Sights in Santa Cruz
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
University of California at Santa Cruz
In the hills above town, the University of California at Santa Cruz has 13,000 liberal-leaning students, a redwood-studded campus, architecturally interesting buildings – many of recycled materials – two top-notch galleries and a beautiful arboretum (831-427-2998).
reviewed
-
A
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk dates from 1907 and is the oldest beachfront amusement park on the West Coast. The boardwalk has a glorious old-school Americana vibe, with the smell of cotton candy permeating the salt air, punctuated by the distant squeals of kids hanging upside down on carnival rides. Its most famous rides include the half-mile-long Giant Dipper, a vintage-1924 wooden roller coaster, and the 1911 Looff carousel – both National Historic Landmarks. For kids, the Cave Train is unexpectedly fun for its portrayal of cavemen in modern times. But the thing that’s so great is its proximity to the beach, where parents can wait while teens explore. On Friday nights…
reviewed
-
Mystery Spot
A kitschy, old-fashioned tourist trap, the Mystery Spot has scarcely changed since 1940. On a steeply sloping hillside, compasses seem to point crazily, mysterious forces push you around and buildings lean at silly angles. Make reservations, or risk getting stuck waiting. It's 3 miles north of town. Parking costs $5. Don't forget your bumper sticker!
reviewed
-
Surfing Museum
About a mile south along the coast, the old lighthouse is packed with memorabilia, including vintage redwood boards. It overlooks experts-only Steamers Lane and beginners' Cowell's, both popular surf breaks.
reviewed
-
Natural Bridges State Beach
- Santa Cruz, USA
- Sights › Beach
Further west, this beach bookends a scenic coastal drive or cycle, about 3 miles from the wharf. There are tide pools for exploring and leafy trees in which monarch butterflies roost from October through February.
reviewed
-
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Santa Cruz, USA
- Sights › Other
A 45-minute drive north of Santa Cruz into the mountains via Hwys 9 and 236, Big Basin Redwoods State Park protects 20,000 acres of redwood forest and 80 miles of trails, one of which drops to the Pacific.
reviewed
-
Blue Ball Park
Local moms and dads call Blue Ball Park, north of Soquel Dr, the area's best playground, so named not for the husbands of breast-feeding mothers, but for several giant blue balls that appear to be rolling uphill.
reviewed
-
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Santa Cruz, USA
- Sights › Other
TheHenry Cowell Redwoods State Park has riverside trails through old-growth redwood forests.
reviewed
-
Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab
Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab has cool interactive exhibits for kids.
reviewed
-
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
University-run Long Marine Lab has cool interactive science exhibits for kids, including touch tanks, with the world's largest blue-whale skeleton outside.
reviewed
Advertisement