Santa Cruz Travel Guide

Sitting along the northern edge of Monterey Bay, the progressive haven of Santa Cruz is one of northern California’s most popular tourist destinations. Just 72 miles south of San Francisco, Surf City as it likes to call itself, is an entertaining seaside town centered around a lovely pedestrian downtown and the vintage Boardwalk amusement park. Add to this the endless outdoor recreation opportunities in the surrounding waters and mountains and you have a great getaway.

For a small coastal community, Santa Cruz is packed with things to do. The main attraction is the Boardwalk, one of the last remaining old-fashioned amusement parks in America. The ocean plays a major role in this hip town, which claims to be the first surfing site in the country. Whale-watching, sea kayaking and sailing add to the 11 world-class surf breaks in the area. If you prefer to stay on land, Santa Cruz also has a thriving mountain biking and skateboarding scene to rival anything in the world.

The downtown area centers around a wonderful pedestrian shopping plaza packed with trendy cafés, coffee shops and boutiques. There is always a buzz of activity here as well as at the Santa Cruz Harbor and the Municipal Wharf, situated off the lively coastal strip called Beach street. If you have a car, there are amazing wineries, secluded beaches and nature parks just outside the city.

Santa Cruz Attractions

Santa Cruz Boardwalk: some 30 rides and arcades, including the 80-year-old Big Dipper, make up one of America’s most charismatic amusement parks which is the highlight of Santa Cruz.

Municipal Wharf: this beachfront strip has plenty of shops and seafood restaurants to keep you busy when you get tired of gawking at the sea lions hanging out along the shore.

Steamer Lane: the hottest surf break in Santa Cruz has been in play for 100 years and is the best place to catch pro surfers shredding the waves.

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum: the long legacy of surfing in this town is well-documented with memorabilia, videos and vintage boards from around the world.

Natural Bridges State Park: at the end of town is this sandy beach containing interesting tidal pools, hiking trails and a massive colony of monarch butterflies.

Santa Cruz Harbor: this fun, colorful part of town is the place to catch a boat if you want to go whale-watching, deep sea fishing or sailing.