Over the past few years that I have been living in the bay area of California, I have found myself in Santa Cruz about a handful of times. And each time I visit Santa Cruz, the visit just gets better. New things to see and do and eat and enjoy, just happen to surface every time we go! Santa Cruz is such a quick trip from the bay area and is a town to definitely visit if you have not already. Here’s a curated list of my favorite things to do in this fun town!
Best Things to Eat, See and Do in Santa Cruz
Stroll through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to see Redwoods and banana slugs
Honestly, nothing makes me feel younger than walking through a forest of old redwood trees, some over 1,000 years old! And you don’t have to go very far to see giant redwood trees that look like something out of Lord of the Rings. Henry Cowell State Park is an easy and accessible 15 minutes drive from downtown Santa Cruz and has lots of hiking trails and is home to a forest of redwood trees.
Fall Creek to Lime Kilns Trail is a fun, moderate trail that has a running creek, and lots of mini water falls to look at. Oh and lots of cute, very cute bright yellow banana slugs.
Note: Henry Cowell state park has a $10 parking fee
Related Reads: A Day Trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz
Rent a bike and Cruise up West Cliff Drive
The funnest things are usually the ones that involve being outdoors or eating ice cream. My suggestion while visiting Santa Cruz would be to do both. Rent a bike from one of many Santa Cruz bike rental shops and hit the many biking trails.
I loved biking West Cliff Drive, an easy 3 mile biking path offering incredible views of Monterey Bay, where you can get a chance to see a colony of great harbor seals. Along the way you can stop at Cowell Beach to watch the surfers, and Natural Bridges to see a rock arch cliff in the middle of the ocean.
You can also bike to Wilder Ranch State Park, although you will need to rent a mountain bike to be able to traverse the park safely.
Pro-Tip: Grab a free bike map and make your own route.
See Baby Seals at Año Nuevo State Park
If you’re visiting Santa Cruz between December and March, consider visiting Ano Nuevo State Park, a breeding ground for elephant seals. They snot, they gargle, they bark so don’t expect a quiet moment with them. But they are the cutest, most blubber-est( is that a word) animal you’ll encounter.
Get Your Sweet tooth fix at the Penny Ice Creamery
No road trip to Santa Cruz is complete without a sweet ending, and The Penny Ice Creamery is the perfect pit stop. Their flavors are anything but boring – think burnt cinnamon with strawberry pink peppercorn, or classics with a twist like chocolate raspberry.
Go on a Free Boat Tour in Loch Lomond
I think Loch Lomond is super underrated ( let’s keep it that way). And it is not to be confused with Loch Lomond in Scotland. Every time I have gone, I have only encountered a handful of people. It is truly a gem of a place, tucked away in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounded by lush forests, the lake is absolutely picturesque. There are paddle boats, and kayaks available for rent at the site and are served on a first come first serve basis.
They also offer free pontoon boat tours beginning in April that will be offered the second weekend of the month on both Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am – noon. Tours can accommodate up to 25 people, with sign-ups in the park store. First come, first served. Tours are offered free of charge.
Jump into a natural swimming hole at Garden of Eden
Garden of Eden, an idyllic swimming hole on the San Lorenzo River, in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a spectacular place to cool off in the summer. This place is such a GEM. My husband and I really enjoyed it last year. It can get crowded ( it’s beautiful) but you can explore around if you need quiet.
The walk to the pools is a fairly easy stroll with a length of 0.75 miles each way; just follow the sounds of splashing water from fellow Eden pool revelers.
Pro-Tip: Pack in and out! When I went there, there was so much litter. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen cause once you find this spot you won’t be leaving anytime soon.
Start your morning with a delicious stuffed breakfast burrito
Start your day right with a hearty breakfast burrito from Point Market. This local spot is known for its delicious and filling burritos and they live up to its name. Their is seating outdoors to enjoy the fresh breeze while you chomp down on your breakfast burrito.
Eat the best fried chicken at Chubs Chicken
If you’re craving some seriously good fried chicken, head to Chubs Chicken. Their crispy and flavorful chicken is a local favorite.
Embrace the Literary Scene at Bookshop Santa Cruz
Bookshop Santa Cruz is an independent bookstore and is worth pooping in and browsing. Spend some time browsing their extensive collection and soaking in the literary ambiance.
Enjoy an oceanfront meal on the Santa Cruz Wharf
The Santa Cruz wharf is a bit more touristy but it is still worth checking out and enjoying what it has to offer like the clam chowder at Stagnaro Bros and Rivas. Or watching a raft of sea lions chilling or doing their best dolphin impersonations.
Stagnaro Bros has been around for awhile, the gen Z’ers would call them OG and they have got some pretty good clam chowder – it’s a walk-up counter in true coastal fashion. Riva’s on the wharf should also hit the spot. It’s a crowd pleaser with big windows for watching the pelicans dive.
Either place you choose, be sure to take a seat by the ocean and watch for marine life!
Note: there is paid parking on the wharf
Watch the Sunset at Natural Bridges State Park
Natural Bridges State Beach is one of my favorite beaches to look at and ponder and watch the sunset. Bring a picnic blanket to the beach and watch the sun go down behind the waves. Or watch from the lookout and see the sun dip under the iconic natural arch that gives the park its name.
Eat your heart out in tacos at Taqueria Los Pericos
The tacos at Taqueria Los Pericos might be one of the best tacos I have ever had. As soon as you walk in, there is fun Mexican music playing. Their menu is large with many delicious items and quite inexpensive. So if you love Mexican food, you have to check this place out. Oh and everyone that dines in gets chips and a salsa bar!
Grab A Reuben and Meatball sandwich at Garden Liquor and Deli
Before you go, you have to grab a reuben, meatball and italian sandwich at Garden Liquor and Deli. That is all I am going to say about it.
Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
If you have more time, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a world-renowned aquarium showcasing the diverse marine life of the California coast. Get your tickets here
Pack a Picnic at Davenport Bluffs
Pack a picnic and head to Davenport Bluffs. The dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific provide a stunning backdrop for a leisurely lunch. Every time we have been there, there have been no crowds. So it’s the perfect place for some solitude.
Watch Sailboats Race
Have you ever had a chance to watch sailboats race? If not, here’s your chance to do so and its free! If you’re in Santa Cruz on a Wednesday evening or a weekend, head down to the Santa Cruz Wharf or find a spot along the coastline to watch the sailboats race. The sight of the colorful sails against the blue ocean is a classic Santa Cruz experience.
Hike Wilder Ranch Coastal Loop
If you want to do an easy stroll along the ocean, visit Wilder Ranch State Park. Old Cove Landing trail is the most popular trail in the park, where you get a chance to see gulls, geese, pelicans, and other birds. You may even get a chance to see passing whales on their annual migrations, depending on when you go. In the springtime, California poppies grow like wildflowers.
For the adrenaline junkies reading this, rent a mountain bike and hit the trails at Wilder Ranch State Park.
Other things to do in Santa Cruz
Here is a list of other fun things to do in Santa Cruz
- Treat yourself to some self-care at the Teahouse Spa
- Grab cookies from Pacific Cookie Company
- Have a farm to table dinner at Avanti Santa Cruz
- Visit Capitola Village
- Take a ride on the Chardonnay Sailing Charter
- Check out Santa Cruz Farmers Market – open wednesday from 1pm-5pm
- Watch the Surfers at Steamer Lane
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Related Reads: A Day Trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz
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