Location: Santa Cruz
Top Things to do in Santa Cruz
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10 Nature & Parks 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. Coast Dairies State Park
2. Delaveaga Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We enjoyed our time in the redwood groves at Delaveaga Park in Santa Cruz. This is a wonderful park with play fields, meadows, trails to hike, places to play, and picnic areas. It has plenty of free parking.
3. Natural Bridges State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 838 reviews
A refuge for wintering Monarch Butterflies, this park boasts a sandy cove, tidepools, a nature trail through the Butterfly Preserve, and several hiking trails. There is also a bicycle path around the perimeter of the park.
Reviewed By 497haydns
If the Monarchs are here, a wonderful visit, go on a warm sunny day they will be flying about, the is very nice, and very unusual to Eucalyptus trees in USA. Check on line if the Monarchs are here, the info is accurate and up to date.
4. 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.
5. Mitchell's Cove Beach
6. Pleasure Point Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
A popular Santa Cruz surf spot.
Reviewed By sonofdragon - San Jose, United States
Lived in the bay area for years but never take Santa Cruz seriously. Some good things surely come during this pandemic madness. Discovery of Pleasure Point was a blessing for us since we're having pandemic fatigue. Walking the public path while enjoying the breeze/waves was cooling/calming to the mind. Watching the surfers ride the waves was so exciting. Seeing people jogging/running/walking/biking is very inspiring. And the sea birds flying close just above the waves and diving for a catch was a sure wow moment to watch. Words cant say more. Stop the worry and make life livable again!
7. Santa Cruz Harbor Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Adjacent to Santa Cruz harbor, this beach has beach volley ball as well as nearby shops and restaurants.
Reviewed By mganter - Prien am Chiemsee, Germany
Area around the lighthouse is very nice and clean. We were there at low tide, so we could walk up to the lighthouse without getting drenched by breaking waves. Very cool!
8. Waddell Beach
9. Wilder Ranch State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By merb00 - Maui, United States
We spent a morning (family of 5, young kids, + grandparents) and walked the 2.3 mile loop. All the beaches are wildlife preserves and we watched seals playing on several. After our walk we went to the Cultural Preserve of the original ranch and saw the animals, succulent forts, and awesome climbing trees.
10. Ocean View Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
