Location: Santa Cruz
Top Things to do in Santa Cruz
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10 Museums in Santa Cruz That You Shouldn't Miss
The quintessential California beach town of Santa Cruz! It was here that surfing was first brought to the mainland by Hawaiian royalty. Home to the legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined downtown area, and the historic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, which stretches out a half-mile into the waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Other highlights include UC Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, and nearby redwood forests.
Restaurants in Santa Cruz
1. Om Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We went to Ohm Gallery, which is in downtown Santa Cruz. It is an eclectic store with many hand made items I especially liked the light features. There is a lot to see and enjoy and if fall in love with a piece purchase. Staff is nice.
2. Salazar Glass Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
For more than a hundred years, Santa Cruz has been a hot spot for hard-core surfers. This museum tells their stories through photographs, surfboards and other related items.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We went to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum on a delightful sunny day in July. The views from here of the Pacific Ocean are gorgeous. Its also nice to know this is part of surfing history. Santa Cruz is one of the top surfing areas in California.
4. McPherson Center
5. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
This museum's exhibits feature Ohlone Native American artifacts and local flora and fauna.
Reviewed By christinam480 - San Francisco, United States
I visited Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History to hear the local artist Ann Thiermann speak. She painted the mural at the museum and has painted local motives all her life. The staff and volunteers were friendly and helpful throughout the evening at this lovely little Natural History museum.
6. Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
Come touch a friendly shark, see how marine scientists work, and take in the spectacular Monterey Bay. Our exhibit hall offers a deeper dive into the adventure of ocean research here in Santa Cruz and around the world. Visit us and explore the fascinating world of marine science and conservation. We look forward to meeting you! The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is a community-supported marine science education center of the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We went to Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Outside of the center are nice views of the Pacific Ocean. There are also some very interesting whale skeletons, such as the one for the blue whale. There is a small admission fee. There are a variety of exhibits to see. There are some fish and more to see as well. Staff is most willing to answer your questions. There is also a small store.
7. Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Welcome to the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (the MAH), a place where there’s always something happening. All year long we host truly ‘only-in-Santa-Cruz’ events and exhibitions. The MAH is of, by, and for Santa Cruz County because our creative community ignites something new here every day.
Reviewed By serenegracekim - Oakland, United States
This museum was so informative about the history of the indigenous Native American people who lived here before the land was taken over. This history is essential to understand, there are rooms you can sit inside, and many artifacts along with photos. I really appreciate museums that represent history with respect, there’s information about California history too.
8. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Located just steps away from the ocean and Santa Cruz Wharf, the Sanctuary Exploration Center features state-of-the art exhibits and interactive displays highlighting the nearby Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and its incredible underwater environment. Visitors can explore the sanctuary's remarkable marine environment as well as their personal role in protecting one of our nation's underwater treasures.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
I had a fun time at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center. It describes the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and also simiar sanctuarys. There are good exhibits as well as a short but good movie. The center is free to visit. There is also a nice outdoor overlook of the Santa Cruz area.
9. Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By racheljl47 - Oxford, United Kingdom
So many different rooms with great exhibits to keep my 15 month old nephew entertained and a fun few hours for the adults too. Lots of big and little people seating available.
10. Tannery Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We went to Tannery Art Center. This is also an area where people live. There is a cafe called Bistro One Twelve. There were a variety of studios - most were open when we were there. We enjoyed seeing the art. There are interesting large art work outside such as Spirit Nest - artist Jayson Fann. Its interesting to watch the artists at work. There is a performance hall which has shows. its a pleasant place to go if one enjoys the arts. The name Tannery is as it used to be a leather making facility. There are some historic pieces to see on site such as the dry mill. We also watched people enjoying the exercise facility on site. They offer a variety of exercise and dance classes.
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