Explore the best of Santa Cruz, from its awe-inspiring redwood forests to its sprawling beaches and rugged coastlines. Located 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 also included a few things to do in the SF Peninsula, as it’s just a short distance from Santa Cruz and worth the drive.
Looking for more things to do in California? Complete 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 attractions and sights for a memorable visit.
Tip: Start your visit with a guided e-bike tour of Santa Cruz to familiarise yourself with the key attractions in the city.
Visit Capitola Village
Capitola is a quaint seaside village with colourful houses decorating its beachfront. It is one of the prettiest places to visit near Santa Cruz and the oldest coastal resort town in California.
Sleepy in the winter and bustling in the summer, Capitola is the ideal place for good food, long strolls and dreamy sunsets. This town also hosts various fun events, including the family-friendly Capitola Beach Festival and Capitola Art and Wine Festival.
Stop by Gayle’s bakery for sweet treats galore before heading to the wharf for a seaside stroll. If you’re looking for free things to do in Santa Cruz, the Capitola Historical Museum offers yearly exhibitions highlighting the town’s history.
Take the Funicular to Shadow Brook Restaurant
Also located in Capitola, the Shadow Brook Restaurant is tucked inside a 1920s log cabin along the Soquel Creek. This cosy restaurant can only be accessed by a funicular installed in the late ‘50s.
Established in 1947, this spot offers old-world, cosy interiors and fine dining delights like bacon-wrapped prawns and truffle gnocchi. It’s a popular spot for romantic dinners and special occasions. So dress to impress and be sure to book ahead to secure a table with a view.
Sample Local Wines at Nicholson Vineyards
Nicholson Vineyards is about a 15-minute drive from Capitola, nestled amidst the Santa Cruz mountains. What was once an old apple orchard has been transformed into a wine and olive farm, with the first vineyards planted in 1995.
This beautiful farm, situated at a 700-foot elevation, produces small batches of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay among other varietals. They prioritise sustainable and organic practices to produce high-quality wines that showcase the region’s unique climate.
Bring your own picnic to enjoy 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
Release your inner child at the oldest amusement park in California. The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a technicolour dream featured in various films, including Harold and Maude and The Lost Boys.
Overlooking the Santa Cruz beach, this family-owned amusement park has been bringing joy to Santa Cruz since 1907. During my visit, we rode the Giant Dipper. This classic wooden coaster celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2024 and is going strong.
Admire the Surfers at Lighthouse Point
Legend has it that three Hawaiian princes brought surfing to Santa Cruz in 1885. And it’s safe to say the county took well to the new sport. Lighthouse Point overlooks the popular Steamer Lane, a surf spot loved for its perfect waves. It’s the ideal place to plop down and watch the surfers or admire the sunset.
While there, stop by the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse. Dedicated to Mark Abbott, who sadly drowned while surfing near Pleasure Point, the lighthouse houses a surfing museum. Here, you can learn more about local surfing culture and history. The museum is open from 12 pm to 4 pm, and is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Tip: Want to do more than watch? Book a beginner surfing lesson to join in on the fun.
Explore Henry Cowell Redwood State Park
California redwoods are the tallest trees in the world and can live for thousands of 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 tall and is about 1500 years old.
When you’re not admiring the majesty of these evergreen giants, you can explore the park by hiking or biking. Or book a campsite to sleep below these ancient trees.
Note: While the California redwoods are known for their resilience, they’re threatened by climate change, invasive species and human mismanagement. During your visit, be sure to do your part by staying on designated trails and leaving no trace behind.
Cycle Along Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a serene little city along the Peninsula, about 25 miles south of San Francisco. With its small-town charm, lush forests and dramatically beautiful coastline, it’s worth a day trip.
Rent a bicycle at Bike Works and hit 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 photo ops and interesting stops along the way. Look out for the Miramar Beach Restaurant, a prohibition-era speakeasy, for a rewarding lunch or sundowners overlooking the shore.
Tip: Cycling not your thing? Rent a car instead! I rode the iconic Highway 1 in a red Mustang, and it was equally breathtaking.
Tour the Historic Filoli House & Gardens
Admire the fairytale-esque beauty of the historic Filoli House. Completed in 1917, this Georgian-revival-inspired home was originally built as a “place to grow young” for Agnes and William Bourn.
After their passing, William “Bill” Roth purchased the home for his family. The house was later donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and refurnished to restore its charm.
Today, the grand property and its manicured gardens are open to visitors. Filoli also offers guided property tours, talks and hikes, as well as seasonal events and workshops. Entry tickets cost $37 for adults and $27 for children aged 5–17 years.
In 2025, Filoli is hosting an enchanting Trolls exhibition by sculpture artist Thomas Dambo. The supersized trolls are crafted from reclaimed materials and aim to inspire humans to be better stewards of the earth. The exhibition will run until 10 November 2025.
FAQs About Visiting the City of Santa Cruz, CA
Explore my answers to some common questions to help you plan for your
What is the best month to visit Santa Cruz?
The best time of year to visit Santa Cruz is just after summer, between September and November, when holiday crowds start to dwindle. This allows you to enjoy the area’s mild climate with less crowded attractions.
Is Santa Cruz walkable?
Santa Cruz is one of California’s most walkable cities, especially around the boardwalk and downtown area. This means you can easily access many restaurants and attractions on foot or even by bicycle.
What should I wear in Santa Cruz?
While Santa Cruz enjoys moderate temperatures during the summer months, temperatures can fluctuate. If you’re visiting during summer or autumn, dress in layers to accommodate possible changes in the weather. A warm sweater or jacket will also come in handy at night. Remember comfy shoes and a hat if you plan on doing a lot of outdoor activities.
Wrapping Up: Top Things to Do in Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz is the perfect destination for family fun or solo travel. Whether you’re visiting for the world-class surf, the iconic boardwalk or the beautiful parks, you won’t be disappointed.
If you’ve got a few more destinations on your California travel itinerary, don’t miss my top tips before visiting LA. Or explore my US bucket list destinations for some more travel inspiration.
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