- Our list of the best things to do in Santa Cruz, California, features the top 261 nearby activities — including 100 great attractions with user approval ratings of 90% or more!
- Santa Cruz, CA has a variety of great sights and experiences nearby. Top categories include: Outdoor Places, Food & Drink, Entertainment & Shows, and Amusement.
- The results below include the top 40 things to do within the city of Santa Cruz, CA , followed by 221 popular activities in nearby cities, including Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Watsonville, Capitola, Morgan Hill, Aptos, Gilroy, Campbell, Pacific Grove, San Jose, Marina, Los Altos, Big Sur, Half Moon Bay and Marina del Rey
Showing 11-20 of
934
0.0 Miles
A thrilling 14-piece pop tribute band plays the hits of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5
1.1 Miles
Venture Quest Day Kayaking offers kayak rentals, sales, classes as well as kayak tours through the Monterey Bay Sanctuary. For those interested in this type of activity they also organize team buildings.
1.4 Miles
94%
71 votes
328 A Ingalls Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
MoreLess Info
Featuring handcrafted wines from Santa Cruz, Napa Valley, and other California vineyards, MJA Vineyards Westside Tasting Room provides a palate-pleasing experience for its guests. Patrons can also join the wine clubs and enjoy other special MJA events.
2.2 Miles
Adults and children with an interest in marine ecosystems must not miss the opportunity to visit the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. It is an active research institution and a public outreach facility dedicated to helping the community understand the importance of preserving marine environments.
2.2 Miles
87%
2454 votes
2531 West Cliff Drive near Swanton Blvd., Santa Cruz, CA
MoreLess Info
True to its name, Natural Bridges State Park contains natural rock bridges created by eons of water and wind erosion. The modern park is managed by the state and is a wonderful destination for adults and families.
4.9 Miles
Based in Santa Cruz, California, Roaring Camp Railroads offers a variety of railroad tours, exhibits and activities. It is famous for its magnificent Chanukah and Christmas displays. Tours during holiday season sell out quickly, and advance reservations are highly recommended.
1.6 Miles
86%
307 votes
West Cliff Drive at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz, CA
MoreLess Info
The water is warm at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Surfers and beach babies enjoy the many exhibits dedicated to board design, safety practices and the physics behind successful surfing.
0.9 Miles
There are lots of shops, restaurants and the Sea Lions at the end of the pier. Rent a boat or go on boat rides from Santa Cruz Wharf
0.9 Miles
Located right along the beach, Santa Cruz Beach Broadwalk is a famous sea-side amusement park. Among its list of rides, it also includes the classic 1924 Big Dipper roller coaster. Great deals on rides and refreshments are available. Parking spots are limited.
1.2 Miles
Located inside the UCSC campus, the Arboretum is a great place to explore a variety of plants and trees of many different countries. Bird watching is a popular activity here with a good population of hummingbirds and other resident and visiting species.
1.4 Miles
80%
246 votes
328 Ingalls Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
MoreLess Info
Bonny Doon Winery is trendy and high class. Each bottle of wine is artfully decorated and expensive.