Will you visit Santa Cruz, California? Looking for the top Things to Do in Santa Cruz? For almost 100 years, this city has attracted tourists. Amusement park, hippie lifestyle, beaches, surfing, and redwood trees are popular. Recently, it has developed a brewing scene. When planning your vacation, check out my must-do activities, fantastic restaurants, and landmarks.
(Planning a longer trip? You might also enjoy exploring Things to Do in Santa Fe or Things to Do in Portland, Maine.)
Wonderful Things to Do in Santa Cruz
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Big Basin Redwoods State Park in California is a great area to interact with nature. The 18,000-acre park has beautiful Redwoods and lovely paths. With almost 80 miles to trek, it’s simple to relax among the woods. Many visitors stay at one of the 146 campsites to enjoy the untamed environment. It’s calm, timeless, and makes you feel little in the greatest way.
Big Basin’s woodland is full of wonders. On a trek, I encountered 18-year campers. They told tales of deer sights and stargazing under California’s clearest sky.
Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk is pure nostalgia. It has united Californians since 1907 and still thrives today. Ride the Giant Dipper or Undertow, Northern California’s only spinning coaster. Over 10 thrill coasters and 19 family rides provide something for everyone. I loved the Logger’s Revenge log flume—soaked and laughing, it was worth it.
Free admission, but rides cost extra without a MyBoardwalk Card (I bought the $50 one). Funnel cakes, tacos, and 37 restaurants are available. You may enjoy the Sky Glider, flash a Card for endless fun, or relive your youth with bumper cars at Coney Island of the West. I arrived in July, and the atmosphere was incomparable.
Roaring Camp
Entering Roaring Camp is like going back in time. The voyage through the Redwood Forest on the 1890s steam engines will never leave me. I took the Bear Mountain path, observing Cruz countryside and listening to the train whistle.
The holidays change everything. I came over Christmas, and kids were wide-eyed on the Candy Cane train. The Camp or Boardwalk routes to Santa Cruz Beach give contrasting views of the area’s natural and nostalgic splendor.
Lighthouse Point
Lighthouse Point overlooking Monterey Bay and the Wharf is one of my favorite Santa Cruz places. I always remember seeing surfers surfing the waves below. Hawaii’s Duke Kahanamoku introduced surfing in 1913, and it’s still alive in every cut.
The Lighthouse houses a small yet fascinating surf history museum. The full Cruz culture is felt standing there, breathing coastal air and watching surfers slash waves. It represents the ocean lifestyle that makes this place distinctive, not simply a sight. For surf lovers and culture seekers, it’s among the most soulful Things to Do in Santa Cruz.
Año Nuevo State Park
On a winter trek up Highway 1, I was pleasantly surprised by Año Nuevo State Park. The world’s biggest mainland Elephant Seal breeding ground lies there, and December to March is peak breeding season. Guided tours are mandatory and worth every minute.
I was most impressed by the amount of big, noisy, and curiously elegant seals. Learning this Park was founded in 1794 enhances its charm. In one visit, you observe animals, explore old coastal routes, and feel connected to environment and the world. A location I never expected to adore so much. It deserves a spot in your personal list of Things to Do in Santa Cruz.
The Mystery Spot
At the Mystery Spot, you must see it to believe it. Situated in the Redwood Forests, this Circular Area defies physics—or your vision. Discovered in 1939, Gravity, Height, and Perception are abnormal. Despite sitting 45 degrees, I didn’t fall.
A quirky Gift Shop, short Trail, and curious vibe can be found. Geological Effects, Scientific Anomalies, or Extraterrestrial Activity—it’s all fun. Bring your camera and an open mind—this Spot will leave you scratching your head and giggling.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Felton
You can walk among the giants quietly at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near Felton. The easy 0.8-mile Loop Trail off Highway 9 was finished by my 77-year-old grandma. Photos don’t do the 277-foot Redwoods justice.
Following the guide from the tourist center, we found the Fremont Tree, where John C. Fremont reputedly camped in the 1840s. The place is magnificent whether he did or not. For a stunning Santa Cruz Mountains perspective, take the Pipeline Trail if you have time.
Bookshop Santa Cruz
I could get lost at Santa Cruz Bookshop for hours. This independent bookstore, open since 1966, sells literature, romantic comedies, and cute gifts. Any Bookshop Connoisseur—and I am one—would love it.
While you browse endless aisles, your friends can shop in nearby retail spaces. This place feels Santa Cruz—smart, eccentric, and heartfelt. You might leave with something you didn’t need.
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
I was amazed with the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. From thought-provoking exhibitions to entertaining events, this place connects Contemporary Art with Local History. The community was alive on First Friday when I went.
Seasonal family festivals and educational seminars are hosted on Third Friday evenings. More than a museum, it’s a Santa Cruz innovation center with programs. I’d return for another live art demo or panel discussion.
University of California Santa Cruz
The UCSC campus is movie-like. Overlooking Monterey Bay, it’s encircled by towering forests that appear mystical. While staying at Hotel Paradox, the trip up gave me shivers. Learning and beauty have been built into the Campus.
Beyond its perspectives, UC Santa Cruz does serious research. The Institute for Marine Sciences, Santa Cruz Institute for Particle Physics, and Lick Observatories advance quantitative research. Curiosity is enough to enjoy its Sciences.
Mission Santa Cruz
The Mission Santa Cruz, established in 1794, has history in its bricks. The 1857 Earthquake destroyed much of it, but one structure survives and a model Church recounts its story. Early California was shaped by the Spanish advance across Baja to Sonoma and the Mission.
There are rooms, relics, and a calm museum that takes around 7 minutes to tour. Native Americans lived and worked here. I stood silently observing Holy Cross and Santa Cruz. A quiet, introspective ending to an amazing travel is humbling.
Conclusion
Discovering Big Basin’s Redwoods, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, or the Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz never fails to excite. This California beach town offers unforgettable experiences due to its history, ecology, and culture. Everything at UCSC offers a story, from beautiful treks and historic missions to thrills and intellectual getaways.
Plan your vacation to this beachy paradise and experience both action and calm in its own distinct pace. Visit for the sights, stay for the mood, and leave with memories that make you return. There’s no shortage of amazing Things to Do in Santa Cruz—just take the first step and start exploring!