Santa Cruz Guide

Things to do, facts to know, places to park, areas to see and more about Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz

Highlighted overnight parking rentals around Santa Cruz

Things to do around Santa Cruz

  • Stroll the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to ride the historic Giant Dipper coaster, play seaside arcade games, and enjoy ocean views along the promenade.
  • Explore Natural Bridges State Beach at low tide to see coastal rock arches, tide pools, and migrating monarch butterflies from late fall through winter.
  • Walk or bike along West Cliff Drive from the Wharf to Lighthouse Point for coastal views and surfers carving waves at Steamer Lane.
  • Visit the Santa Cruz Wharf to sample fresh seafood, watch sea lions beneath the pier, and browse local boutiques overlooking Monterey Bay.

Fun Facts

  • The Giant Dipper roller coaster opened in 1924 and remains one of the oldest wooden coasters still operating on the West Coast.
  • Santa Cruz is recognized as the birthplace of mainland surfing in the United States, with roots tracing back to 1885 Hawaiian princes.
  • The University of California, Santa Cruz campus overlooks Monterey Bay and is home to one of the largest collections of redwood groves in an urban setting.
  • The city’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary protects more than 6,000 square miles of ocean, making it one of the largest marine sanctuaries in the U.S.

Meet Vanly

A driveway surfing platform that matches van dwellers, weekend worriers, and car campers with highly qualified driveway space to help you have the best experience possible. Vanly hosts offer a range of amenities from Wi-fi, bathrooms and even pool access. Learn more about us here

Some More Places We Love


Adirondack ParkFind Stays
Michigan’s Upper PeninsulaFind Stays
San DiegoFind Stays
Crater LakeFind Stays
Sequoia National ParkFind Stays
Yellowstone National ParkFind Stays
Glacier National ParkFind Stays
Flagstaff & SedonaFind Stays
Southern UtahFind Stays
Yosemite National ParkFind Stays
Lake TahoeFind Stays
Big Bear LakeFind Stays
Death ValleyFind Stays