Neighborhoods
parks.ca.gov/?page-id=523
(650) 879-2025
The park offers guided walks lead by volunteer docent naturalist to see the elephant seals in their natural habitat inside the Natural Preserve. The first tours to see these majestic animals begin on Dec 15 through March 31. A reservation is recommended .
Ano Nuevo State Marine Conservation Area
parks.ca.gov/?page-id=523
(650) 879-2025
The park offers guided walks lead by volunteer docent naturalist to see the elephant seals in their natural habitat inside the Natural Preserve. The first tours to see these majestic animals begin on Dec 15 through March 31. A reservation is recommended .
A scenic coastline road along the ocean cliff with beautiful unsurpassed views of the ocean and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk; the busy walking path is a great spot to clear your mind, be refreshed or watch the expert surfers. There is a lighthouse with a surfer's museum at Steamers Lane - a renown surving spot-
193 locals recommend
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff DriveA scenic coastline road along the ocean cliff with beautiful unsurpassed views of the ocean and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk; the busy walking path is a great spot to clear your mind, be refreshed or watch the expert surfers. There is a lighthouse with a surfer's museum at Steamers Lane - a renown surving spot-
Sightseeing
(831) 728-2822 1700 Elkhorn Rd., Watsonville
One of California's largest wetlands and salt marshes; you will experience an amazing variety ;of wildlife such as sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and hundreds of species of birds. Kayaking is available.
22 locals recommend
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
(831) 728-2822 1700 Elkhorn Rd., Watsonville
One of California's largest wetlands and salt marshes; you will experience an amazing variety ;of wildlife such as sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and hundreds of species of birds. Kayaking is available.
(831) 622-8100 8035 Soquel Dr., Aptos
At the entrance of Nisene Marks State Park.
Bike rentals are available.
19 locals recommend
Epicenter Cycling
8035 Soquel Dr(831) 622-8100 8035 Soquel Dr., Aptos
At the entrance of Nisene Marks State Park.
Bike rentals are available.
(831) 464-5620 Aptos Creek Rd., Aptos Village
This is a beautiful park with many trails; the forest is breathtaking. It is always relaxing to experience the silence of the big redwood forest. Park inside the park far back so you can avoid walking the main road.
7 locals recommend
The Forest of Nisene Marks Entrance Station
664-784 Aptos Creek Fire Rd(831) 464-5620 Aptos Creek Rd., Aptos Village
This is a beautiful park with many trails; the forest is breathtaking. It is always relaxing to experience the silence of the big redwood forest. Park inside the park far back so you can avoid walking the main road.
(831) 722-1056 55 Peckham Rd., Watsonville
"Pick-Yor-Self" strawberries, olallieberries, boysenberries and apples are available in season. Experience the most fun part of growing fruits. Their apple and berry pies are created at the farm and are offered for sale. They do not accept credit cards.
46 locals recommend
Gizdich Ranch
55 Peckham Rd(831) 722-1056 55 Peckham Rd., Watsonville
"Pick-Yor-Self" strawberries, olallieberries, boysenberries and apples are available in season. Experience the most fun part of growing fruits. Their apple and berry pies are created at the farm and are offered for sale. They do not accept credit cards.
(831) 427-2227 302-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz
This venue has grown from its small beginnings to one of the most highly respected jazz presenting institutions in the country, attracting artists of national and international renown. They present over 120 concerts per year at an intimate 200 seat setting.
52 locals recommend
Kuumbwa Jazz Center
320-2 Cedar St(831) 427-2227 302-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz
This venue has grown from its small beginnings to one of the most highly respected jazz presenting institutions in the country, attracting artists of national and international renown. They present over 120 concerts per year at an intimate 200 seat setting.
(831) 430-4357 17 Conference Dr., Felton
AN exhilarating adventure while exploring the redwood forest! There are three aerial trails and over 30 elements, including swinging logs, cargo nets and cables which are 30 to 80 fee in the air.
49 locals recommend
Mount Hermon Adventures
17 Conference Dr(831) 430-4357 17 Conference Dr., Felton
AN exhilarating adventure while exploring the redwood forest! There are three aerial trails and over 30 elements, including swinging logs, cargo nets and cables which are 30 to 80 fee in the air.
End of 41st Avenue, Santa Cruz
A world renowned surf location; traditionally defined as the area along the coast form 41st Avenue to Moran Lagoon. The "Hook" as it is locally known is always a great spot to watch the Santa Cruz Surfing Culture. There is a newly renovated walk way along the cliff.
116 locals recommend
Pleasure Point
End of 41st Avenue, Santa Cruz
A world renowned surf location; traditionally defined as the area along the coast form 41st Avenue to Moran Lagoon. The "Hook" as it is locally known is always a great spot to watch the Santa Cruz Surfing Culture. There is a newly renovated walk way along the cliff.
https://beachboardwalk.com/
A Santa Cruz icon; on the beach with rides, miniature golf, food courts and games.
744 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach Sthttps://beachboardwalk.com/
A Santa Cruz icon; on the beach with rides, miniature golf, food courts and games.
(831) 420-6115 1305 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz
This museum has been bringing the delights and wonders of the natural world to Santa Cruz through their exhibits. The Museum has made its home in the Seabright neighborhood since 1932.
50 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
1305 E Cliff Dr(831) 420-6115 1305 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz
This museum has been bringing the delights and wonders of the natural world to Santa Cruz through their exhibits. The Museum has made its home in the Seabright neighborhood since 1932.
End of State Park Drive, Aptos
The beach is most known for the Concrete Ship SS Palo Alto lying in the water at the end of a 50 foot pier. North of Seacliff State Beach is New Brighton State Beach. There is a walk way and picnic area for visitors.
97 locals recommend
Seacliff State Beach
State Park DriveEnd of State Park Drive, Aptos
The beach is most known for the Concrete Ship SS Palo Alto lying in the water at the end of a 50 foot pier. North of Seacliff State Beach is New Brighton State Beach. There is a walk way and picnic area for visitors.
(831) 459-3800 100 Shaffer Rd., Santa Cruz
Visit a working marine laboratory. Exhibit halls, aquarium, touch tanks, tours to marine mammal research overlook, Ocean Discovery Shop and unsurpassed visits of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Hold a sea star, marvel at the world's largest whale skeleton, touch a shark, think like a scientist.
80 locals recommend
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
100 McAllister Way(831) 459-3800 100 Shaffer Rd., Santa Cruz
Visit a working marine laboratory. Exhibit halls, aquarium, touch tanks, tours to marine mammal research overlook, Ocean Discovery Shop and unsurpassed visits of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Hold a sea star, marvel at the world's largest whale skeleton, touch a shark, think like a scientist.
(831) 728-2532 2660 East Lake Ave (Hwy 152), Watsonville
(Closes to Gizdich Ranch)
Specialize in plants & gardens for California's Mediterranean climate. Dozen of artists & over a hundreds sculptures are exhibited in the beautiful two acre garden. Medias range from steel, wook & ceramics, to bronze, glass & concrete.
6 locals recommend
Sierra Azul Nursery-Garden
2660 E Lake Ave(831) 728-2532 2660 East Lake Ave (Hwy 152), Watsonville
(Closes to Gizdich Ranch)
Specialize in plants & gardens for California's Mediterranean climate. Dozen of artists & over a hundreds sculptures are exhibited in the beautiful two acre garden. Medias range from steel, wook & ceramics, to bronze, glass & concrete.
(831) 218-2730
The Monterey Bay is California's best location for viewing Humpback whales, Orcas, Blue Whales and the abundance of marine species that call the Pacific Ocean home. Sea Goddess Whale Watching promises a once-in-a-lifetime whale watching experience.
14 locals recommend
Blue Ocean Whale Watching on the Monterey Bay
7881 Sandholdt Rd(831) 218-2730
The Monterey Bay is California's best location for viewing Humpback whales, Orcas, Blue Whales and the abundance of marine species that call the Pacific Ocean home. Sea Goddess Whale Watching promises a once-in-a-lifetime whale watching experience.
(831) 423-9703 1401 Old Coast Rd., Santa Cruz
The park has 34 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trains winding through coastal terraces and valleys. Several restored buildings once belonging to the Wilder family are preserved. The park has tours and living history demonstrations to explore the history of early ranchers and farmers along the Central Coast.
219 locals recommend
Wilder Ranch State Park
1401 Coast Rd(831) 423-9703 1401 Old Coast Rd., Santa Cruz
The park has 34 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trains winding through coastal terraces and valleys. Several restored buildings once belonging to the Wilder family are preserved. The park has tours and living history demonstrations to explore the history of early ranchers and farmers along the Central Coast.
A charming beach community with shopping, dining, museum, pier and esplanade to enjoy the view of the ocean and village atmosphere.
167 locals recommend
Capitola Beach Company
131 Monterey AveA charming beach community with shopping, dining, museum, pier and esplanade to enjoy the view of the ocean and village atmosphere.
Corralitos Wine Trail: https://www.corralitoswinetrail.com/
Sunny Corralitos, at the southern, coastal end of the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation, is 20 minutes south of Santa Cruz. In this idyllic spot for grape growing, six independent, family-owned wineries have come together to establish the Corralitos Wine Trail.
Corralitos
Corralitos Wine Trail: https://www.corralitoswinetrail.com/
Sunny Corralitos, at the southern, coastal end of the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation, is 20 minutes south of Santa Cruz. In this idyllic spot for grape growing, six independent, family-owned wineries have come together to establish the Corralitos Wine Trail.