11 Fun Things to do In Santa Cruz

Home to sparkling beaches and the world’s best off-shore breaks, Santa Cruz is famous for its high-stoke surf culture. However, to say that wetsuits and shortboards are the area’s only legacy is to highly underestimate all the other wonderful things to do in Santa Cruz. There’s so much you could potentially uncover in Surf City. A short drive from both the Bay Area and San Jose, Santa Cruz makes for the best weekend getaway ever—you definitely won’t want to leave.

These are the Best Things to Do in Santa Cruz 

1. Stroll along Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The boardwalk is the first thing on the list of things to do in Santa Cruz. One of the country's first coastal theme parks is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which has been open since 1907. There is fun and history wherever you look; you may even remember some of the vintage rides from the cult favorite The Lost Boys from the 1980s. You'll have a blast letting go and satisfying your inner kid with the reasonably priced rides (two of which are designated as Historic Landmarks), indoor arcade, miniature golf course, laser tag area, and bowling alley.

2. Go Thrifting in Downtown

There's much more to Santa Cruz than meets the eye, as a trip along Pacific Avenue will demonstrate. There are quirky stores wherever you look that offer unique wardrobe pieces, funny Halloween costumes, and ugly Christmas sweaters, providing for an unforgettable and exhilarating thrift store experience. Additionally, the Santa Cruz Antique Faire on Lincoln Streets is a pleasure that no shopaholic should miss if they chance to be in Santa Cruz on the second Sunday of the month.

3. Recharge at Hidden Peak Teahouse 

Dedicated to fostering a sense of community via the enjoyment of tea, Hidden Peak Teahouse is a delightful surprise. The teahouse was founded on the ideas that a simple cup of tea can make someone's day, and that in order to improve relationships, people should put their electronics away and focus only on the present moment. They also take this guideline very seriously. This hidden treasure strictly abides by a "digital-free" policy, which prohibits the use of computers, iPads, mobile phones, and other electronic devices on the property. You just enter one of their ambient rooms or patios with a tea garden and turn out the outside world for a while.

4. Get a Scoop of Sweetness at Penny’s Ice Creamery

If chocolate-covered bacon or deep-fried Oreos don’t exactly get you going, we suggest popping by Penny’s Ice Creamery. With three locations in Santa Cruz (only), the ice cream shop is a sweet tooth’s dream come true—you just might be lucky enough to watch ice cream get made from scratch through the open kitchen. Using locally farmed, organic ingredients that change with the seasons, Penny’s offers hits such as mascarpone hazelnut, warm apple turnovers, and the infamous torch-blown marshmallow fluff topping.

5. Visit Big Basin State Park

One of the finest activities in Santa Cruz is hiking, and Big Basin State Park is the perfect site to do it. Not only does this park include over 80 miles of hiking trails, but it is also home to the biggest continuous strand of ancient coastal redwood giants. It is also the oldest state park in the Golden State. Prepare to see the most breathtaking autumn foliage while trekking: redwood trees around year-round waterfalls, hidden valleys, and birds singing as if they were creating the music for your escape. Your inner daredevil will thank us later if you decide to go on a three-day walk along the Skyline to the Sea Trail if yo

6. Ride the waves at the beach

Known as the surfing epicenter of the Golden State, Santa Cruz boasts waves that go beyond your wildest imagination. Visiting the beach here is obviously a must, but there’s also ample opportunity to try your hand—or should we say feet—at surfing lessons? Cowell Beach, for instance, is great for both experts and novices with the greatest put-on-your-fridge-worthy photo ops. And if that's not your favorite place in the area, don’t worry; Santa Cruz has 34 beaches and we’re sure you'll find one you like.

7. Check out the Santa Cruz Wharf 

Nestled between Main Beach and Cowell Beach, the Santa Cruz Wharf is the longest pier you’ll find on the West Coast—that alone is a reason to visit. But the sea lions, boat tours, kayaking experiences, and out-of-this-world seafood are definitely added pleasures. Simply stroll down the wharf for beautiful views of the boardwalk and reward yourself with treats with Marini’s Candies, Santa Cruz’s favorite candy shop with handmade local sweets.

8. Hop on a Whale Watching Cruise 

Dolphins, whales, and ocean life are long-time residents of the California coast, and Santa Cruz offers one of the best seats to marine magic you’re ever going to get. Well situated alongside the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the city has an abundance of tours that take you directly onto the protected waters. Book an adventure with Venture Quest Kayaking and look out for 50-foot-long gray whales.

9. Explore the Mystery Spot 

Located in a circular area of the redwood forest, the Mystery Spot is one of those Santa Cruz activities that’ll leave you questioning whether or not gravity is real. Objects and people appear to be tilted even when attempting to just stand up straight, making for both a gravitational anomaly and a pretty spooky experience.

10. Ride a Locomotive at the Roaring Camp Railroads 

Take a trip on a faithfully restored steam engine from Felton via the Roaring Camp Railroads and arrive in Santa Cruz in style. The locomotives utilized by this railroad enterprise date back to the 1800s, when they were used to transport enormous redwood logs out of the mountains. These days, they carry travelers who, like you, have an adventurous attitude.

11. Participate in First Fridays 

One of the most fun things to do in Santa Cruz is to roam city streets on the first Friday every month. Rain or shine, business owners offer up their space to display local art, turning it into a free museum for all. City streets transform into a kaleidoscopic community with local talent out and about—we’re talking brimming venues and serenading street performers all over downtown.