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7. Seymour Marine Discovery Center. 261. Science Museums. Come touch a friendly shark, see how marine scientists work, and take in the spectacular Monterey Bay. Our exhibit hall offers a deeper dive into the adventure of ocean research here in Santa Cruz…. 8. Pleasure Point Beach. 86.
- Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- The Penny Ice Creamery
- Birichino Tasting Room
- Downtown Santa Cruz
- Eat A Nice Meal
- Santa Cruz Community Farmers’ Market
- Santa Cruz Beach Train
Put on your walking shoes and take the family on a day trip to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. The visitor center in Santa Cruz covers a 20,000 square foot space. The fascinating exhibits and displays will give you a newly found respect for the sea and sea-life creatures, and their vital importance in the ecosystem. Their interactive format al...
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalkis the most legendary spot in Santa Cruz, and it’s nothing but pure fun. The amusement park was built in 1907, and is also referred to as the Coney Island of the West. Two of their rides, The Carousel and the wooden roller coaster, The Giant Dipper, are national landmarks. In fact, the Giant Dipper, which was built in ...
If hiking and camping are your bailiwicks, check out Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The over one thousand-year-old redwoods loom above like living skyscrapers, the tallest of them about 280 feet. There are 30 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous. Whether you have an hour or a full day, there are breathtaking trails to suit your ...
Another of the California tourist attractions to go if you’re a hiker is Big Basin Redwoods State Park. This is California’s oldest state park and one of the most beautiful places in the US. They boast that the redwoods here are over 2000 years old. With a whopping 80 miles of trails, hikers will be in their glory. If you’re a serious hiker and wan...
For some old-fashioned frozen fun, you’re not going to want to miss the best organic ice cream you’ll ever experience at The Penny Ice Creamerywith two locations in Santa Cruz, one in the downtown area. They use Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe to make their vanilla ice cream. How’s that for old-fashioned? They’ve ditched modern technology to mak...
The Birichino Tasting Roomis another of the not to be missed attractions if you’re a wine lover. The two extraordinarily experienced winemakers who own this tasting room set themselves apart from other of the many wonderful tasting rooms in Santa Cruz because of their unique style. They source their grapes from very old, family-owned vineyards, and...
While you’re downtown in Santa Cruz, CA, you may as well take advantage of this Santa Cruz shoppers’ paradise. There are more than a hundred specialty shops. Many are boutiques featuring unique clothes from local designers you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Of course, it’s also going to have its share of surf shops like O’Neill’s, Rip Curl a...
No doubt, all that stuff to do and buy in downtown Santa Cruz has gotten you hungry. One of the favorite places to go and dine is 515 Kitchen & Cocktails. For more casual dining, you can try the Surfrider Cafe which boasts the best burgers anywhere in Santa Cruz, California. Can’t decide what to do? Let the wheel make a lunch decision for you. Addr...
The Downtown Farmers Market is open year-round on Wednesdays and is a fun place to visit. While listening to live music, you can sit in the shaded cafe area and have a picnic lunch. It’s a great way to sample cuisine of local foods and baked goods. If you’re stymied for what to do on a Wednesday afternoon, this is certainly one of the top places to...
What better way to enjoy the fun than to sit back and relax with a train ride tour? The Beach Trainis a great way to see points of interest while someone else does all the driving. You can take the complete, six-mile, narrated tour that rides through the Santa Cruz Mountains all at once. You can also take a day trip to the Santa Cruz beach in the m...
- Hike Among Redwoods in the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, nestled in the majestic Santa Cruz Mountains, is a nature lover’s paradise and a vital addition to the list of things to do in Santa Cruz.
- Wander the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is an iconic and must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Santa Cruz, offering a vibrant and nostalgic atmosphere that captures the essence of the California beach experience.
- Catch a Wave at Any Number of Surf Spots. Santa Cruz is renowned as a premier surfing destination, and learning to surf here is an exhilarating experience for both beginners and experienced riders.
- Cruise into the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is a beloved institution that celebrates the rich history and culture of surfing in Santa Cruz, earning its place among the top things to do in the city for surf enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
- Have Fun at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a must-visit, especially if it’s your first time in Santa Cruz. The amusement park on the beach has been operating since 1907, and two of the rides here are National Historic Landmarks.
- Enjoy the Santa Cruz Main Beach. Extending from the Municipal Wharf to the mouth of the San Lorenzo River, Main Beach is a hugely popular Santa Cruz beach, right in front of the Boardwalk.
- Take in the Views from West Cliff Drive. For spectacular views of the Monterey Bay, walk or bike West Cliff Drive, which hugs the Pacific Ocean for its length.
- Stroll East Cliff Drive. A beautiful waterfront walkway in Pleasure Point, East Cliff Drive is part of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail, and stretches from Pleasure Point to The Hook.
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk delivers classic summertime fun, complete with amusement park rides, games, and tourist attractions.
- Main Beach & Cowell Beach. Besides the boardwalk, the main reason to visit Santa Cruz is the beach. The sunny Mediterranean weather, sandy shores, and safe waters make Santa Cruz one of the best beach destinations in California.
- Santa Cruz Wharf. The Santa Cruz Wharf was built in 1914 to serve deep-water vessels, however today it is used as a fishing pier and sightseeing vantage point.
- West Cliff Drive & the Surfing Museum. A six-mile pathway on West Cliff Drive hugs the coastline and provides a scenic route for walking and cycling. Along the way, the views of the Pacific Ocean are truly breathtaking.
Jan 16, 2024 · 15. Visit the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center is one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz. You can easily spend an hour or two exploring the 20,000-square-foot visitor center and the various exhibits.
Sep 13, 2023 · The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz to learn more about the 100-year history of surfing in Santa Cruz and mainland USA. It’s also completely free to visit. It’s a small museum so it probably won’t take you more than 30 minutes to walk around, but it’s also located in a beautiful spot on West Cliff Drive at Lighthouse Point Park.
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