Top 9 Things to do in Santa Cruz from our own expereince

When I first started visiting Santa Cruz, I thought of it mostly as a beach and Boardwalk town. Living just about an hour away, I’ve taken several day trips here over the years and most recently spent a relaxed weekend exploring more deeply. Over time, I’ve realized there’s much more packed into this small coastal city, from scenic walks along West Cliff Drive to towering redwoods just minutes inland.

In this guide, I’m sharing the top things to do in Santa Cruz based on what I’ve personally explored and what I think is most worth your time.

1. Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the most popular attraction in Santa Cruz and the heart of the city’s classic beach vibe. Located right on the sand, it’s a seaside amusement park with old-school rides, carnival-style games, food stalls, and an indoor arcade.

I’ve visited the Boardwalk several times over the years, and even when I’m not planning to go on the rides, I still enjoy walking through and taking in the atmosphere. You don’t need to pay just to enter, which makes it easy to stop by and explore.

If you do plan to go on multiple rides, I recommend getting the unlimited ride wristband since it can be a better value than buying individual tickets. Some of the most popular rides include the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, the Sky Glider for great views of the beach and ocean, and the Sea Swings, which is one of my personal favorites. The indoor arcade here is fun to check out.

Whether you spend an hour walking around or half a day riding attractions, the Boardwalk is one of those places that you have to check out at least once on your trip to Santa Cruz.

2. Walk Along West Cliff Drive

Walking along West Cliff Drive is one of my favorite ways to experience Santa Cruz’s coastline. This scenic stretch starts from near the Wharf and goes all the way to Natural Bridges State Park. It runs along the ocean bluffs and offers nonstop ocean views without requiring much effort.

You don’t need to commit to the full route. You can park near Natural Bridges, the Surfing Museum, or closer to the wharf and walk as much or as little as you like. We like to park at the Natural Bridges Visitor Center and walk towards the wharf. Even driving along West Cliff Drive is worth it if you’re short on time.

The paved path is mostly flat, which makes it easy for walking, biking, or just stopping to take in the scenery. You’ll see locals out for a run or walking their dogs. We like to stop near Steamer Lane, a popular surfing spot, and watch the surfers in the water.

The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, housed in a small lighthouse along the route, is also worth a quick stop to learn about the city’s surfing history while enjoying the views.

3. Ride the Roaring Camp Redwoods Train

Riding the historic steam train at Roaring Camp Railroads was one of the highlights of my recent trip to Santa Cruz and something that had been on my bucket list for years. The narrow-gauge steam train winds through the redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering a scenic way to experience the trees without a long hike.

We booked our tickets in advance on the official Roaring Camp website, which I recommend, especially on weekends and holidays, since rides can sell out. The ride lasts about two hours and includes a short stop at Bear Mountain, where you can step off for photos before heading back.

I suggest sitting in one of the open-air cars toward the back of the train if you want better views and photos of the engine as it winds through the forest. It was fun watching the train release loud bursts of steam several times during the ride as it moved through the redwoods. If you love forests as much as I do, this is an easy way to immerse yourself in them without committing to a strenuous hike.

Before boarding, we spent some time exploring the Roaring Camp grounds, which are set up like a small 1880s town with a one-room schoolhouse, general store, blacksmith shop, and marshal’s office. It really does feel like stepping back in time. There is also a cafe here for snacks before or after the ride.

4. Explore Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

If you want to experience the redwoods up close, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is one of the best places to do it near Santa Cruz. The park is right next to Roaring Camp, which makes it easy to combine the two.

We walked the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, an easy and mostly flat one-mile loop that takes you through a grove of impressive old-growth redwood trees. Even though I’ve visited other redwood parks in California, including Redwood National Park and Muir Woods, walking among these towering trees still felt special. There’s something about standing next to redwoods that naturally makes you slow down and look up.

If you want to do longer hikes, the park has several additional trail options, including the River Trail along the San Lorenzo River and longer routes that connect toward the Fall Creek Unit for a quieter forest experience. But even if you only have time for the Redwood Grove Loop, it’s a rewarding and low-effort way to experience the redwoods.

5. Visit Natural Bridges State Beach

Natural Bridges State Beach is one of the most scenic beaches in Santa Cruz and is well known for its large natural rock arch just offshore. The beach itself is relatively small, but the coastal setting and the bridge-shaped rock make it one of the most photographed spots in the area.

I like stopping here even if it’s just for a short walk along the sand. It’s especially beautiful around sunset, when the light hits the rock arch and the coastline. There’s a paid parking lot near the visitor center where we park, and from there, it’s a short path down to the beach.

If you’re visiting between October and January, this is also where you can see monarch butterflies in the eucalyptus grove nearby, which makes it a two-in-one stop during migration season.

6. See the Monarch Butterflies (Seasonal)

One of the most unique seasonal experiences in Santa Cruz is seeing monarch butterflies at Natural Bridges State Beach. Each year, typically between October and January, thousands of monarchs migrate here and cluster in the eucalyptus grove near the visitor center.

From the Visitor Center, there’s a short, easy boardwalk trail that leads into the grove. When we visited during migration season, we saw hundreds of butterflies gathered high in the trees. Many are perched far above, so they can be hard to spot at first, but park staff often have binoculars set up to help visitors see clusters more clearly.

If you’re planning a trip during the winter months, I would absolutely add this to your list. It’s a simple stop that doesn’t take long, but it’s a special experience you won’t find year-round.

7. Walk the Santa Cruz Wharf

While visiting the Boardwalk, make sure to visit the Santa Cruz Wharf for ocean views and a different view of the coastline. From the pier, you can see the beach, the boardwalk, the Dream Inn, and the newer La Bahia Hotel & Spa along the beachfront.

I usually walk the length of the wharf even if I’m not planning to eat there. It’s common to spot sea lions below and fishing boats coming and going, and the views back toward the beach are worth it. There are several popular seafood restaurants on the wharf, including Stagnaro Bros., Riva Fish House, and Gilda’s.

8. Visit the Mystery Spot

The Mystery Spot is one of the quirkiest and most unique attractions near Santa Cruz. I’ve visited a couple of times over the years, and while it’s not something I feel the need to repeat every trip, it’s definitely a fun and unique experience, especially if you’ve never been before.

The visit is guided, and tours last about 45 minutes. Tickets are reasonably priced, around $10 when we visited, and there’s a small parking fee on site. I recommend booking in advance if you’re visiting on a weekend or during busy travel periods since tours can fill up.

During the tour, you’ll walk through a small cabin and the surrounding area where gravity and perspective appear distorted. Balls seem to roll uphill, people look tilted at impossible angles, and your height appears to change depending on where you stand. It’s lighthearted and interactive, and while it doesn’t take long, it’s a memorable stop if you enjoy quirky roadside-style attractions.

9. Explore Downtown Santa Cruz and Pacific Avenue

Downtown Santa Cruz, centered around Pacific Avenue, is a lively and walkable area with restaurants, local shops, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a good place to spend an hour or two, especially in the evening.

When I visit, I usually walk along Pacific Avenue and browse a few stores before or after dinner. One fun stop is OM Gallery, which has an eclectic mix of art, gifts, and unique items that reflect the city’s creative side.

There are plenty of casual dining options downtown, including Pizza My Heart and Woodstock’s Pizza, as well as more varied cuisine like Laili Restaurant and Hula Island Grill. If you’re looking for something a little more special, Shadowbrook Restaurant is a longtime favorite nearby and is known for its unique funicular ride down to the restaurant.

Downtown may not be the main reason people come to Santa Cruz, but if you are staying overnight in Santa Cruz its worth a visit for dinner.

Final Takeaways

Santa Cruz is easy to explore without feeling overwhelmed. You can visit the Boardwalk, walk along the bluffs, spend time in the redwoods, and still move at a relaxed pace. Since I live only about an hour away, I’ve visited several times, and each trip feels a little different depending on what I choose to focus on.

If you’d like help putting it all together into a well-paced weekend plan, I’ve shared exactly how we structured our time in my Santa Cruz 2 day Itinerary, which combines the coast and the redwoods without feeling rushed.