted visitors with classic rides like the Giant Dipper roller coaster and the Looff Carousel, alongside modern attractions, arcades, and mini-golf. The vibrant atmosphere is perfect for families, couples, and friends looking for a memorable day out. Enjoy delicious beachfront concessions, partake in lively games, and soak up the sun with stunning views of the Monterey Bay. Its blend of nostalgic charm and thrilling entertainment makes it a quintessential Santa Cruz experience, promising excitement and cherished memories for all ages. [1]

General

• ✔ Type: Amusement Park
• ✔ Business Status: Operational
• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ✔ Has Restroom: Yes
• ✔ Has Wifi: Yes

Service options

• ✔ Offers Takeout: Yes

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot: Yes

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom: Yes

Payment options

• ✔ Credit Card: Yes
• ✔ Debit Card: Yes
• ❌ Cash Only
• ✔ NFC: Yes

Step back in time and immerse yourself in nature at Wilder Ranch State Park, a captivating natural landscape offering a diverse range of activities. This expansive park boasts miles of scenic hiking trails, ideal for both leisurely strolls and challenging treks, with breathtaking coastal views. Beyond its natural beauty, Wilder Ranch is home to a historic working ranch where visitors can explore preserved buildings and encounter farm animals, providing a unique educational experience for all ages. Picnic areas invite relaxation amidst stunning surroundings, while horseback riding opportunities add an adventurous touch. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking outdoor adventure, a glimpse into the past, and a peaceful escape from the bustling city. [3]

General

• ✔ Type: State Park
• ✔ Business Status: Operational
• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ❌ Wifi

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes

Payment options

• ✔ Credit Card: Yes
• ✔ Debit Card: Yes
• ❌ Cash Only
• ✔ NFC: Yes

Discover the wonders of the ocean at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, an engaging and interactive marine science museum and aquarium affiliated with UC Santa Cruz. This center offers a fascinating journey into marine life with its hands-on exhibits, including a popular touch pool where visitors can get up close with local sea creatures. Beyond the captivating aquariums, the center features insightful displays about marine research, conservation efforts, and the diverse ecosystems of Monterey Bay. Educational programs and friendly, knowledgeable staff enhance the visitor experience, making it an enriching outing for families and anyone with a curiosity for the marine world. Don’t miss the impressive blue whale skeleton outside, a true highlight. [5]

General

• ✔ Type: Museum
• ✔ Business Status: Operational
• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ✔ Has Restroom: Yes

Parking options

• ✔ Free parking lot: Yes

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom: Yes

Payment options

• ✔ NFC: Yes

Natural Bridges State Beach is a breathtaking coastal gem renowned for its iconic natural rock arches and a rich array of marine life. This compact sandy patch is not only a picturesque spot for sunbathing and leisurely walks but also a fantastic location for exploring tidepools, teeming with small creatures during low tide. The park is a popular vantage point for spotting seabirds, migrating whales, and playful seals, offering incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. During the winter months, it becomes a sanctuary for thousands of monarch butterflies, creating a truly magical spectacle. Its combination of geological wonders, vibrant ecosystems, and serene ocean views makes Natural Bridges a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers alike. [9]

General

• ✔ Type: Park and Garden
• ✔ Business Status: Operational
• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ✔ Allows Dogs: Yes
• ❌ Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Free parking lot: Yes
• ✔ Paid parking lot: Yes

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes

Payment options

• ✔ Credit Card: Yes
• ✔ Debit Card: Yes
• ❌ Cash Only

Prepare to have your perceptions challenged at The Mystery Spot, a captivating roadside landmark that has been baffling visitors since 1941. This unique tourist attraction is centered around a tilt-induced visual illusion, creating a magnetic field that seemingly defies the laws of physics. Guided tours lead you through a woodsy area where water appears to flow uphill, people shrink and grow, and objects hang at impossible angles. It’s an experience filled with wonder and laughter, perfect for families and curious minds alike. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop afterwards for quirky souvenirs to commemorate your mind-bending adventure. The Mystery Spot promises a truly one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience in Santa Cruz. [0]

General

• ✔ Type: Tourist attraction
• ✔ Business Status: Operational
• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ✔ Has Restroom: Yes

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot: Yes

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom: Yes

Payment options

• ✔ Credit Card: Yes
• ✔ Debit Card: Yes
• ❌ Cash Only
• ✔ NFC: Yes

Extending into the beautiful Monterey Bay, the Santa Cruz Wharf is a bustling landmark bayside pier offering a delightful blend of dining, shopping, and wildlife viewing. This lively wharf is home to an array of beach shops where you can find unique souvenirs, alongside numerous seafood restaurants serving up fresh, local catches. A major highlight for visitors is the chance to observe hundreds of noisy, playful sea lions basking and barking from platforms beneath the pier. It’s also a fantastic spot for fishing, leisurely strolls, and enjoying panoramic views of the coastline, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and potential dolphin sightings. The Santa Cruz Wharf provides an authentic coastal experience for locals and tourists alike. [12]

General

• ✔ Business Status: Operational
• ✔ Good for Children: Yes

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot: Yes
• ✔ Paid street parking: Yes

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes

Escape into a world of botanical beauty at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden, a stunning living museum showcasing a vast collection of rare and endangered plants from around the globe. Spanning 135 acres, this garden is celebrated for its remarkable diversity, including impressive collections of conifers, succulents, and plants from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Visitors can explore serene pathways winding through various themed gardens, such as the vibrant succulent garden, a peaceful butterfly area, and a fragrant eucalyptus grove. It’s a tranquil retreat perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful outdoor experience amidst magnificent flora. The arboretum is not just a garden but a vital center for plant conservation and research. [7]

General

• ✔ Type: Botanical garden
• ✔ Business Status: Operational
• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ✔ Has Restroom: Yes

Parking options

• ✔ Free parking lot: Yes

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom: Yes

Payment options

• ✔ Credit Card: Yes
• ✔ Debit Card: Yes
• ❌ Cash Only