A laid-back California beach town known for its wooden boardwalk, surf culture, and redwood forests. Home to a historic 1911 Looff carousel and UC Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz sits 65 miles south of San Francisco along the California coast. You can swim at its wide beaches, surf at Steamer Lane, ride the 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster, or walk among 300-foot redwoods at Henry Cowell State Park. The city extends from the beachfront Santa Cruz Wharf to the forested Santa Cruz Mountains, with the lively Pacific Avenue downtown area in between.
Surfing Culture and Beaches
Three Hawaiian princes introduced surfing to Santa Cruz in 1885, riding waves on redwood planks. Now you can watch surfers navigate the waves at Steamer Lane or learn to surf at Cowell Beach's gentle breaks. Visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse to see vintage boards and photos from the 1930s onward. Many local surf shops along West Cliff Drive rent boards and wetsuits.
The Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has operated since 1907. Its centerpiece, the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, takes you through steep drops with Pacific Ocean views. Try the 1911 Looff Carousel, which still plays music from its 342-pipe organ and has real horse hair details on its carved animals. The Double Shot tower launches riders 125 feet into the air. Main Beach sits right next to the boardwalk, making it easy to alternate between swimming and rides.
Wildlife Watching on Monterey Bay
You'll find sea lions, otters, and seabirds in Monterey Bay's waters. Rent kayaks to paddle near the animals or take guided tours to explore sea caves at Wilder Ranch State Park. Watch for gray whales from March through May during their migration. Walk to the end of the 2,701-foot Santa Cruz Wharf to spot sea lions lounging underneath or fish without a license from the railings.
Redwood Forest Trails
Walk among towering redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 20 miles north of downtown, has the 3.4-mile Sempervirens Falls trail where you'll pass 300-foot redwoods and Douglas firs. For easier walks, head to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park's flat trails. The park's nature center explains the ecology of these ancient trees and local wildlife.
Downtown and Pacific Avenue
Pacific Avenue forms Santa Cruz's main street, lined with independent bookstores, art galleries, and cafes popular with university students. Every Wednesday, local farmers sell produce and prepared foods at the downtown market. On First Friday each month, you can see local art displays in shops and galleries. Rent a bike from downtown shops to explore - bike lanes connect Pacific Avenue directly to the beach.
