MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM
No sojourn to Santa Cruz is complete without a stop at the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium at the ocean’s edge for a world-class window into our prolific underwater world.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
This mountain sanctuary offers 360-degree views, 15 miles of trails and 1,750 acres of old-growth redwoods nearly 1,800 years old.
NATURAL BRIDGES STATE BEACH
Named for the rock formation that bridges across the beach, this 65-acre park features tide pools and a winter habitat for Monarchs.
SEYMOUR MARINE DISCOVERY CENTER
Take a deep dive into this 20,000-square-foot seaside learning center, where you can touch sea life and immerse in the world of ocean exploration.
Lighthouse Field State Beach
Nestled at the northern tip of Monterey Bay, this popular beach is home to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, housed in a 1967 lighthouse.
Wilder Ranch State Park
Step into 7,000 acres of scenic wilds, home to 34 miles of coastal hiking, biking and equestrian trails and a historic 1800’s-era dairy ranch.
Seal Viewing at AÑO NUEVO STATE PARK
Glimpse nature at her most magical as thousands of mighty northern elephant seals return to breed, birth their pups and thrill onlookers.
UC SANTA CRUZ ARBORETUM & BOTANIC GARDEN
Visit the stunning UC Santa Cruz campus and explore 135 conserved acres of rare, endangered and exotic plants from around the world.
SANTA CRUZ HARBOR
Home to small watercraft and pristine beaches, the Santa Cruz Harbor is a mecca for land and sea pursuits like sunset paddles and sand volleyball.
MIDWAY GAMES AND CASINO ARCADE
Test your skills, win prizes and play to your heart’s desire with midway games, air hockey, pinball, Skee-Ball and 300+ video games.
LOOFF CAROUSEL
Prized by the young and young at heart, the historic 1911 carousel by Charles I.D. Looff turns to the tune of three band organs with 73 unique horses and two chariots by one master carver.
KIDDIE RIDES
Bouncin’ Buggies, flying Sea Dragons, a zippy Speedway, a soaring Beach Swing and more cater to little ones who love big Boardwalk fun.
BOARDWALK ATTRACTIONS
Gather your travel mates for a little friendly competition at a two-story mini golf course, a Fright Walk under the Boardwalk, 26 lanes of bowling or a Laser Maze Challenge.
GIANT DIPPER
Deemed a National Historic Landmark, this aptly named 1924 classic wooden coaster is a dose of nostalgia, delivering an exhilarating adrenaline rush that soars 70 feet above sea level.
BOARDWALK FLAVORS
Country fair meets coastal flair in 45+ offerings, from tasty street tacos, smokehouse hot dogs, chowder and poke bowls to frappes, funnel cakes, saltwater taffy and boardwalk specialties.
PRIVATE FIRE PITS
For the consummate coast-rapt experience, reserve a private firepit overlooking the sublime Monterey Bay and gather your besties for convivial soirées.
SANTA CRUZ WHARF
Take a boat ride, play bocce or join the merriment of the historic half-mile stroll jutting over the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary on the longest timber pier on the US coast.
THE BOARDWALK HISTORIUM
Housed on the second floor of Neptune’s Kingdom, the Boardwalk Historium is a captivating gateway into a century of Boardwalk photos and memorabilia.
SANTA CRUZ MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY
Housed in the downtown McPherson Center, the MAH hosts year-round interactive exhibitions, hands-on events and only-in-Santa-Cruz experiences.
SANTA CRUZ MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Known affectionately by locals as “the Whale Museum,” this early California ode to the natural world hosts enriching artifacts, exhibits and events.
THE SANTA CRUZ CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY
Catering to kids 12 and under, the MOD inspires young minds to learn, play and explore the wonders that surround.
