Experience Santa Cruz…
With its wealth of beaches, parks and open spaces and the great Pacific Ocean, Santa Cruz has a plethora of indoor and outdoor recreational activities for you to enjoy. Whether it’s a day hike through the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, biking down the Wilder Ranch State Park single track or riding the Big Dipper rollercoaster at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz is a recreational paradise. And after the fun and games are over, take a breather and enjoy one of its fine restaurants or pick out that perfect gift at one of the unique boutiques along the Pacific Garden Mall.
Click on the following items to see more.
Attractions
Beaches
Biking
|| Guided Tours || Rentals || Trails
Guided Bicycle Tours
Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 722-BIKE (2453)
Aptos, CA (831) 234-3383
Mountain bike through the Redwoods! Shuttle Smith Adventures offers bike shuttles daily to the top of the Forest of Nisene Marks SP, where you can ride the challenging singletrack loops of Soquel Demonstration Forest, one of the leading freeride and cross-country destinations in the world!
Bicycle Rentals
320 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz Ca 95060 (831) 471-2453
914 41st. Ave., Santa Cruz (831) 475-3883
Family Cycling Center is a bike shop located on 914 41st Ave, Capitola CA. We carry Santa Cruz Bikes, Specialized, Electra Cruisers & more.
Bicycle Trails
Local Article: Wednesday Night Rides in the Forest of Nisene Marks SP
Local Article: Riding in the Forest of Nisene Marks SP & the Soquel Demonstration Forest
The Regional Transportation Commission
1523 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 460-3200
This web site provides two very detailed city and county bike route maps.
An old article dedicated to the best biking trails in the Santa Cruz Area.
Located north of Santa Cruz, immediately west of Hwy 1 831-423-9703
The Park has 4,505 acres, with 34 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails winding through coastal terraces and valleys.
850 N. Branciforte Drive, Santa Cruz, CA
Trails are open to hikers and bicyclists. Please stay on designated trails.
333 Golf Club Drive, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 420-5270
Pogonip features approximately 8 miles of hiking trails. In the northernmost portion of Pogonip, a multi-use trail (approximately one mile in length) is open hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. This multi-use trail provides a connection between Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Pogonip, and the upper UCSC campus. Bicycles and horses are prohibited on all other trails. Bicyclists must ride responsibly and at a safe speed.
University of California Santa Cruz – UCSC
1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA Campus Police at (831) 459-2231
UCSC has many excellent bike trails on campus lands adjacent to the Campus Natural Reserve. Use of the campus trails, are encouraged. Riding bicycles in the reserve, on the trails or elsewhere, is prohibited
Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos Creek Road, Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 831-763-7062
The park offers rugged semi-wilderness, rising from sea level to steep coastal mountains of more than 2,600 feet. It has over 30 miles of hiking, jogging and biking trails.
Soquel Demonstration State Park
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
4750 Old San Jose Road, Soquel, CA (831) 475-8643
Offering almost 5 miles (out and back) trails, this preserve is extremely popular with mountain bikers.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 North Big Trees Park Road, Felton, CA (831) 438-2396
This park features 15 miles of hiking and riding trails through a forest that looks much the same as it did 200 years ago.
21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA (831) 338-8860
The park has over 80 miles of trails. Be sure and pick up a map at park headquarters before your hike and take a look at the multimedia kiosk in the Sempervirens Room (next to park headquarters). There you will find great information, photos, and video of some of the most popular trails.
Located at Peters Creek trailhead on the west side of Skyline Boulevard, about 3.6 miles north of its intersection with Highway 9, and approximately 3.3 miles south of its intersection with Page Mill Road.
Since one can take short hikes or rides to scenic overlooks or longer loop trips, the preserve is very popular with hikers, cyclists, and equestrians.
Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve
Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) and Highway 9 intersection
The two mile multi-use Saratoga Gap Trail provides great opportunities for hikers, bikers, and equestrians.
Bird Watching
Box 267, Moss Landing, CA 95039 (831) 728-5939
Elkhorn Slough harbors the largest tract of tidal salt marsh in California outside of San Francisco Bay. This ecological treasure at the center of the Monterey Bay coastline provides much-needed habitat for hundreds of species of plants and animals, including more than 340 species of birds.
Docent-led tours of the Reserve are held every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. There is also an early birding walk the first Saturday of every month at 8:30 a.m.
The Club sponsors birding walks in and around Santa Cruz County. For a very detailed list of the best birding locations, please review the Club’s Guide to Birding in Santa Cruz County, California.
Organizations and Articles of Interest:
|| Protecting the Snowy Plover – New Rules and Regulations
|| Sequoia Audubon Society – Environmental Education and Conservation
Bowling
115 Cliff St., Santa Cruz (831) 426-3324
Camping
Childrens Day & Summer Camps
Eco-Tourism
Family Favorites
Day Spas
Fitness Centers
Fishing
Gardens/Ag-Tours
Golf Courses
Hiking
Santa Cruz is home to a number of wonderful areas that are perfect for hiking and nature walks.
To review our listings of hiking trails and nature walks, please click here for a complete list of trails.
Horse Back Riding
Monterey Bay Equestrian Center — Beach rides
19805 Pesante Rd., Salinas (831) 663-5712
Horse-N-Around – The Mitchell Ranch
980 Travers Lane, Watsonville, CA 95076 (408) 528-5461
Horse-n-Around offers horseback riding lessons to beginner riders of all ages. We have a unique children’s Discovery Program designed to introduce children to the world of horses. We also offer summer camps.
Kayaking
Box 267, Moss Landing, CA 95039 (831) 728-5939
Elkhorn Slough harbors the largest tract of tidal salt marsh in California outside of San Francisco Bay. This ecological treasure at the center of the Monterey Bay coastline provides much-needed habitat for hundreds of species of plants and animals, including more than 340 species of birds.
For the kayak lovers, the reserve is absolutely wonderful! Click here to read how to protect the reserve and where to launch and land your kayak >>
303 Potrero, Santa Cruz (831) 458-3648
413 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz (831) 479-1121
2370 Hwy 1, Moss Landing (831) 724-5692
693 Del Monte Ave., Monterey (800) 649-5357
2 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 425-8445
Venture Quest Kayaking of Santa Cruz offers a unique opportunity to explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary from a kayak!
Music Venues
Parks, Open Spaces, and Preserves
Rock/Wall Climbing
Along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock State Park contains 3,600 acres of coast redwood, Douglas-fir, and madrone forest. Steep canyons are sprinkled with unusual rock formations that are popular with rock climbers, and hikers can enjoy the 32 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails.
Pacific Edge Rock Climbing Gym
104 Bronson, Santa Cruz (831) 454-9254
Santa Cruz. 50 feet high. Leading, top-roping and bouldering. Gear shop. Parties. Courses offered.
Roller Skating
1606 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz (831) 423-0844
Sailing Schools
Lighthall Yacht Charters — Sailing School
790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (831) 429-1970
Sail Santa Cruz with Lighthall Charters, We offer Private Charters, Mixer Cruises, Sailing Lessons, Burials At Sea, Ash Scatterings, Scatterings at Sea, and Bare …
Pacific Yachting & Sailing — Sailing School
790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz (831) 423-7245
Sailing instruction on Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Located in the Santa Cruz yacht harbor.
U.C. Santa Cruz Boating Center — Sailing School
Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (831) 425-1164
Santa Cruz 27 keelboat sailing infront of the harbormouth. rowing shells leaving the harbormouth headed out to sea. Junior sailing class sailing Coronado 15s ..
Scenic Boat Tours/Rentals
790 Mariner Pkwy. #A, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (831) 423-1213
Tours of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary aboard the 70′ ultralight sailing yacht Chardonnay II. Charters include whale watching, wine tasting, …
275 Lake Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (831) 818-3645
Come aboard the 65′ Team O’Neill catamaran and experience an adventure on the … OYC offers a smooth, stable sailing experience for all aboard, as we cruise …
Pacific Yachting & Sailing — Sailing School
790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz (831) 423-7245
244 Fourth Ave., Santa Cruz (831) 425-0690
SCUBA Diving
303 Potrero, Santa Cruz (831) 458-3648
6896 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz (831) 423-3483
Aqua Safaris has been the Santa Cruz County go-to for all things SCUBA for over 25 years. Travel, equipment sales & rental, repairs, and training.
614 Lighthouse Ave., Santa Cruz (831) 372-1685
Skateboarding
225 San Lorenzo Blvd at Riverside Ave., Santa Cruz, CA
508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, CA
Among the first public skateboard tracks. A favorite of street stylists
Jim Keefe Skate Park at Highlands County Park
8500 Highway 9 Ben Lomond, CA (831) 336-5366
1301 Main St., Watsonville, CA
361 Kings Village Rd Scotts Valley, CA
Surfing
Theater – Live
Theme Parks
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA
Explorer1.com Review – The boardwalk has the prefect blend of thrill rides and beautiful beaches. Although it’s great for older teens, the park also has an area dedicated for younger visitors with tame rides and various activities.
The best part of the boardwalk is its proximity to the beach, waves and the municipal wharf. When the park crowds become too much, you can always break away and enjoy the beach life.
3050 Hecker Pass Rd Gilroy, CA 95020 (408) 840-7100
Explorer1.com Review – Excellent family oriented theme park — especially for families with younger children. The rides are pretty tame and there are lots of activities gear toward the little ones.
Although the food at the park seems to be better than most theme parks, most families opt to bring their own snacks and drinks. It’s healthier and a lot more cost effective.
Gilroy can be extremely hot in the summer, so make sure to take plenty of water and sun screen!
4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Looking for a major theme park with really cool rides? Click here to expand your search.
Tours - Guided
Culinary and Walking Tour ─ Santa Cruz Food Tour
529 Chestnut St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (800) 838-3006
Santa Cruz Food Tour offers a 3.5-hour cultural and culinary walking tour where you taste delicious food in out-of-the-way places and explore history and architecture in hidden neighborhoods. Come hungry and leave full. Rain or shine this is a non-touristy adventure you won’t find anywhere else. People who have taken our tour have made us the number 1 Santa Cruz tour on TripAdvisor.com. Our downtown tour is 30% off at $52.50 and includes all the food and drink along the way (enough for a full meal).
Elkhorn Slough Safari Nature Tour
(831) 633-5555
Redwood Adventures
P.O. Box 1191, Boulder Creek (831) 338-1191
Train Rides
Roaring Camp Big Trees Railroad
Graham Hill Rd., Felton (831) 335-4484
Walking
A walker’s guide to some of the most scenic areas Santa Cruz has to offer.
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park 140 School Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
The Mission Hill District is the birthplace of Santa Cruz and the first permanent European settlement in Santa Cruz County.
Walnut Avenue Downtown Santa Cruz
With its uninterrupted Victorian buildings and mature tree cover, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll down one of the most beautiful streets in the City. Building ages range from 1870 to 1938. Click here for Walking Tour brochure (PDF)
Ocean View Avenue
Established in 1871, this street is made up of many large homes that were originally built by wealthy year-round residents of San Jose and Central Valley residents looking for fine summer homes. Click here for Walking Tour brochure (PDF)
Beach Hill
The area’s historic residences reflect changes in Santa Cruz architectural styles form sea captain’s cottages to mansions to bungalows. Click here for Walking Tour brochure (PDF)
West Cliff Drive
Explorer1 Review — Located between the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Municipal Wharf at one end and Natural Bridges State Park at the other, it is home to perhaps the most scenic pathway in Santa Cruz. The two mile drive has extra wide pathways that are wheelchair accessible and are designated “multiuse”. They are perfect for cycling, skating, and walking. West Cliff also provides visual and physical access points to surfing, tide pools, beaches, fishing, Frisbee, and skim boarding.
During the peak tourist season and various surf and sea kayak contests, the area can get extremely busy. Also, the local surfers at Steamer Lane can get a little territorial with the waves.
When visiting West Cliff Drive, don’t forget to visit the “Surf Museum” located in Lighthouse Field.
University of California Santa Cruz – UCSC
1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA Campus Police at (831) 459-2231
UCSC has many excellent bike trails on campus lands adjacent to the Campus Natural Reserve. Use of the campus trails, are encouraged. Riding bicycles in the reserve, on the trails or elsewhere, is prohibited
Next the the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. (831) 420-5270
Home to several restaurants and shops, you can spend hours strolling along the wharf while you take in the sights and sounds of Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz Port Dist., 135 Fifth Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 475-6161
Along with housing boats, the harbor is also home to several restaurants and bars. The harbor has wide walkways and a service road that boarders the harbor. The mostly flat surfaces make it perfect for walking, jogging and biking. Also, with the exception of the harbor’s restaurant/bar area, most of the course has very little car traffic.
Also see biking and hiking links
Whale-Watching Tours
Whale Watching – Central Coast Santa Cruz, Monterey, Half Moon Bay
From Dec-May, thousands of gray whales swim north along the California coast on their way to summer feeding grounds. Oceanic Society and others offer boat tours to view these majestic creatures up close..
Gray Whales – 20,000 Gray Whales pass by the Central Coast two times every year. During December through mid February, the whales migrate south from the arctic waters off the coast of Alaska to their winter birthing grounds off of the Baja Peninsula. Then from mid February through April, they return to the arctic waters to feed. Peak viewing times are usually mid January and mid March. More background on the Gray Whale >>
Humpback Whales – Spending the winter months off of the Mexican Coast to breed and give birth, the Humpback Whales migrate north to polar waters to feed during the summer months. Humpback Whales are most common off the Central Coast from April through November. More background on the Humpback >>
Wind Surfing