• What makes Santa Cruz a great destination?
    • Santa Cruz is a laid-back beach town with year-round sunshine, family-friendly beaches, great restaurants, and diverse attractions.
  • Is Santa Cruz a good stop on the way to other coastal destinations?
    • Whether you're spending a night on your way to Big Sur, Monterey, and other coastal destinations, or planning a weekend, Santa Cruz offers plenty to see and do.
  • What educational attractions are in Santa Cruz?
    • Visitors can learn about marine conservation at the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Exploration Center.
  • Where can visitors enjoy a romantic walk?
    • Take a romantic walk through the University of Santa Cruz Arboretum.
  • What outdoor activities are available in Santa Cruz?
    • Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, zip lining, and taking in Pacific Ocean views from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

1. Wilder Ranch State Park

Wilder Ranch State Park
© Courtesy of Melastmohican - Fotolia.com

2. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
© Courtesy of DavidArts - Fotolia.com

3. Seymour Marine Discovery Center

Seymour Marine Discovery Center
© Seymour Marine Discovery Center

4. La Posta Restaurant

La Posta Restaurant
© La Posta Restaurant

5. UC Santa Cruz Arboretum

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
© UC Santa Cruz Arboretum

6. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
© Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

7. Oswald Restaurant

Oswald Restaurant
© Oswald Restaurant

8. NOAA's Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

NOAA's Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
© Monterey Bay Sanctuary Exploration Center

9. Lago di Como

Lago di Como
© Lago di Como

Plan Your Trip