What to do in Santa Cruz, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Santa Cruz featuring rocky coastline, general coastal views and a beach
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz featuring bird life
Santa Cruz featuring general coastal views, flowers and rugged coastline
Santa Cruz which includes flowers, tropical scenes and rugged coastline

Santa Cruz Tourist Attractions & Activities

If you’re searching for an exciting holiday, count on Expedia.com.au to help you find interesting attractions, enlightening experiences, and tons of other fun things to do in Santa Cruz AU$31. From first-rate tours to incredible deals on sightseeing trips – our extensive selection of local things to do and places to visit is just a few clicks away.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re travelling alone, alongside your main squeeze, or with your favourite friends or family members, Expedia has the inside scoop on what to see and do while in this corner of the world. And our search tool makes it simple to score the best deals around. So regardless of if you are on a tight budget or prefer to spare no expense, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for by browsing over 16 activities in Santa Cruz, California.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Santa Cruz

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What to do in Santa Cruz


Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Cruz

Explore areas of Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz which includes general coastal views and views as well as an individual male

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(16 area reviews)

Travellers to Westside Santa Cruz praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay.

Westside Santa Cruz
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Eastside Santa Cruz

4/5(1 area review)

Travellers come to Eastside Santa Cruz for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town.

Eastside Santa Cruz
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Pleasure Point

While visiting Pleasure Point, you might make a stop by sights like Monterey Bay and 38th Avenue Beach Access.

Pleasure Point
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Beach Hill - Beach Flats

While there might not be top attractions in Beach Hill - Beach Flats, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach.

Beach Hill - Beach Flats
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Downtown Santa Cruz

Unique features of Downtown Santa Cruz include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Pacific Avenue or Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Santa Cruz
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Upper Seabright

While Upper Seabright isn't home to many top sights, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Harbor are some notable places to visit nearby.

Upper Seabright

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Santa Cruz is explore Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Tick this major attraction off your list, then discover more of this area's history and surfing.
How do I spend a day in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp Railroads are two excellent places to start your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Santa Cruz while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz is Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Cruz?
Three days will be plenty of time to check out some popular city attractions, like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Wharf and Natural Bridges State Park. The average stay in Santa Cruz is two days. If you have the urge to extend your trip, San Jose isn't far away.
Is Santa Cruz a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, Santa Cruz is a good destination to visit on foot. Enjoy wandering between Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf. Then take a stroll around Westside Santa Cruz, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Lower Ocean, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our ideas for what to do in Santa Cruz with kids.

What to do in Santa Cruz for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there's no shortage of things to do in Santa Cruz for adults including Soquel Vineyards and Poetic Cellars Winery.
Are there free things to do in Santa Cruz?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Santa Cruz is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without taking your wallet out. Santa Cruz Wharf is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.