Start here
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The classic oceanfront anchor for families and playful groups. Ride early or late, then leave the crowded middle of the day for the beach, wharf, or downtown.
Best for: Boardwalk, Family, Rides
Destination guide
Things to do in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz has enough to fill a trip without trying to cover every corner. Start with the places that fit the way you want to spend the day, then keep nearby choices together.
Places to put on the list in Santa Cruz
Build around a few anchors, then choose nearby additions that match your pace. The main Santa Cruz guide has itinerary ideas if you want help putting those pieces in order.
Start here
Santa Cruz Wharf
A free harbor walk for sea-lion watching, bay views, and an easy first look at the Boardwalk. Treat it as a short coastal block, not the destination's food center.
Best for: Waterfront, Wildlife, Views
Start here
West Cliff Drive and Lighthouse Field
The three-mile coastal route that makes Santa Cruz feel like a surf town rather than an amusement-park stop. Walk or bike it in the morning or near sunset and pause at Steamer Lane.
Best for: Coast, Surf, Walking
Main Beach, Boardwalk, and Wharf
This is the car-light base for sand, the wharf, Boardwalk rides, and a West Cliff start. It is lively and can be noisy, especially in peak season, but it lets a short first trip move on foot.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The classic oceanfront anchor for families and playful groups. Ride early or late, then leave the crowded middle of the day for the beach, wharf, or downtown.
Best for: Boardwalk, Family, Rides
Before you go: Reserve before you build the rest of the day around it.
3 to 5 hoursMorning$Reserve ahead
Visit official site Santa Cruz Wharf
A free harbor walk for sea-lion watching, bay views, and an easy first look at the Boardwalk. Treat it as a short coastal block, not the destination's food center.
Best for: Waterfront, Wildlife, Views
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
1 to 3 hoursMorning$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Cowell Beach Surf Lesson
A beginner-friendly way to engage with Santa Cruz's surf culture instead of only watching Steamer Lane. Book a morning slot and dress for cold water.
Best for: Surf, Active, First-time
Before you go: Reserve before you build the rest of the day around it.
2 to 4 hoursMorning$Reserve ahead
Visit official site 
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Farmers Market
A locally rooted food experience that adds texture beyond the destination's existing sightseeing-led recommendations. Build it into the day when this is the part of Santa Cruz visitors would otherwise miss.
Best for: Food and drink, Local favorite
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
Morning$$
Visit official site Westside, West Cliff, and Natural Bridges
The Westside is for West Cliff walks, surf watching, Natural Bridges, and quieter coastal mornings. It suits travelers who prefer ocean rhythm over late-night convenience.
West Cliff Drive and Lighthouse Field
The three-mile coastal route that makes Santa Cruz feel like a surf town rather than an amusement-park stop. Walk or bike it in the morning or near sunset and pause at Steamer Lane.
Best for: Coast, Surf, Walking
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
2 to 4 hoursMorning$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
A tiny lighthouse museum with real local context for the waves outside. Pair it with West Cliff rather than making a separate cross-town trip.
Best for: Surf, History, Museum
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
1 to 2 hoursMorning$$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Natural Bridges State Beach
A sandstone arch, tide pools, and seasonal monarch habitat give the westside a satisfying nature stop. Check tides and current access before you commit the day.
Best for: Beach, Tide pools, Wildlife
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
2 to 4 hoursMorning$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Hands-on marine exhibits and touch tanks at UC Santa Cruz make this the best weather-proof coastal stop for a mixed-age group. It also earns the drive beyond Natural Bridges.
Best for: Marine life, Science, Family
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
2 to 3 hoursMorning$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Wilder Ranch State Park
Coastal bluff trails and ranch history provide a quieter alternative to the Boardwalk. Bring layers because wind can change the mood quickly.
Best for: Hiking, Coast, History
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
2 to 4 hoursMorning$Plan ahead
Visit official site Downtown and San Lorenzo River
Downtown has the widest mix of coffee, restaurants, galleries, and museums. It works for travelers who want evenings close by, though the actual beach is a short ride away.
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Downtown exhibitions and a rooftop gathering space give a rainy or foggy afternoon a center of gravity near coffee, shops, and dinner.
Best for: Art, History, Downtown
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
1 to 3 hoursMorning$$Plan ahead
Visit official site Seabright and Santa Cruz Harbor
Seabright and the harbor make a gentler Eastside base with beach access, neighborhood meals, and easier starts for an inland or south-county drive.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
A small Eastside museum beside Seabright Beach that is most rewarding when you want local wildlife context before a harbor or beach walk.
Best for: Nature, Museum, Family
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
1 to 3 hoursMorning$$Plan ahead
Visit official site Felton and the Redwoods
Roaring Camp Railroads
A redwood train ride from Felton that works especially well for families, rail fans, and anyone who wants a low-effort forest day. Verify the route and operating calendar before booking.
Best for: Redwoods, Train, Family
Before you go: Reserve before you build the rest of the day around it.
3 to 4 hoursMorning$Reserve ahead
Visit official site 
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Old-growth redwoods near Felton deliver the forest contrast that the beach-town core cannot. Go early and leave enough time for the drive and parking.
Best for: Redwoods, Hiking, Nature
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
3 to 4 hoursMorning$Plan ahead
Visit official site Plan the rest of your Santa Cruz trip
See neighborhoods, trip ideas, and the full destination planner in one place.
Hours, tickets, seasonal access, and reservation policies can change. Check the official source before you go. Last destination review: 2026-09-01.