Guide to Travel Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz, California
Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz
About Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz is a small coastal city of around 55,000 people that is located in Central California. The city is perhaps best known for its laid-back bohemian atmosphere and like many cities along California’s coast, Santa Cruz has deep roots in the surf culture. Not only is the city known for its cool surf vibes, but also for the incredible beaches, splendid weather, and breathtaking scenery that surrounds it. The abundance of beauty and ideal temperatures in Santa Cruz draws in a ton of tourists, especially in the summer months when the weather is near-perfect.
The ton is packed with great tourist attractions like the Beach Amusement Park and Boardwalk that offer fun-filled activities for the whole family to enjoy. If busy amusement parks are not your thing then take in some of the local nature and head out for a hike or relax for a day at beautiful Natural Bridges State Beach.
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Santa Cruz, California
How to Get There
Map of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California
Things to do in Santa Cruz
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive is a scenic 3-mile walking and biking trail that is perfectly situated along the Pacific Ocean. It starts at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf and takes visitors along on a lovely stroll where they can take some shots of the iconic Surfers Memorial Statue. This trail also allows access to the Santa Cruz Wharf, Cowell Beach, and popular Lighthouse Point.Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a famous seaside amusement park. The park is an admission-free attraction that features rides for thrill-seekers like the Giant Dipper, Cliff Hanger, Crazy Surf, Cyclone, Double Shot, Fireball, Rock-O-Plane, Shockwave, Typhoon, Undertow, and Wipeout. There are also more kid-friendly rides like Beach Swing, Bouncin’ Buggies, Bulgy the Whale, Convoy, Jet Copters, Kiddie Cruzers, Sea Dragons, Speed Boats, and Speedway. Then there are the rides that the whole family can enjoy like Twirlin Teacups, Loof Carousel, Cave Train, Freefall, Ghost Blasters, Haunted Castle, Logger’s Revenge, Pirate Ship, Riptide, Rock and Roll, Sea Serpent, Sea Swings, Sky Glider, Space Race, Speed bumps, Tornado and Tsunami.Roaring Camp Railroads
At Roaring Camp Railroads you can hop aboard one of two historic trains in the area and check out the giant redwood trees at Bear Mountain where you will be able to visit Felton, a historic 1880s logging town in the Santa Cruz Mountains.Mystery Spot
The Mystery Spot is located in the redwood forests and features an interesting gravitational anomaly. Within the Mystery Spot, the laws of physics will seem to be non-existent. Visitors will feel and appear to be standing at odd angles defying gravity altogether. Though the Mystery Spot is an incredibly interesting attraction it is a mere optical illusion, but definitely worth checking out.Santa Cruz Wharf
The Santa Cruz Wharf is a 2,745 feet long pier that includes many restaurants and shops along with places to rent boats and take whale-watching tours. Restaurants include the Dolphin Restaurant, Firefish Grill, Gilda’s, Olitas, Riva, Stagnaro Bros., and Makai. Vino Locale Santa Cruz Wine Bar & Tapas, and Woodies Cafe. For Shopping check out stores like Bay Company, Bonnie’s Gifts, Made in Santa Cruz, Marini’s Candies, Noland’s, Surf City Santa Cruz, Surf Life, Sockshop Santa Cruz, Pacific Coast Kites, and Woodies Hoodies. If you’re after fun activities then head over to Santa Cruz Boat Rentals, Stagnaro’s Fishing Trips and bay Cruises, or Venture Quest where you can rent kayaks.Seymour Marine Discovery Center
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center allows visitors to explore the world of marine science and conservation and gives children the opportunity to view and learn about marine life and how to preserve it for the future.UCSC Arboretum
The UCSC Arboretum site features a large collection of plant life and has over 90 species of eucalyptus. The arboretum focuses on the many different plants that thrive in a Mediterranean climate.
Santa Cruz, California
Hiking Trails in Santa Cruz
Enchanted Trail
The Enchanted Loop Trail is a 5.09 mile (8.2 Km) hiking trail that is moderate in difficulty. It features gorgeous lush green forests and lovely fields of wildflowers.Lookout Trail
The Lookout Loop Trail is a 2.6-mile (4.3 kilometers) loop that features a forest setting and sweeping views of the Santa Cruz area.Parkway Trail
The Parkway Trail is a decommissioned railway that has been converted into excellent biking and walking path that features excellent scenery and accessible train bridge tressels.Spring Box Trail
The Spring Box Trail is a short hike that gets its name for the two cement spring boxes that were built to collect fresh spring water from Redwood Creek. One of the spring boxes is filled with goldfish and koi.Powder Mill Trail
The Powder Mill Trail meanders through shady stands of evergreens and is located in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Once hikers pass the Powder Mill Creek area, the trail starts to head up the hill to a more open and sunny area of the park that is packed with huckleberry bushes.Seep Zone Interpretive Trail
The Seep Zone Interpretive Trail is part of the Upper Campus Natural Reserve. it features a winding trail that leads hikers through stands of trees including manzanitas, redwoods, and Douglas firs. From this trail, you can visit the historical "Tree 9" and the nearby "Redwood Grove".Upper DeLaveaga Loop Trail
The Upper DeLaveaga Loop runs along the edge of the DiLaveaga Golf and Lodge. It is an easy 1.5-mile dog-friendly trail that leads hikers through groves of redwood trees.
Santa Cruz, California
Beaches in Santa Cruz
Seabright State Beach
Seabright State Beach is approximately 0.5 miles long and sits between the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Harbor. The beach is known for its spectacular sunsets that people come every evening to see.Main Beach
Main Beach is also known as Boardwalk Beach and stretches the length of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. In the summertime, it is probably the busiest beach in Santa Cruz due to its proximity to a plethora of fun activities.Cowell’s Beach
Cowell Beach is located in a popular area of Santa Cruz and provides the ideal spot for beginner surfers.Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach is around 65 acres and provides a great place for wildlife lovers to spot many different types of birds, seals, otters, and even whales gracefully swimming by. The beach also has a trail that allows beachgoers to get a good vantage point where they’ll have an excellent view of the arch.Pyramid Beach
Pyramid Beach features dramatic scenery with gorgeous sand and a massive rock wall backdrop.Mitchell’s Cove Beach
Mitchell’s Cove Beach is yet another one of Santa Cruz’s exquisite beaches that boasts excellent scenery featuring unique rock formations.Its Beach
Its Beach is a place where dog lovers come to bring the pooch for a swim or a stroll along the ocean. It is part of Lighthouse Field State Beach and features a prominent lighthouse which is a common spot for tourists to visit.
Hotels in Santa Cruz
Photo Credit to Casablanca Inn on the Beach
Like many of the cities along the California Coast accommodations can be quite expensive and if you’re traveling on a budget and you have camping gear, then you may want to stay in a local campground. Another budget-friendly option is to stay in a vacation rental, which you can easily rent through apps like Airbnb or VRBO by using our links and helping support the site at no extra cost to you.
Luxury
Beach Street Inn and Suites
The Beach Street Inn and Suites is a lovely hotel that is conveniently situated near Santa Cruz's most popular attractions like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Cocoanut Grove, and the Mark Abbot Memorial Lighthouse. All rooms include a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, a microwave, air conditioning, and free WIFI. The property also features a brand-new pool, hot tub, and fire pit.Casablanca Inn on the Beach
The Casablanca Inn on the Beach is perfectly located directly across from a gorgeous beach and is only a block away from the wharf and the boardwalk. Each room has spectacular views of the beach and the Pacific Ocean and comes equipped with air conditioning, a private balcony, a kitchenette, and a flat-screen TV.
Photo credit to Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages
Mid-Range
Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages
Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages is situated just steps from a scenic beach at Sunny Cove. The property rents out lovely little beachfront cottages, some of which are fully equipped with kitchens, and private balconies. Your stay also includes free continental breakfast, free parking & free Wi-Fi.
Photo Credit to Bay Front Inn
Budget-Friendly
Bay Front Inn
The Bay Front Inn is an excellent budget-friendly hotel with a convenient location and a family-friendly environment. The rooms offer flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and free WIFI. On the property, guests will enjoy access to a sun terrace, a picnic area, and a pool. In addition, your stay will include a free breakfast.Ramada Limited Santa Cruz
Ramada Limited Santa Cruz offers easy access to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, beaches, redwood forests, and an excellent shopping area. This budget-conscious hotel is geared towards corporate travelers but is great for tourists as well and offers free breakfast, free WIFI, a heated pool, and a guest patio.
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