Things To Do
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The boardwalk will be in full swing in July! Lots of carnival games, rides, and fried food. A family favorite is the pirate themed mini golf. It's indoors and out of the sun if you need a cool down.
Venture Quest Kayak
This tour takes you around the bay to spot the local Sea Otters. Early morning is usually best when the water is calmer.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Lots of fun hikes at all levels nearby to see the redwood trees. The redwood loop is totally flat and takes about 10 min from the parking lot. There are a few trails that leave from the same parking lot if you'd like to venture further.
Downtown Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz bookstore is always fun, there's tons of vintage shops further down the road, and we love stopping in at Chocolate cafe, or lulu carpenters to grab a cup of coffee. Zoccoli's deli has some great sandwiches too!
Santa Cruz Wharf
Lots of shops and restaurants overlooking the water.
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive is a beautiful stretch of road that follows the coastline. There's a lovely walk from Natural Bridges beach to the lighthouse off steamers (the local surf spot Santa Cruz is famous for), keep walking down the path past steamers and you'll run into Steamer Lane Supply, a cafe serving the local surf crowd. Just past that is also Shrine Coffee, one of Lauren's mom's favorites. There's a few smaller beaches along the way accessible via staircases, feel free to bring a beach picnic and pick your favorite spot! (again, Zoccoli sandwiches are great and easy to pack).
Surfing at Cowells Beach
The beach for beginner surfers! Rent a board and wetsuit across the street at Cowell's Beach Surf Shop and try to catch a wave! Cowell's is mostly a sandy bottom (except for some rocks at the north western edge which are easy to see and not where the surfing takes place). Make sure to time your surfing for low-tide. Cowells doesn't break otherwise.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The aquarium is a bit far away, but is available if you've got the time. One of Lauren's favorite places. We couldn't leave it off the list.