Location: Santa Cruz
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What to do and see in Santa Cruz, California (CA): The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
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. Chardonnay Sailing Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,145 reviews
Excursions aboard Chardonnay Sailing Charters are perfect for any age group and fun for everyone, from seasoned sailors to first-time adventures.
2. Brew Cruz
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
Brew Cruz is Santa Cruz's Original Microbrewery Tour! Hop aboard for a 4 hour drive around scenic Santa Cruz on our beautifully restored, one-of-a-kind 1989 school bus, 'Betty Jane', and enjoy a pint for each passenger at each of the 3 breweries we choose to stop at, tours with the brewmasters, beer history, trivia, music on-board and many unforgettable memories. Truly a Santa Cruz favorite!
3. Stagnaro Sport Fishing Charters & Whale Watching Cruises
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,287 reviews
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. O’Neill Yacht Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 240 reviews
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.
5. Sea Spirit Ocean Safari
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 200 reviews
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!
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Roaring Camp Railroads
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 700 reviews
See California’s towering redwood trees from two historic railroads. Ride steam trains to Bear Mountain or Beach Trains to Santa Cruz. Visit an 1880s logging town located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. Between San Francisco and Monterey Bay in Felton.
9. 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!
10. West Cliff Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,319 reviews
Reviewed By CaliforniaBrad - San Jose, United States
The views and stops along West Cliff are amazing. It is a great walk, bike ride or drive from the Boardwalk to Natural Bridges park with stops to enjoy the views, watch surfers at Cowell's or the legendary Steamers Lane and Lighthouse that is home to the surfing museum. Truly one of Santa Cruz's best stretches of coastline
