Explore the very best of Santa Cruz, from its breathtaking redwood forests to its sprawling beaches and rugged shorelines. Found about 80 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Cruz is an unmissable part of California.
I’ve highlighted some of my must-do activities in Santa Cruz. I’ve likewise included a few things to do in the SF Peninsula, as it’s simply a short range from Santa Cruz and worth the drive.
Trying to find more things to do in California? Total your travel itinerary with my guide to the best activities in San Francisco.
What to Do in Santa Cruz & the San Fran Peninsula
Explore my roundup of the top Santa Cruz destinations and sights for an unforgettable visit. Idea: Start your visit with an assisted e-bike trip of Santa Cruz to familiarise yourself with the crucial attractions in the city. Check Out Capitola Town
Capitola is a quaint seaside village with colourful houses decorating its beachfront. It is among the prettiest locations to go to near Santa Cruz and the earliest seaside resort town in California.
Sleepy in the winter season and dynamic in the summer season, Capitola is the perfect location for excellent food, long walks and dreamy sundowns. This town also hosts different enjoyable occasions, including the family-friendly Capitola Beach Celebration and Capitola Art and White Wine Festival.
Stop by Gayle’s bakeshop for sweet treats galore before heading to the wharf for a seaside walk. If you’re trying to find complimentary things to do in Santa Cruz, the Capitola Historic Museum provides annual exhibits highlighting the town’s history.
Take the Funicular to Shadow Brook Restaurant
Also located in Capitola, the Shadow Brook Dining establishment is tucked inside a 1920s log cabin along the Soquel Creek. This cosy restaurant can just be accessed by a funicular set up in the late ’50s.
Established in 1947, this area provides old-world, cosy interiors and great dining thrills like bacon-wrapped prawns and truffle gnocchi. It’s a popular area for romantic dinners and unique celebrations. So gown to impress and be sure to book ahead to secure a table with a view.
Sample Local White Wines at Nicholson Vineyards
Nicholson Vineyards has to do with a 15-minute drive from Capitola, nestled in the middle of the Santa Cruz mountains. What was as soon as an old apple orchard has actually been changed into a white wine and olive farm, with the first vineyards planted in 1995.
This gorgeous farm, situated at a 700-foot elevation, produces little batches of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay among other varietals. They prioritise sustainable and natural practices to produce premium wines that showcase the region’s special environment.
Bring your own picnic to take pleasure in with their wines or book a tour and tasting to learn more about the estate’s history and their farming practices.
Find Joy at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk
< img alt="Santa Cruz Boardwalk"src=" https://i0.wp.com/thecuriouspixie.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/santa_cruz_boardwalk_california.webp?ssl=1 "/ > Launch your inner child at the oldest amusement park in California. The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a technicolour dream featured in numerous movies, including Harold and Maude and The Lost Boys.
Neglecting the Santa Cruz beach, this family-owned amusement park has actually been bringing delight to Santa Cruz because 1907. Throughout my go to, we rode the Giant Dipper. This traditional wood coaster celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2024 and is going strong.
Admire the Internet Users at Lighthouse Point
Legend has it that 3 Hawaiian princes brought surfing to Santa Cruz in 1885. And it’s safe to state the county took well to the brand-new sport. Lighthouse Point overlooks the popular Cleaner Lane, a surf area enjoyed for its best waves. It’s the perfect location to plop down and enjoy the web surfers or appreciate the sunset.
While there, come by the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse. Devoted to Mark Abbott, who unfortunately drowned while browsing near Pleasure Point, the lighthouse houses a browsing museum. Here, you can find out more about local surfing culture and history. The museum is open from 12 pm to 4 pm, and is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Pointer: Want to do more than watch? Schedule a novice surfing lesson to participate in on the fun.
Explore Henry Cowell Redwood State Park
California redwoods are the highest trees worldwide and can live for countless years. The Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is 15 minutes outside the city of Santa Cruz and home to a 40-acre grove of these old-growth redwoods. The oldest of its trees towers around 277 feet high and is about 1500 years old.
< img alt=" Henry Cowell Redwood State Park"src="https://i0.wp.com/thecuriouspixie.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/henry_cowell_redwood_state_park_redwoods-1440x1920.webp?ssl=1"/ > When you’re not admiring the majesty of these evergreen giants, you can explore the park by hiking or cycling. Or book a campsite to sleep below these ancient trees.
Note: While the California redwoods are understood for their durability, they’re threatened by environment modification, invasive types and human mismanagement. Throughout your go to, make certain to do your part by remaining on designated trails and leaving no trace behind.
Cycle Along Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a tranquil little city along the Peninsula, about 25 miles south of San Francisco. With its small-town charm, lush forests and drastically lovely shoreline, it’s worth an outing.
Lease a bike at Bike Works and struck the California Coastal Trail (CCT) for a scenic adventure. The most popular cycling route runs between Pillar Point Harbour and the Ritz-Carlton for about 7.5 miles.
You’ll find plenty of media event and interesting stops along the method. Watch out for the Miramar Beach Restaurant, a prohibition-era speakeasy, for a fulfilling lunch or sundowners ignoring the shore.
Tip: Cycling not your thing? Rent an automobile rather! I rode the renowned Highway 1 in a red Mustang, and it was similarly awesome.
Explore the Historic Filoli House & Gardens
Admire the fairytale-esque appeal of the historic Filoli House. Finished in 1917, this Georgian-revival-inspired home was initially built as a “place to grow young” for Agnes and William Bourn.
After their passing, William “Expense” Roth bought the home for his family. The house was later contributed to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and refurnished to restore its appeal.
Today, the grand property and its manicured gardens are open to visitors. Filoli also offers directed residential or commercial property trips, talks and hikes, along with seasonal occasions and workshops. Entry tickets cost $37 for grownups and $27 for kids aged 5– 17 years.
In 2025, Filoli is hosting a captivating Giants exhibit by sculpture artist Thomas Dambo. The supersized trolls are crafted from reclaimed products and aim to influence human beings to be better stewards of the earth. The exhibit will run until 10 November 2025.
FAQs About Visiting the City of Santa Cruz, CA
Explore my answers to some typical concerns to help you prepare for
your What is the best month to check out Santa Cruz?
The very best season to go to Santa Cruz is simply after summer season, between September and November, when vacation crowds start to diminish. This enables you to take pleasure in the location’s mild climate with less crowded destinations.
Is Santa Cruz walkable?
Santa Cruz is among California’s many walkable cities, specifically around the boardwalk and downtown area. This implies you can easily access lots of dining establishments and tourist attractions on foot and even by bicycle.
What should I use in Santa Cruz?
While Santa Cruz enjoys moderate temperatures throughout the summer months, temperatures can fluctuate. If you’re checking out during summer season or autumn, gown in layers to accommodate possible modifications in the weather. A warm sweater or coat will likewise come in convenient during the night. Remember comfy shoes and a hat if you intend on doing a great deal of outdoor activities.
Concluding: Top Things to Do in Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz is the ideal destination for family fun or solo travel. Whether you’re visiting for the first-rate browse, the iconic boardwalk or the stunning parks, you will not be disappointed.
If you’ve got a couple of more locations on your California travel schedule, do not miss my top ideas before visiting LA. Or explore my US bucket list destinations for some more travel inspiration.