The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Santa Cruz, California (CA)

September 21, 2021 Esmeralda Fenner

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. Adventure Out

Excellent
98%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 41 reviews

Adventure Out

Adventure Out is California's premiere outdoor school specializing in surf camps, rock climbing classes, backpacking trips, mountain biking, and wilderness survival skills instruction.

2. Chardonnay Sailing Charters

Excellent
89%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,145 reviews

Chardonnay Sailing Charters

Excursions aboard Chardonnay Sailing Charters are perfect for any age group and fun for everyone, from seasoned sailors to first-time adventures.

3. Stagnaro Sport Fishing Charters & Whale Watching Cruises

Excellent
85%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,287 reviews

Stagnaro Sport Fishing Charters & Whale Watching Cruises

The Stagnaro family has been serving the Santa Cruz area for over a century, ever since Italian patriarch Cottardo Stagnaro settled in Santa Cruz in 1879. This historical landmark business is still leading the way in ocean fun on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. There is something for everyone: Whale Watching, Scenic Bay Cruises, Fishing Trips and Private Parties for any occasion. Whichever your choice, today's fourth generation Stagnaro Charter Boats will surely make your trip fun and memorable.

4. California Classic Sail

Excellent
94%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 33 reviews

California Classic Sail

California Classic Sail operates a beautiful classic sailing charter boat on the Monterey Bay from the picturesque Santa Cruz Harbor. We specialize in two hour public and private sailing charters that are a perfect complement to any stay in Santa Cruz. At this time our offerings include public and private charters from the Capitola Wharf.

5. The Ride Guides

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

The Ride Guides

The Ride Guides will tailor your ride to your exact needs. From a first timer's cruise along the Monterey Bay to eye watering downhill shuttles on our world-class singletrack we'll connect you with your dream ride. We can also kit you out with cutting edge bikes and will help you discover the best that Santa Cruz has to offer, on and off the bike.

6. Pacific Sail

Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 96 reviews

Pacific Sail

a sailing school and charter company since 1979, located in Santa Cruz, California on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. We have a fleet of 9 yachts from 22-46 feet and several USCG licensed Captains. Sailing activities include: American Sailing Association certified sailing instruction - 2 to 5 days, Skippered Charters- a USCG Captain takes out a group of six or less participants on a fun relaxing sail onboard a beautiful sailing yacht, and Corporate Team Building sailing regattas.

7. O’Neill Yacht Charters

Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 240 reviews

O’Neill Yacht Charters

Experience an exciting sailing adventure aboard the luxurious 65' Team O'Neill catamaran on the Monterey Bay! Sailing activities include afternoon cruises, sunset sails, local wine and beer tastings, seasonal firework cruises, live music sails and wildlife tours, each offering an exceptionally smooth and thrilling experience. Sailing enthusiasts and newbies alike will enjoy sailing along the Santa Cruz coastline, whether it's a family day out on a public sail or special occasion aboard a private charter.

8. Surf School Santa Cruz

Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 469 reviews

Surf School Santa Cruz

Welcome to Surf School Santa Cruz, the best-rated surf school on the West Coast. We accept students of all ages and skill levels and guarantee a quality, safe, and fun learning experience. This surf school was created because of our passion for surfing and developed because of our desire to share it with the world. We believe that surfing is not just a sport, but is actually therapy for life. We ardently advocate that the only thing better than a great day of surfing is helping fuel someone else’s passion or improve skillsets that work in the ocean and carry over to day-to-day life. Our instructors are professionals who tailor each lesson to the students, so no matter your ability, you are encouraged and supported in the most personalized way possible. The cumulative years of quality surfing and teaching experience we have under our belts allow us to provide you the best surf lessons in all of Santa Cruz.

9. Mermaid Memories Santa Cruz

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Mermaid Memories Santa Cruz

Mermaid Jules has always loved the ocean, mermaids, & photography, & is very grateful to have lived in beautiful Santa Cruz all of her adult life. Jules provides a variety of mermaid experiences, including mermaid/merman photo shoots on the beach (or at your home, hotel or vacation rental pool), mermaid parties, bridal party shoots, and more. She can't wait to transform you into a mermaid!

10. Chartle Charters

Excellent
98%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 60 reviews

Chartle Charters

Providing a premiere 6 pac sport fishing adventure aboard the Taylor-Gene, a 34' Hatteras sportfisher. We are located in Santa Cruz within the Monterey Bay of California. We target King Salmon, Halibut, Lingcod, Rockfish, White Seabass, Albacore and Bluefin Tuna. All bait, tackle and gear is provided, we are fully licensed and US Coast Guard approved. We cater to children and novice fisherman alike. Offering day and evening charters.

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