Things To Do
in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a picturesque coastal city located in California, known for its stunning beaches and beautiful redwood forests. It is a popular tourist destination, offering a laid-back atmosphere and a vibrant arts scene. Visitors can enjoy surfing, hiking, and exploring the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
The city also has a rich history, with landmarks such as the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum and the historic Santa Cruz Wharf.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $60 - $120
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, soaking in the ocean views. Enjoy breakfast at a beachside café, indulging in delicious pastries and coffee.
Spend your afternoon riding roller coasters and enjoying games at the Boardwalk. Don't miss a leisurely stroll on the sandy beaches or some time swimming in the ocean.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant for fresh seafood. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps catch some live music to wrap up your day.
Embark on a hike in the lush redwood forests of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The towering trees and serene environment will invigorate your spirit.
Enjoy a picnic lunch among the trees and then take a leisurely walk along the river. Consider some zip-lining for a little added thrill in the afternoon.
Return to Santa Cruz and enjoy a casual dinner at a local taco joint. Stroll around downtown and check out local art galleries or boutiques.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including beaches and redwood forests.
- Mild climate throughout the year.
- Vibrant arts and music scene.
- Strong community focus and local events.
- Access to outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, and biking.
- High cost of living and housing prices.
- Limited job market opportunities in some sectors.
- Traffic congestion, especially during tourist seasons.
- Potential for natural disasters, such as wildfires and earthquakes.
- Tourist-heavy areas can be crowded and busy.
Best Activities in Santa Cruz
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy world-class surfing at Pleasure Point, one of Santa Cruz's most renowned surfing spots.
Explore the beauty of ancient redwood trees through the park's scenic trails suitable for all levels of hikers.
Participate in a game of beach volleyball or simply soak up the sun on the sandy shores of Main Beach.
Tours
Uncover the best of Santa Cruz with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Santa Cruz
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic drive along the coast with beautiful ocean views and photo opportunities of the surfers and coastline.
A picturesque spot known for its natural rock formations and tide pools, offering stunning sunset views and wildlife photography opportunities.
An iconic amusement park with a picturesque beach backdrop, providing a lively atmosphere for capturing fun-filled moments and vibrant scenes.
A lush forested park with towering redwood trees, offering scenic trails and serene photo opportunities in a natural setting.
Food in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Central Coast specialty, this tender, flavorful cut of beef is typically seasoned with a dry rub and grilled over red oak, then served with salsa and pinquito beans. Must-try at The Buttery or Ristorante Avanti.
Must-Try!
Due to the region's abundant artichoke fields, dishes like artichoke soup, grilled artichokes, and creamy artichoke pasta are popular. Don't miss the artichoke-focused offerings at The Crow's Nest or Cafe Sparrow.
With access to fresh seafood, Santa Cruz serves up delightful fish tacos, featuring grilled or fried fish, shredded cabbage, salsa, and a zesty dressing. Visit Las Olitas or Taqueria Santa Cruz for authentic renditions.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Santa Cruz better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held downtown on Wednesdays, this market showcases local produce, artisanal cheeses, fresh bread, and prepared foods. Sample the diverse street food offerings like wood-fired pizza, gourmet tamales, and organic ice cream.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Santa Cruz, it is important to be mindful of personal space and to respect people's boundaries.
Santa Cruz is known for its diverse community, so it's important to embrace different cultures, traditions, and beliefs with respect and openness.
Santa Cruz values environmental sustainability, so it's important to be mindful of waste management, energy conservation, and preserving natural surroundings.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Santa Cruz with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Santa Cruz
Ensure a smooth experience
In Santa Cruz, it is customary to tip service workers such as restaurant servers, bartenders, and taxi drivers. The standard tipping rate is typically 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment in Santa Cruz is commonly made using credit or debit cards, as well as cash. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and contactless payment methods are increasingly popular. It is also common for businesses to accept mobile payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Santa Cruz, with mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. You can expect to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and beachcombing.
Summers in Santa Cruz are popular for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts. You can expect warm temperatures, crowded beaches, and lively events and festivals.
Fall brings mild weather and fewer crowds, making it a great time to visit for a more laid-back experience. You can expect to see fall foliage and enjoy harvest festivals.
Winter in Santa Cruz is relatively mild, with some rainfall. It's a quieter time to visit, and you can expect to take advantage of lower accommodation rates and enjoy cozy indoor activities.
Santa Cruz at Night
Hiking in Santa Cruz
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful park featuring towering redwoods, walking trails, and picnic areas. Offers various hiking routes that range from easy to more challenging.
Known for its stunning rock formations and tide pools, this area also offers trails along the coast, perfect for scenic hikes and beach access.
The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to numerous trails and parks, including the famous Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, providing breathtaking views of both the mountains and the ocean.
Offers over 34 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park features coastal bluffs, meadows, and historical sites from the ranching era.
This reserve features walking trails along marshes and wetlands, providing a unique opportunity to observe diverse wildlife and bird species.
Aiports
How to reach Santa Cruz by plane.
Located approximately 90 miles north of Santa Cruz, SFO is one of the largest international airports in the United States, serving numerous domestic and international flights.
About 35 miles northeast of Santa Cruz, SJC is a key international gateway for travelers and offers a variety of international and domestic flights.
Around 70 miles north of Santa Cruz, OAK serves many domestic flights and a growing number of international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Santa Cruz, consisting of individuals who identify as white and do not identify as Hispanic or Latino.
This group includes individuals from various backgrounds who identify as Hispanic or Latino, encompassing a range of nationalities and cultures.
Comprising individuals who identify as Asian, including those from East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian backgrounds.
This demographic includes individuals who identify as Black or African American, representing a smaller portion of the overall population.
Individuals who identify with two or more racial categories, reflecting a diverse blend of ethnic backgrounds.
A small demographic group that includes individuals from Hawaii and other Pacific Islands.
This group includes individuals who identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, representing the indigenous peoples of North America.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Santa Cruz is known for its iconic surf spots, attracting surfers from around the world to ride its powerful waves.
With numerous beaches in the area, beach volleyball is a popular recreational activity among locals and visitors alike.
The nearby mountains and trails provide excellent opportunities for mountain biking, making it a favored sport in Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz has a rich skateboarding history and features several skate parks, appealing to both amateur and professional skateboarders.
Soccer enjoys popularity in Santa Cruz, with various youth leagues and adult teams competing in local and regional tournaments.
With scenic trails and beachfront paths, running is a common fitness activity enjoyed by many residents in Santa Cruz.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa Cruz.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Santa Cruz caters well to vegetarians and vegans with its abundance of farm-to-table eateries like Cafe Gratitude, offering colorful, plant-based dishes and creative vegan desserts.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can enjoy a variety of gluten-free options at restaurants such as Charlie Hong Kong, where Asian-inspired bowls and curries come with gluten-free alternatives.