Things To Do
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been the go-to attraction in Santa Cruz for over 100 years. Home to famous rides such as the Giant Dipper roller coaster and the 1911 Looff Carousel, the boardwalk is one of the only beachfront amusement parks in the country. Join generations of Santa Cruz locals and visitors by creating your own lasting memories at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!
Humble Sea Brewing Co.
Our philosophy is simple: to save the world from mundane beer experiences. We believe in taking risks, pushing boundaries, and occasionally blowing domes. We're here to make beer that makes you think, "Damn, I didn't know beer could do that!" while simultaneously making you forget how to use your indoor voice. We envision a future where hop heads and lager lovers unite, and where "beer belly" is a term of endearment. We try to bring innovation while keeping things approachable and kooky. Think less beer snob, more beer nerd.
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
Founded in 2005, Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing is proud to produce an American made product that is putting people to work locally. With twelve employees, we are a small but efficient operation. Yes, beer helps the economy. Buy local. Drink up. Feel good about organic beer. And thanks for supporting your local, neighborhood brewery.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Ask one hundred different people for their favorite part of downtown Santa Cruz and you’re likely to get one hundred different answers. From the unique and eclectic shops and restaurants to a cutting-edge music scene, family-friendly activities, and year-round schedule of events, there’s truly an attraction for everyone in the vibrant and inviting district of downtown Santa Cruz, California. The best surf shop in Santa Cruz is Berdels!
Santa Cruz Beaches
Situated on the Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, California is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the Central Coast. Whether you're interested in surfing, beachcombing, wildlife watching, sunbathing or simply relaxing at the beach, you're sure to discover the perfect Santa Cruz beach to fulfill your pursuits. A number of popular Santa Cruz beaches are located close to the Hotel Paradox.
Mission Santa Cruz
Established by Padre Lasuen on September 25, 1791, Mission la Exaltacion de la Santa Cruz was the 12th of the 21 California religious outposts. In addition to the beautiful Holy Cross Church built on the site of the original mission church in 1889, the adjacent museum—the only surviving mission building—showcases a fascinating collection of historic vestments, vessels, and candlesticks.
Pleasure Point Drive & East Cliff Drive
A laid-back surf neighborhood on Santa Cruz’s east side, Pleasure Point is best experienced on foot along East Cliff Drive. This blufftop path winds above the waves, offering sweeping views of Monterey Bay and front-row seats to surfers carving at world-famous breaks like Rockview, !st Peak, 38th, The Hook. Along the way, you’ll pass lookout parks, a wooden tiki landmark, and even the cliffside home of surf legend Jack O’Neill. The stroll captures the heart of Santa Cruz surf culture: wetsuits drying on fences, cruisers rolling past, and neighbors gathering at the farmers’ market or coffee shops on nearby 41st Avenue. Whether you’re here to surf, spectate, or simply soak in the salty air, Pleasure Point makes every step feel like part of the local rhythm
West Cliff Drive
Stretching nearly three miles along the Santa Cruz coastline, West Cliff Drive offers some of the most iconic ocean views in California. Perfect for walking, biking, or simply pausing to watch the surfers at Steamer Lane, this scenic path winds past coves, tidepools, and the historic Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Sunrise brings a quiet calm, while sunsets paint the horizon with unforgettable color. It’s not just a walk, it’s a Santa Cruz ritual.
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Located in the historic Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum celebrates over 100 years of surfing in Santa Cruz. In addition to antique redwood plank surfboards and early edition wetsuits, visitors will enjoy stunning views of Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay.
Capitola Village Mercantile
Capitola Village is an upscale historic seaside resort on the coast in Santa Cruz County, just six miles south of Santa Cruz. This quaint resort town offers visitors a wide range of shopping, dining, and beach activities. The oldest beach resort on the Pacific Coast, Capitola offers remarkably pleasant weather year-round. Be sure to check out the Capitola Wharf for beautiful sunset views.
The Mystery Spot
The Mystery Spot is a circular area in the redwood forests where the effects of physics, gravity, perception, and height do not appear to behave normally. Discovered in 1939, the area is the subject of much speculation as to the cause of this scientific anomaly, with explanations ranging from extra-terrestrial activity to geological irregularities. There is also a nearby hiking trail and a gift shop.
Seabright Beach
A local favorite, Seabright stretches half a mile between the Boardwalk and the Harbor, perfect for sunbathing, dog walks, and sunset watching. Visitors gather around fire rings for marshmallows in summer, stroll the jetty to Walton Lighthouse, or catch views of the Wednesday night sailboat races. With a warmer climate than most nearby beaches, Seabright offers easy access, restrooms, summer lifeguards, and a true neighborhood vibe.
Natural Bridges State Beach
The Natural Bridges State Park, with its iconic natural rock bridge, is ideal for watching shore and ocean birds, migrating whales, and seals and otters cavorting in the shallow waters. At low tide, tide pools are filled with sea stars, crabs, sea anemones, and other ocean life. From mid-October to late January, the park’s canyons and eucalyptus groves draw thousands of beautiful Monarch Butterflies.
Shark Fin Cove
Ye-old Instagram spot, but also a very beautiful spot with a small, lovely, beach. Can best be experienced at sunset!