The Best Things to Do in Santa Cruz, California

If you are looking for things to do in Santa Cruz you have come to the right place!

Santa Cruz, California: a small coastal city at the north end of Monterey Bay, 75 miles south of San Francisco. 

The city is best known as a countercultural hub, with a bohemian feel and youthful vibe, and fun weekend tourist attractions. The relaxed beach lifestyle is supplemented by some high-tech industry and a vibrant university culture.

Is Santa Cruz Worth Visiting?

Whether you already live in California or are traveling by car from another state or even by plane from a location overseas, Santa Cruz should definitely be on your list of places to visit as you travel through California.

Santa Cruz is a laid-back coastal town where surfing is a predominant pastime and college students and others have a vibrant lifestyle with plenty to do within the local scene.

From museums and art galleries to plenty of outdoor adventure and outstanding hot spots to hit at night, there is so much to do when looking for something fun in Santa Cruz!

Things to Do in Santa Cruz

1. Visit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk & Amusement Park

Many coastal cities have a boardwalk, and some even have Oceanside amusement parks, but none have the flair and ambiance that is found in Santa Cruz.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Amusement Park is open year-round, although if you want to catch the excitement of the carnival rides you need to go before the end of August as the rides are not open in most of the fall or winter.

This boardwalk has so much to offer however, that you most likely won’t miss the kiddie rides at all.

There is plenty of shopping, indoor arcades, and even a miniature golf course.

If the whole family isn’t traveling with you, be sure to pick up a gift or two at one of the gift shops or locally-owned boutiques.

And on top of everything that the boardwalk has to offer, keep in mind that the beach is right here as well. It’s a perfect part of the city to spend a day frolicking in the sun, and it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz.

For more information about the boardwalk and amusement park you can visit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

2. Go to Santa Cruz Lighthouse and Surfing Museum

If you are visiting Santa Cruz, you may be interested in learning a little more about the local surf scene and its deep history.

This museum is packed with surfing memorabilia including surfboards that date back to the 1940s and pictures of surfers from Santa Cruz’s history.

The museum has been open for more than 30 years and has become a popular location to hear surfing tales and other fascinating Oceanside stories.

If you want to know who rode the biggest wave, surfed the longest, or used the longest board on the Santa Cruz coast, then you should check out the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum where you can learn all about the history of surfing in the area.

You may even be able to meet some of the local surf celebrities who frequent Steamer Lane for the great waves that make Santa Cruz the best place on the West Coast for surfing.

You can learn more and check opening hours by visiting the City of Santa Cruz Surfing Museum page.

3. Take a Surf Lesson

Now that you are in such a popular surfing town, what better thing to do than to go surfing?

And if you can’t surf yet, this is a great place to learn!

You can take a 3-hour surf lesson with a professional surf instructor who will teach you all the basics you need to know. You start on land and will then get into the water, but in a nice spot with small waves, perfect to get the hang of surfing.

Also Read: Surfing Tips for Beginners – 10 Mistakes to Avoid

4. Enjoy Santa Cruz’s Nightlife at Motiv

If you enjoy nightlife there are also plenty of things to do in Santa Cruz.

So, moving away from the great outdoors a little, you can find quite a few good spots to celebrate all through the night in Santa Cruz.

One of the most popular nightclubs in Santa Cruz is a culture-filled hotspot called Motiv.

Located on Pacific Avenue in the downtown area, Motiv caters to college students as well as those who enjoy beautiful and unique art, music, and dance.

They have a superb selection of food here, as well as plenty to drink and live music every night of the week.

Motiv hosts several charity events and social gatherings each year and is a great place to hang out when you want to be with like-minded people with creative minds and free spirits.

5. Enjoy the Music at The Blue Lagoon

When you want to have a good time with friends in Santa Cruz, The Blue Lagoon is the place to go. Whether you want to have an early evening out or spend half the night dancing away to music by some of the area’s most talented DJs, you can do it here.

This popular nightclub is right downtown on Pacific Avenue and they are one of the few spots that not only has a lively crowd and great music to dance to, but they also do not charge a cover fee for entry!

You can experience a wide array of musical selections at this nightclub ranging from 80s dance nights to music from the 90s, grunge and techno, house music, and much more.

6. Listen to International Musicians at the Catalyst Club

One more option for good nightlife in Santa Cruz is the Catalyst Club. Here you can check out some of the best music in Santa Cruz but also from musicians from all over the world.

While most shows are for those 21 and older, they do have some that are for all ages. The club also has a pizza kitchen where you can order fresh, made-from-scratch pizzas from early in the afternoon until late at night.

Aside from the great music, patrons can find a pool table in the upstairs lounge and plenty of space to unwind after a long day by stretching out your legs on the dance floor or socializing with friends.

6. Go on a Wine Tour

When you have ticked off all of the main things to do in Santa Cruz, this is a nice day trip to see more of the area.

This private wine tour is my recommendation because it’s such a fun way to explore the area and visit different wineries!

You can personalize your tour to visit several wineries, taste different wines, and learn about the history of California’s wine country.

The tour will also show you the spectacular views of the area and is altogether just a great way to spend a day around Santa Cruz.

Or, if you’re not really into wine, check out this private brewery tour instead.

Enjoy Visting Santa Cruz!

Also Read:

• 15 Must-See Places in San Francisco – Tips From a Local
• A Complete Guide for a Short Trip to South Lake Tahoe
• The Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara
• What is California Famous For?

And check out my other articles about destinations in California.

 

Featured image source: beachboardwalk.com

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