Things to do in Santa Cruz
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Big Basin is California's oldest State Park, established in 1902. Home to the largest continuous stand of Ancient Coast Redwoods south of San Francisco, the park consists of Old Growth and recovering Redwood Forest, with mixed conifer, oaks, chaparral, and riparian habitats. Call 831-338-8860 for more information.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
This park features 15 miles of hiking and riding trails through a forest that looks much the same as it did 200 years ago. Zayante Indians once lived in the area, where they found shelter, water and game. The park is the home of the Redwood Grove, with a self-guided nature path, and Douglas fir, madrone, oak and the most unusual feature of the park, a stand of Ponderosa pine.
Lighthouse Field State Beach
Also known as Point Santa Cruz, this area forms the northern boundary of Monterey Bay. It is one of the last open headlands in any California urban area. Surfers, tourists, birds - including the rare Black Swift and wintering Monarch butterflies are drawn to this area. Sea lions populate the offshore rocks. Call 831-420-5270 for more information.
Natural Bridges State Beach
This beach, with its famous natural bridge, is an excellent vantage point for viewing shore birds, migrating whales, and seals and otters playing offshore. Further along the beach, tidepools offer a glimpse of life beneath the sea. Call 831-423-4609 for more information.
Roaring Camp Railroads
See California's towering redwood forests from two historic railroads on your next visit to the San Francisco or Monterey Bay Areas. Travel by steam train up a narrow-gauge track through the Big Trees to Bear Mountain or by beach train down the scenic San Lorenzo River to the sunny beaches of Santa Cruz. It all happens on the Roaring Camp Railroads in nearby Felton. Call 831.335.4484 for more information.
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California's only seaside amusement park. Located on the Monterey Bay, it features 28 rides including the Giant Dipper roller coaster. Call 831-423-5590 for more information.
400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is the site of a complex of buildings erected around the original Santa Cruz Mission. Part of the cluster, the Neary-Rodriguez Adobe was built in 1791 and is the last of the mission’s many buildings to survive. Call 831-425-5849 for more information.
Twin Lakes State Beach
The beach has a mile of sandy shoreline, popular for swimming and picnicking. The park’s adjacent Schwan's lake is a good location for bird watching. Call 831-427-4868 for more information.