Become a Virtual Tourist Member Today!  Sign Up for Free | Sign In
Things to Do in Santa Cruz
Search:

Santa Cruz Hotels

Real reviews from real travelers.

Santa Cruz Things To Do

lifeguard stand - Santa Cruz
lifeguard stand
by kazander
Reviews and photos of Santa Cruz attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Santa Cruz sightseeing.
Santa Cruz Map
Santa Cruz Things To DoTips 1 - 10 of 118  
Popular Things To Do (21) | Other Things To Do Tips (69) | All Tips (118)
Sort By:  Most Recent | Best Rated
Boardwalk: The Boardwalk
  • Tip Rating:
    • kazander
  • Updated By kazander on April 29, 2004
  • Santa Cruz Page by kazander
    • Surfer Monument - Santa Cruz
    Surfer Monument
    by kazander
    Remember the movie the Lost Boys? Well those vampires were spending their time at this boardwalk. I can't remember what they renamed the town for the movie, but it was shot here. Tons of rides, games and food vendors. If your in Santa Cruz, you simply must stop by.

    This Surfer monument is not on the boardwalk. If you walk the length of the beach and continue on towards the light house you will come across him.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting Santa Cruz?

    Read reviews about Santa Cruz Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    Finding The Mystery Spot!
  • Tip Rating:
    • Anthro
  • Updated By Anthro on September 17, 2004
  • Santa Cruz Page by Anthro
    • Behold, the Mystery Spot - Santa Cruz
    Behold, the Mystery Spot
    by Anthro
    I have always seen bumperstickers with the Mystery Spot, Santa Cruz but never really knew what it was. Finally, I went and was quite impressed. It only cost $5 for people over 3 years old. There is a guided tour that explains why this particular area is gravity defying. Balls were rolling uphill, people were slanted all sorts of ways. Well, I can't give too much away otherwise you won't go but it was worth the 5 bucks. At the end of the 1/2 hour tour, everyone leaves with a bumpersticker! Pretty cool & clever advertising! Oh, parking is limited so go early.

    Leave a Comment

  • Address: 465 Mystery Spot Road in Santa Cruz
  • Phone: (831) 423-8897
  • Directions: From Hwy 17, exit on Granite Creek Road. Follow it all the way until it turns into Braniforte. Go right. Take that road until you see Mystery Spot Road - about 2 miles or so. The place will be on a dirt road on your right hand side. Follow the sign.
  • Website: www.mysteryspot.com
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Lighthouse Park
  • Tip Rating:
    • kazander
  • Updated By kazander on April 22, 2004
  • Santa Cruz Page by kazander
    • lighthouse - Santa Cruz
    lighthouse
    by kazander
    We visited the lighthouse park, a lovely lighhouse situated in an open green field. Unfortunately we missed the Surfer Museum. Along the way, we did manage to watch quite a few surfers which was even better ;)

    7 am to 10 pm year round
    Museum open Noon to 4 pm, Wednesday - Monday (closed Tuesdays)

    Leave a Comment

  • Address: 701 West Cliff Drive Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • Phone: 831-420-527
  • Directions: picture soon to come
  • Website: http://www.santacruzstateparks.org/parks/lighthouse/index.php
  • Other Contact: 831-420-6289 (surf museum)
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    The Natural Bridges
  • Tip Rating:
    • kazander
  • Updated By kazander on April 22, 2004
  • Santa Cruz Page by kazander
    • natural bridge - Santa Cruz
    natural bridge
    by kazander
    There are buses you can catch from downtown that will take you to the beach with the Natural Bridges. It's not far at all and a beautiful spot just outside of town. I don't remember having to pay one, but the website says that there is a $5 entrance fee.

    October is a great time to visit if you like butterflies. The park is home to thousands of Monarchs during the migration season!

    Open daily 8 am to sunset

    Leave a Comment

  • Address: 2531 West Cliff Drive Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • Phone: 831-423-4609
  • Website: http://www.santacruzstateparks.org/parks/natbridges/index.php
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Santa Cruz Wharf: Santa Cruz Wharf
  • Tip Rating:
    • atufft
  • By atufft on July 7, 2006
  • Santa Cruz Page by atufft
    • Santa Cruz Wharf on the Westside - Santa Cruz
    Santa Cruz Wharf on the
    Westside
    by atufft, 4 more photos
    The Pier at Santa Cruz has many touristy shops, bikini stores, and places to eat. There are several good fish restaurants with great views of the water although for myself, a crab sandwich at Stagnaro's is the best treat. At one time, local fisherman brought their catch to 21 fishmongers that sold here. Now, only two fishmarkets are left, and only Stagnaro's is an original from the earlier fishmonger days. My favorite activity is to buy a crab sandwich and visit the sea lions that hangout in the pylons and beams of the pier. There are two main viewing places. One near the very end of the pier, and another down a stairwell across the pier from Stagnaro's. It's fun to watch the huge animals come and lounge along the beams. Parking is free for the first 30 minutes, and then one has to pay on the way out. Parking on the pier can be difficult, but cruise slow and you'll find a spot.

    Leave a Comment

  • Directions: The Wharf is just west of the Boardwalk. Take Pacific Avenue off Hwys 17 or 1, and follow the signs.
  • Website: http://www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us/pr/wharf/
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting Santa Cruz?

    Read reviews about Santa Cruz Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    Boardwalk: Santa Cruz Boardwalk
  • Tip Rating:
    • atufft
  • By atufft on July 5, 2006
  • Santa Cruz Page by atufft
    • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Arade - Santa Cruz
    Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    Arade
    by atufft, 4 more photos
    California’s oldest amusement park and a State Historic Landmark, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has two National Historic Landmarks: The 1911 Looff Carousel and 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster. Owned and operated by the Santa Cruz Seaside Company since 1915, the Boardwalk remains a family style amusement park. The architecture of the arcade room, the most noteable feature seen from afar other than the roller coaster, has been updated and painted, but remains delightfully retro in style. The boardwalk roller coaster remains one of the highest wooden roller coasters with a real sloppy wooden feel and a panoramic view over the ocean. The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a better choice than Great America in Santa Clara or any of the other South Bay area amusement park, particularly for young adults and teenagers who might also want some beach action. Besides the great roller coaster, there's also a ferris wheel, spinning tea-cups, and other thrills typical of a good amusement park. Cotton candy, snow cones, ice cream sundaes, and other food are available, and there's a huge arcade room of electronic games. With regard to the latter, the boardwalk has perhaps one of the best collection of old-time mechanical games, as well as a great collection of the latest electronic amusements fit for the most addicted Silicon Valley brat. The boardwalk itself is free, but the attractions cost. Arcade opens at 10am, the rides begin at 11am. Check the website for full details. The Pier is also within easy walking distance.

    Leave a Comment

  • Directions: From Hwy 17 follow the beach signs. From Hwy 1, take the downtown/beach access routes and follow the traffic toward the beach.
  • Website: http://www.beachboardwalk.com/home.html
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
  • Tip Rating:
    • Ewingjr98
  • Updated By Ewingjr98 on September 29, 2007
  • Santa Cruz Page by Ewingjr98
    • Redwoods in the popular Redwood Grove Loop - Santa Cruz
    Redwoods in the popular
    Redwood Grove Loop
    by Ewingjr98,
    4 more photos
    Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park consists of 1,800 acres of towering redwoods, steep canyons, and chaparral-covered ridges. It features 15 or 20 miles of trails and limited access roads, for use by horses, bikes, and hikers, with the most famous trail is the short, easy 0.8 mile circular walk called the Redwood Grove Loop Trail through some impressive towering redwoods. The park also offers camping, a visitors center and store, seasonal fishing, and day-use picnic areas. The maximum elevation in the park is 802, and this point features an observation deck on top of a water tower. Animals in the park include raccoons, mule deer, coyotes, silver salmon, steelhead, and the rare but deadly banana slug.

    The park is named after Henry Cowell, a Santa Cruz land baron who arrived in California in 1849. By 1865 he had made his money moving supplies during the gold rush, and he moved to Santa Cruz. By 1886 he owned 6,500 acres including what is today the campus of UC Santa Cruz. In 1930, a small section in the middle of the Cowell property was given to the county as a park, and in 1954 this county park and 1600 acres of Cowell's land were converted into a State Park.

    Leave a Comment

  • Address: 101 North Big Trees Park Road, Felton, CA
  • Phone: 831-335-4598
  • Directions: The main park entrance is on highway 9 in Felton, just a few miles from Highway 17
  • Website: http://www.santacruzstateparks.org/parks/henrycowell/index.php
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Hot Tubs-Massage-Facials Spa
  • Tip Rating:
    • eileencat1
  • By eileencat1 on February 18, 2006
  • Santa Cruz Page by eileencat1
    • Santa Cruz Things To Do
    by eileencat1,
    1 more photos
    This is the Well Within Spa probably the most popular spa in Santa Cruz. They have a wide variety of services to choose from and discounts during off peek hours.

    Reservations Recommended

    Tub Rooms open 11 am to Midnight Daily

    Massage Appointments begin at 10 am

    Leave a Comment

  • Address: 417 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Phone: 831) 458-WELL(9355)
  • Directions: Downtown
  • Website: www.wellwithinspa.com
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Wine with a twist
  • Tip Rating:
    • Parklife
  • By Parklife on June 27, 2003
  • Santa Cruz Page by Parklife
    • Santa Cruz Things To Do
    by Parklife
    If you're a wine lover that hasn't been to Bonny Doon Winery in Santa Cruz, shame on you. Randell Graham has been on the cutting edge of California wine for decades and his innovative philosophy of wine is a welcome change from the Chardonnay/Merlot culture.

    The tasting room here is free and you can try most of the Bonny Doon wines. There is a picnic area outside but no food is available at the tasting room.

    Their website is an adventure all its own.

    Leave a Comment

  • Address: 2 Pine Flat Road
  • Phone: (831) 425-4518
  • Directions: travel eight miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1, you will come to the Bonny Doon Road turnoff. Take this a few miles to Pine Flat road.
  • Website: www.bonnydoonvineyard.com
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Big Dipper on Earth
  • Tip Rating:
    • Parklife
  • By Parklife on June 27, 2003
  • Santa Cruz Page by Parklife
    • big dipper at night - Santa Cruz
    big dipper at night
    by Parklife
    The Big Dipper is a Santa Cruz landmark. Built in 1924, this wooden rollercoaster will give you a ride with magnificent views of the beach and ocean. Well, that is provided you keep your eyes open.

    Rides can be purchased individually or by using the all day pass.

    The boardwalk is famous for it's role in "Lost Boys" as well as other movies.

    Leave a Comment

  • Address: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Website: www.beachboardwalk.com
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | ... 12
    More Santa Cruz Tips
    Overview
         		Hotels and Accommodations
    Tips: 19 - Photos: 12
    Things To Do
    Tips: 118 - Photos: 259    		Nightlife
    Tips: 9 - Photos: 12
    Transportation
    Tips: 10 - Photos: 11    		Restaurants
    Tips: 53 - Photos: 44
    Shopping
    Tips: 6 - Photos: 7    		Off the Beaten Path
    Tips: 41 - Photos: 83
    Tourist Traps
    Tips: 7 - Photos: 8    		Warnings or Dangers
    Tips: 10 - Photos: 9
    Local Customs
    Tips: 8 - Photos: 10    		Packing Lists
    Tips: 3 - Photos: 1
    Sports Travel
    Tips: 4 - Photos: 1    		General Tips
    Tips: 23 - Photos: 16
    Best Santa Cruz Travel Deals

    Santa Cruz Vacation Homes
    Network of Friends with 70+ Vacation Beach Rentals Book Online

    SF Bay Airship Rides
    Fly a Zeppelin over the Golden Gate Tours depart from Oakland & Moffett

    Santa Cruz, CA Hotel
    We Will Beat Other Sites' Prices Guaranteed - Reserve Now and Save!

    Just Steps From the Beach
    Family-friendly – bring the kids! Check out our Boardwalk packages

    Rio Sands Motel
    Steps to Rio Del Mar Beach 8 miles to SantaCruz BeachBoardwalk

    Sponsored Links

    More Santa Cruz Travel Deals

    Ocean Pacific Lodge
    Book Direct & Save. Great Location. Family-Friendly

    Travelodge Santa Cruz
    Free Breakfast, Always Great Rates. Free High Speed Internet, Book Now!

    SANTA CRUZ CA INN
    Santa Cruz Americas Best Value Inn Save More This Holiday, Book Online

    Sponsored Links

    Santa Cruz Hotels

    Cheap hotels from
    Cheap flights from
    Cheap car rentals from
    Cheap cruises from
    Cheap vacations from




    About VirtualTourist |  10 Great Things to Do On VirtualTourist |  Contact Us |  Press Center |  Help |  User Agreement |  Privacy Statement
    Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2009 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.