Things To Do
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Boardwalk is a Santa Cruz classic! Entry is free, but you can buy tickets for rides and arcade games.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Henry Cowell State Park is a short drive from Santa Cruz, and it's a great place to hike among the redwoods.
Wilder Ranch State Park
Wilder Ranch is another nearby state park. The loop path along the cliffs is an easy way to enjoy a beautiful view of the Santa Cruz coast.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is a small aquarium attached to a marine mammal research lab. We love the touch tanks and the whale skeleton!
Twin Lakes State Beach
Twin Lakes is a great locals beach, perfect for avoiding some of the crowds closer to downtown.
Crow's Nest Restaurant
Crow's Nest is one of our favorite restaurants in Santa Cruz. They're great for a nice seafood dinner or a rooftop brunch at the beach.
Marianne's Ice Cream
If you love ice cream, Marianne's is one of our favorites!
Venus Spirits Tasting Room
Venus is an amazing distillery with two locations at either end of town.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey is about an hour drive down the coast from Santa Cruz. If you decide to venture further afield, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is 100% worth the drive! Alex and Danielle grew up visiting and volunteering at the aquarium, and Alex even got to dive in the kelp tank! We recommend buying tickets in advance to skip the longer admissions line.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Another beautiful stop in the Monterey area is Point Lobos, an underrated gem of the Central Coast. The views here are spectacular, and you can enjoy hikes through the woods and along the water to see birds and other wildlife.