Wondering what to do in Santa Cruz, California? During your stay at our boardwalk hotel, you will find plenty of things to do in Santa Cruz, as well as activities and tourist attractions in the Monterey Bay area. From legendary surf breaks and a historic amusement park to beaches galore and towering redwood forests, the Monterey Bay region is known for scenic wonder and has been a popular destination for vacationers for over a century.
Santa Cruz Things to Do - Beach Boardwalk -
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been delighting children of all ages for over a hundred years with its wooden roller coasters, theme park games and delightful Looff Carousel that dates from 1911. Entrance to the boardwalk fairgrounds is free, and in addition to heart-pounding rides you will find live music and entertainment, delicious boardwalk treats to eat and a whimsical energy lit by the salty air of the ocean. For more information, please visit http://www.beachboardwalk.com/.
Santa Cruz Things to Do - Roaring Camp Railroad -
All aboard! This historic Santa Cruz railway travels through tunnels, trees and the echoes of time to deliver passengers to the top of Bear Mountain or to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. One of the oldest narrow-gauge trains in existence that still carries passengers, the Roaring Camp Railroad is a fun and scenic way to step back in time and ride the rails just like people have for over a hundred years. For more information, please visit http://www.roaringcamp.com/.
Santa Cruz Tourist Attractions - The Mystery Spot -
Behold the mysteries of the California forests at The Mystery Spot, a gravitational anomaly located in the heart of the redwoods where the normal laws of physics seem not to apply. You won't believe what you see at this unusual tourist attraction, which gives 45-minutes tours to perplexed guests every day on the half hour. For more information, please visit http://www.mysteryspot.com/.
Santa Cruz California Attractions - Seymour Marine Discovery Center -
Part of the University of California Santa Cruz, the Seymore Marine Discovery Center is set in a gorgeous oceanfront location and provides intimate animal experience for sea lovers. Hands-on exhibits like and touch tanks full of starfish, anemones and even sharks will thrill younger visitors, and the 87-foot blue whale skeleton will amaze everyone. For more information, please visit http://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/.
Activities in Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz Surfing Museum -
Housed in a historic lighthouse with a spectacular view of Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay and legendary surf hotspot Steamer Lane, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum traces the daredevil sport's evolution in California. Check out old surfboards made of redwood planks, watch videos of the surfing's changing style and look at photos of Santa Cruz surfers who pioneered the local surf culture. For more information, please visit http://www.santacruzsurfingmuseum.org/.
Santa Cruz Attractions - Catalyst Nightclub -
A visit to this 70-acre zoo is one of the most popular things to do in Billings. See animals of the region such as big horn sheep, wolves, bears and bald eagles, as well as tigers, red pandas and more. Zoo Montana also includes a variety of botanical gardens, www.zoomontana.org.
Cowboy Cookouts and Bandits Tour -
The Catalyst Nightclub is more than a spot to drink, dance and mingle - it's a Santa Cruz downtown landmark and the hub of the city's music scene. Top-shelf acts from around the world have performed at this 800-person capacity club, including Nirvana, No Doubt, Pearl Jam and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. For more information, please visit http://catalystclub.com/.
Santa Cruz Things to Do - Natural Bridges State Park -
The Santa Cruz area is famous for immense natural wonders and scenic beauty, and the Natural Bridges State Park is an iconic beach that illustrates just why this region is so beloved for its beauty. The gorgeous beach is overlooked by two natural rock bridges that jut out into the Pacific, and is an excellent vantage point to watch sea birds, migrating whales and otters playing in the surf. For more information, please visit http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=541.
Santa Cruz Tourist Attractions - Downtown Santa Cruz -
In lovely downtown Santa Cruz you will find great shopping opportunities as well as outdoor dining at numerous restaurants, both casual and upscale. From ice cream shops to Tiki bars and art galleries to full-service salons, this central business district is a good choice for those seeking services, sustenance and shopping. For more information, please visit http://www.downtownsantacruz.com/.
Santa Cruz Activities - Wilder Ranch State Park -
Hike, bike or ride through coastal terraces and lovely valleys at Wilder Ranch State Park, which was originally the main ranch supplying Santa Cruz Mission before becoming a dairy farm. Explore Victorian homes, gardens and the historic adobe in this 32-acre park, which also hosts historical reenactments of life on a dairy farm on some weekends. Great for picnics and long walks on the beach, the Wilder Ranch State Park is a hidden gem of the Santa Cruz area. For more information, please visit http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=549.
