Santa Cruz Travel Guide: Beaches, Boardwalks and Redwood Adventures
The city of Santa Cruz, California, is renowned for its moderate climate, natural beauty, stunning coastline, and majestic redwood forests.
This charming beach town is just a one‑hour drive from San Francisco or San Jose.
While you can undoubtedly include Santa Cruz as a stop on your Bay Area itinerary, it truly deserves to be a destination in itself. With so much to do and see, you can easily spend a week here without getting bored.
On one visit, I used Santa Cruz as my base camp for side trips to San Francisco. This allowed me to enjoy the relaxed pace of a resort town while occasionally indulging in the energy of a bustling city.
Tip: Many locals recommend visiting Santa Cruz just after summer, between September and November, when holiday crowds thin out and the mild climate makes exploring more enjoyable.
Find Santa Cruz attractions here.
Santa Cruz can also be a memorable stop on the epic California Highway 1 road trip. This journey lets you explore Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Pismo Beach with its adjoining four‑wheeling state park at Oceano, Hearst Castle, Big Sur, Monterey, and, of course, Santa Cruz.
Highlights |
| Getting There and Getting Around |
| Where to Stay |
| Things to Do |
| Dining in Santa Cruz |
| The Beach Boardwalk |
| Natural Bridges State Beach |
| Outside of Town |
| Hiking |
| Nearby Trips |
Fun facts: Santa Cruz is often hailed as the true Surf City, even though Huntington Beach tried to trademark the name. The city is referenced in many songs, including the Beach Boys' “Surfin’ U.S.A.” The first recorded surfers in the U.S. were three Hawaiian princes, who demonstrated their skills in July 1885 at the mouth of the San Lorenzo River, impressing a crowd of onlookers.
Getting There and Getting Around
If you're driving, Highway 1 or Highway 17 is your primary route to Santa Cruz. Both highways offer scenic and enjoyable drives.
If you prefer to fly, you can land in San Jose and either take public transportation or rent a car. Bus service between San Jose and Santa Cruz is frequent and affordable, with a round trip costing about $9.
Once in Santa Cruz, many destinations are within walking distance. For convenience, opt for lodging near the beach or downtown.
Fun facts: Alfred Hitchcock drew inspiration for his movie “The Birds” while living in Santa Cruz. The town experienced an eerie incident where flocks of birds began crashing into windows and biting residents.
The beach trolley operates frequently from Memorial Day to Labor Day, shuttling visitors between downtown and the Wharf.
You can also take buses to other destinations, such as UCSC, Capitola Mall and even San Francisco. Leave your car behind and enjoy a car‑free vacation.
Where to Stay
As a resort town, Santa Cruz's lodging can be expensive, especially if you want to stay close to the beach. However, you can find bargains by staying further inland or in nearby towns.
Dream Inn
During one of my visits, I stayed at the Dream Inn, located right above Cowell Beach, just north of the Wharf—a very convenient location.
The hotel was fantastic, with every room offering ocean views, a heated pool and Jacuzzi, and a top‑notch restaurant called Aquarius. The rooms were comfortable and equipped with TVs, cable, Wi‑Fi, a coffee maker, and bathrobes.
However, the amenities and location come at a premium, with prices starting at around $450 per night during the high season.
Fun facts: The inspiration for Hitchcock’s movie “Psycho” also originated in Santa Cruz. The McCray Hotel, believed by many locals to be haunted, served as the inspiration.
Best Western
On another visit, I stayed at a Best Western motel near the Boardwalk. I paid $200 per night for an average room.
If you plan ahead and visit during the off‑season, you might find great deals. For instance, the same motel near the Boardwalk can cost as little as $129 in May.
The Darling House B&B
For a change, I tried a bed-and-breakfast during one of my stays. The Darling House is located right on West Cliff Drive, overlooking the ocean. My room had a great view of the Wharf and the Boardwalk.
The room was spacious, with a walk‑in closet and a sink, but there was no private bathroom—I had to share a common bathroom on the second floor.
The breakfast was excellent, featuring many homemade items. I enjoyed my stay at the Darling House, but I’ll request a room with a private bath next time.
Holiday Inn Express
Located within walking distance of downtown and the Boardwalk, this hotel offers average accommodations with comfortable beds, free breakfast, and Wi‑Fi. The Wi‑Fi connection was spotty, and cell service was almost non‑existent. Breakfast was good and served from 7 to 10 a.m.
If you have a car and are willing to stay outside of town, neighboring cities offer many choices. My favorite is the Hilton at Scotts Valley. Inexpensive options can also be found in Felton and Capitola.
Finally, check out Airbnb for great deals on entire homes in nearby towns. This can be very convenient for families or large groups. Recently, we stayed in a nice, quiet house in Davenport, just north of Santa Cruz, with breathtaking views of the beach.
Things to Do
Walk Around
The best way to experience the charm of this town is to take a walk.
Start at the Municipal Wharf. Explore the shops and restaurants, and enjoy the stunning scenery. You can get a superb view of the sea lions down a stairwell across the pier from Stagnaro's restaurant. From the Wharf, you’ll also have an excellent view of the Boardwalk.
From the Wharf, walk to West Cliff Drive for the most stunning views of the Pacific. This three‑mile walk (one way) takes you through key points of interest like the world‑famous surfing area “Steamer Lane,” the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, Lighthouse Point, and Natural Bridges State Beach, where you can marvel at the beautiful rock formations and observe bird and sea lion populations.
Fun facts: Much of the movie “The Lost Boys” was filmed on location in Santa Cruz. Many scenes were shot at the Boardwalk and the Wharf.
Natural Bridges State Beach is the winter home of the Monarch butterfly. From October to February, Monarchs flock to this park to rest for the winter.
Another pleasant walk is along the San Lorenzo River, where you’ll find a well‑maintained path on both sides of the river, with pedestrian bridges connecting the two banks. The trail runs from the beach (near the Boardwalk) to Highway 1.
Fun facts: Many local residents claim to see a “Lady in White” floating around Ocean Street Extension and the nearby cemetery.
Take a break at Lorenzo Park for a relaxing picnic, or make a side trip to downtown Santa Cruz to shop on Pacific Avenue.
Other nearby attractions include the Town Clock, Del Mar Theatre, and Mission State Historic Park.
Biking
Santa Cruz is a bike‑friendly city. Many streets have bike lanes, and walking trails often allow bikes. The only challenge is the town's hilly terrain.
If you didn’t bring your bike, you can rent one from several shops. “Pacific Ave Cycles” is closest to the beach, while “Epicenter Cycling” is closer to downtown.
Must‑Do Bike Rides:
- The three‑mile West Cliff Drive has breathtaking views, as described above.
- Wilder Ranch State Park offers 34 miles (54.72 km) of trails—some easy, some challenging. The trails span from sea cliffs to the inland forest, making it a great spot for mountain biking.
- The University of California, Santa Cruz, features rugged unpaved trails in the upper campus and winding paved trails through the main campus.
East Cliff Drive takes you through some of Santa Cruz’s best beaches and communities and connects to the city of Capitola.
Twin Lakes State Beach
Most visitors spend their time on the western side of town, with major attractions like the 
Boardwalk, West Cliff Drive, and downtown. But the eastern side has its own surprises.
If you follow Cliff Drive to the east of the San Lorenzo River, you’ll discover this mile‑long beach with a harbor, a yacht club, and a tranquil lake teeming with birds.
Schwan Lake, once a lagoon connected to the ocean, is now a separate lake with a hiking trail offering beautiful views.
Tip: Winter is a fantastic time to explore Santa Cruz’s waters. Kayaking in the harbor offers calm conditions and wildlife sightings such as harbor seals, sea lions, bat rays and sea birds. Paddlers venturing into Monterey Bay may spot gray or humpback whales, dolphins and sea otters. During December, holiday lights kayak tours let you float past illuminated boats and sip hot chocolate while taking in the festive atmosphere.
Fun facts: Santa Cruz sits along the migration path of about 20,000 gray whales that travel between Baja California and the Arctic each winter. Mothers and calves swim close to shore, providing excellent viewing from Wilder Ranch State Park or from kayaks in Monterey Bay.
Segway Tours
Not in the mood for walking or biking? Take the luxurious route and explore Santa Cruz on a Segway. Segway Santa Cruz Tours (website) offers several highly recommended tours through the town.
Your tour begins with a brief tutorial on operating a Segway. These machines are highly sensitive and responsive, so you'll need to learn and practice before setting out. The office has a fenced‑in practice track.
Helmets are required, so bring your own or rent one on‑site. Segway Santa Cruz offers helmets in all sizes, including kids' sizes. It is one of the few tour operators that allows children as young as ten to ride. They even have smaller Segways for younger riders.
Fun facts: The official mascot of the University of California, Santa Cruz, is the Banana Slug. These colorful creatures can be spotted all over Santa Cruz, especially in the Redwood Forest.
Segway Santa Cruz offers tours ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The shorter tour takes you along West Cliff Drive to the lighthouse, while the longer one continues to the Wharf.
Along Cliff Drive or the Wharf, you’ll enjoy several stops to admire the scenery and snap some pictures.
Segway Santa Cruz is also active in the community. It has established a fundraising organization, Mobile4Kidz.org, to gift children with mini Segways.
Dining in Santa Cruz
You can find excellent dining experiences in downtown, at the Wharf, and on the Boardwalk. Read the full dining guide here.
The Beach Boardwalk
The Boardwalk is a long stretch of beach in Santa Cruz that connects the Wharf to the San Lorenzo River. Right on the beach, you'll find an open amusement park, which you can enter without purchasing a ticket. However, you'll need individual tickets or all‑day passes to enjoy the rides. Otherwise, you can just stroll through and watch the crowds of revelers.
Fun facts: The Boardwalk is California's oldest amusement park and the only one still standing on a beach on the West Coast.
At the west end, you’ll find two separate game areas: Neptune’s Kingdom, where you can play miniature golf or pinball, and further west, a casino‑style arcade featuring thrilling video games, ski ball, shooting games, and laser tag.
Tip: You can buy individual tickets for rides. If you only want to try a few rides, this is the way to go. But if you and your kids plan to try everything, buy wristbands and forget about counting tickets.
At the east end, thrill‑seekers can enjoy the Giant Dipper, a famous wooden roller coaster.
In between, you'll find 34 rides and attractions, including popular ones like Undertow, Double Shot, Fireball, and Cliff Hanger.
Tip: Dogs, bikes, skateboards and roller skates are not allowed on the Boardwalk.
The Boardwalk is dotted with numerous restaurants and snack shops. You’ll also find independent restaurants across the street from the Boardwalk.
Find Santa Cruz attractions here.
Try riding the Sky Glider or the Ferris Wheel for stunning views of Santa Cruz, the boardwalk and the pier.
Tip: Visit the park at night for a more thrilling experience. The lights and sounds are much more exciting in the dark.
For the most spectacular view of the Boardwalk, head to the Wharf at night and look back at the glowing Boardwalk.
Fun facts: The Giant Dipper roller coaster and Looff Carousel are both National Historic Landmarks, and the entire Boardwalk is a California Historic Landmark. The Giant Dipper opened in 1924; it is 70 feet tall, reaches 55 mph and was built in just 47 days for $50,000.
Natural Bridges State Beach
This beautiful beach is located at the end of West Cliff Drive and spans 65 acres of beach and woods. From Cliff Drive, you can enjoy a great view of the rock formations and the birds nesting on them. But to fully appreciate this park, venture down onto the sand or climb the rocks at the other end.
From the sand, you get a better view of the arch rock, and you can swim to and through the arch. Further northwest, if you climb the rocks, you'll be rewarded with splashing waves and tide pools.
Further inland, you’ll find a camping area within the woods. A guided tour will take you to the Monarch Butterflies' habitat. Read more here.
Outside of Town
While Santa Cruz is the hub of activity in the county, nearby cities offer much to see and do. You can shop at Capitola Mall, hike in Felton, observe the elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park, or go zip‑lining at Mount Hermon.
Roaring Camp Railroad
During your visit to Santa Cruz, you must explore the Redwood Forest. While hiking or biking through one of the state parks is a great option, another way to experience it is via the Roaring Camp Railroad (Website).
This train ride takes you from a picturesque station into the woods, climbing through narrow, winding tracks over trestle bridges all the way to the summit of Bear Mountain.
Tip: The train depot is equipped with a wheelchair ramp for accessibility.
The climb is steep at times, requiring the train to switch tracks because a bridge destroyed in a fire blocks the route. Dogs are welcome on the train ride, but they must be on a leash. If space is limited, the conductor may restrict pets on board.
As the train chugs along, you can admire the giant redwood trees and take plenty of photos.
Upon reaching the summit, you can take a short ten‑minute stroll through the forest. A trail from camp to the summit allows you to hike back down if you prefer.
Fun facts: Roaring Camp Railroad is also home to one of Santa Cruz’s mysteries. Hikers once found human remains, and since then, trains on night excursions have been known to stall at the site. Conductors have reported seeing a woman crossing the tracks, bringing the train to a halt, but no one has ever been found.
Back at the Station (Camp), There’s Plenty to Do:
- Bring a picnic and enjoy the park, or dine in the woods.
- If you didn't bring food, buy some at the store or Georgie's Cook House.
- Shop for souvenirs at the general store.
- Watch the blacksmith make horseshoes and tools.
- Take a leisurely hike through the woods, or challenge yourself with the Bear Mountain Trail to the top.
- Visit the Antique Photo Shop and don old‑fashioned clothes for a vintage‑style photo (open on weekends during high season).
Fun facts: The trains on the Redwoods track use narrow‑gauge steam engines, which were originally used in the 1880s to haul redwood logs out of the forest. They are powerful enough to climb steep slopes.
Another train route takes you from the Beach Boardwalk to the Roaring Camp Railroad, passing by the San Lorenzo River and through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. You can start your trip from the beach or from the camp.
The Beach Train rides cost $29 for adults and $23 for children.
5401 Graham Hill Road
Felton, California 95018
Zip‑Line in the Redwood Forest
Just a short drive from Santa Cruz, you can explore the Redwood Forest and embark on a thrilling adventure.
"Mount Hermon Adventures" offers thrill‑seekers of all ages the chance to enjoy the forest from above, either by zipping through the trees or crossing suspended bridges.
I recently went on the Redwood Canopy Tour, a two‑hour zip‑line adventure with some suspended bridge crossings.
The guides were excellent. They explained the equipment and safety rules before we embarked on a short hike to the first zip line. This training line was short, allowing us to practice before taking on the real zip lines.
When we finally reached the main zip lines, we were ready. The guides carefully inspected our equipment to ensure its security.
Zipping through the redwood canopy was exhilarating. We enjoyed a mix of short, fast lines and long, slower ones. At times, we were as high as 100 feet (30.48 m) above the valley floor, dangling from a cable—what a rush.
Mount Hermon Adventures also offers other experiences in the redwoods. The Sequoia Aerial Adventure lets you choose your level of challenge on three aerial trails and over 30 elements, including swinging logs, cargo nets, and cables set 30 to 80 feet (24.38 m) above the ground.
For younger children, there’s Discovery Grove, a lower-to-the-ground challenge course. Parents can watch their kids enjoy a safe but exciting experience.
Año Nuevo State Park
Año Nuevo State Park is a large preserve with unique features. The terrain varies from dunes to wetlands to coastal scrub.
Tip: You’ll need a permit to visit the elephant seals. Permits are available at the entrance from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. only.
The park's main attraction is the elephant seals, which gather on a secluded beach. Up to 10,000 elephant seals make this area their home every year, spending their time sunbathing and occasionally hunting for food.
To reach the seal habitat, you’ll need to take a long hike, some of which is on packed dirt, while other parts involve traversing dunes. It takes about an hour to reach the seals, but the journey is well worth it.
Tip: Although the hike takes about an hour, plan for a three‑hour round trip. You’ll likely make several stops along the way, and you’ll want to spend time observing the seals’ antics.
Along the hike, you’ll enjoy expansive views of the ocean and coastal scrub. In the distance, you can see Año Nuevo Island, a haven for birds.
Capitola Village
Capitola is another charming beach town near Santa Cruz. It features several popular beaches, a village shopping and dining center, and the Venetian Hotel, which resembles a Caribbean pirate island.
Fun facts: Capitola is the oldest coastal resort town in California. The seaside village hosts events such as the Capitola Beach Festival and Capitola Art and Wine Festival, making it lively in summer.
The village is bustling, with unique shops and fantastic restaurants right on the sand. One of my favorite spots is Zelda's, particularly for its outdoor porch on the beach. The food and drinks are great, but expect to pay for the beautiful location, service, and delicious seafood.
Tip: Parking in Capitola can be challenging, especially during holidays. It’s best to leave your car behind and use public transportation or ridesharing services.
A walk on the pier offers stunning views of the village and its pastel‑colored bungalows. From the pier, you can see far into the mountains surrounding Monterey Bay.
The Soquel River runs through Capitola Village into the bay, and a hidden path along the river starts from Cliff Drive. Take this path for a peaceful stroll and enjoy views of well‑tended gardens and passing boaters.
Hiking
For avid hikers, Santa Cruz and the surrounding area offer a paradise of diverse trails. You can take an easy stroll along West Cliff Drive or the San Lorenzo River, or you can venture into one of the many redwood parks further inland.
Here are some of the best hikes in the area:
West Cliff Drive
While more of a stroll than a hike, West Cliff Drive is a must‑do. Start from the Wharf or the Boardwalk and head west, taking in the seascape on your left and the rustic homes on your right.
Pause at the Surfer Memorial, surrounded by a lovely flower garden. Several points along the path offer steep stairs leading down to the beach—or, at high tide, directly into the waves.
Fun facts: On February 15, 2007, the Associated Press ran a story about a missing yellow submarine in Santa Cruz County. Many people thought it was a joke tied to the famous Beatles song, but it turned out to be a real submarine. It was later found, and the incident was declared a misunderstanding.
Continue walking until you reach the lighthouse, then proceed to Natural Bridges State Beach.
The state beach viewing area offers a great vantage point from which to gaze at the rock bridges, sea lions, and otters or spot migrating whales in the distance.
At the beach level, you can explore tide pools teeming with crabs, sea anemones, and starfish.
Length: Total round trip about 6 miles (9.66 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Time: It depends on how much exploring or gazing you want to do.
Fun facts: The Santa Cruz Trash Orchestra is a local band that uses recycled cans, hubcaps and pans to create music—or what some might call noise.
Berry Creek Falls Loop
This challenging hike is located in Big Basin Redwood State Park, about an hour’s drive from Santa Cruz. The trail takes you through the redwood forest to a stunning waterfall. Be prepared for a full day of hiking, as the trail is strenuous and involves significant elevation gain.
Tip: It’s easy to get lost in this vast park. Be sure to get a map from the park headquarters and plan your hike in advance.
Along the way, you’ll encounter several waterfalls, including Golden Cascade, Silver Falls and Berry Creek Falls.
Length: Total round trip about 6 miles (9.66 km)
Difficulty: Difficult
Time: Full day.
Fun facts: On October 8, 1991, the City of Santa Cruz declared itself a Nuclear‑Free Zone. Signs were installed at intersections leading into town, but most were stolen and never replaced—locals found the signs too amusing to resist.
Old Cove Landing Trail
For an easier hike, head to Wilder Ranch State Park, closer to Santa Cruz. The Old Cove Landing Trail offers a leisurely walk along coastal cliffs.
Along the way, you’ll spot seagulls, geese, pelicans, and sea lions.
The area was once an active farm, so the trail features remnants of farming life, including old tractors and antique cars.
Length: Total round trip about 2.6 miles (4.18 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1 to 3 hours.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
This redwood forest park spans about 4,000 acres and offers hiking trails for all skill levels.
Fun facts: Just 15 minutes from downtown, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park protects a 40‑acre grove of ancient redwoods. The oldest tree towers around 277 feet (84.4 m) and is estimated to be over 1,500 years old. Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated trails and leave no trace to protect these giants.
The main trail, located near the park entrance, is a paved road with signs pointing the way. It offers stunning views of redwood trees and is about 5 miles (8.05 km) round trip.
Further north, the “Fall Creek Unit” offers an easy hike along a flowing creek with plenty of shade.
Next door, you can experience the redwoods on the Roaring Camp Railroad.
Nearby Trips
Santa Cruz makes an excellent base camp for day trips.
Drive north for about 1.5 hours to reach San Francisco, where you can explore famous attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Pier 39, Cable Cars, and Coit Tower. Read more about San Francisco here.
You can also take Highway 1 from Santa Cruz to San Francisco, passing through charming towns, state beaches, and parks along the way.
One such beach is Bean Hollow Beach, where you’ll find strange rock formations and colorful vegetation at the north end.
Alternatively, head south for about an hour to spend time in Monterey, home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and another great Fisherman’s Wharf.