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