What to do and see in Santa Cruz, California (CA): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

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.

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.

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.

Specializing in Whale watching tours and Great White Shark tours from the Santa Cruz California harbor. We venture out into the Monterey Bay Sanctuary while our various ocean safaris offer the nature viewer one of the widest ranges of marine life viewing of anywhere in the world. Join us to observe humpback whales, blue and grey whales, great white sharks, otters, sea lions, dolphins and porpoises along with a plethora of other marine life all from the comforts of our 50' uncrowded pilothouse vessel- where every seat is a front row seat!

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.

The Santa Cruz campus offers an attractive blend of notable architecture and panoramic views.

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.

This museum's exhibits feature Ohlone Native American artifacts and local flora and fauna.

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.

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.