Things To Do
The Mystery Spot
The Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly located in the redwood forests just outside of Santa Cruz, California. It is a circular area of effect around 150 feet or 46 meters in diameter. Within the Mystery Spot, you will be stunned as your perceptions of the laws of physics and gravity are questioned.
Loch Lomond Recreation Area
A range of activities can be found at LLRA including boat rentals, picnicking, fishing, hiking and natural resources interpretive programming.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Enjoy the beautiful Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Enjoy walking around, doing some rides, eating some classic park food, or a sunset on the beach.
Capitola
Great beach, shopping, and food. Recommended restaurant: Gayle's!
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
The oldest state park in California was impacted by a bad wildfire in 2020, but is open for hiking and exploring.
Highway 1 Scenic Drive
If you arrive on Friday morning in San Francisco Airport and have some time to explore, here are a few of our favorite local treasures to visit on your way down the coastline: Fuel Up in Pacifica: Start your drive with a stop at Rosalind Bakery. Their pastries and coffee are the perfect fuel for a coastal cruise. The Best Views at Montara: Pull off at the second turn-off for Montara State Beach. You can take in the dramatic cliffside views or walk down to the sand at our favorite beach. A Mid-Day Bite: The Barn: Incredible American-style comfort food with great outdoor seating. Old Princeton Landing: A true local legend. Grab some Hawaiian-style food and drinks and look up at the famous surfboards in the rafters. It’s right near Mavericks Beach, where some of the world’s largest waves break during the winter. Sam’s Chowder House: A classic for a reason. Enjoy their famous clam chowder and seafood with a view of the docks and jetty. Nature Stops: The Elephant Seal Overlook