Location: Santa Cruz
Top Things to do in Santa Cruz
Top 10 Beaches in Santa Cruz, California (CA)
The quintessential California beach town of Santa Cruz! It was here that surfing was first brought to the mainland by Hawaiian royalty. Home to the legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined downtown area, and the historic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, which stretches out a half-mile into the waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Other highlights include UC Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, and nearby redwood forests.
Restaurants in Santa Cruz
1. Coast Dairies State Park
2. Natural Bridges State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 838 reviews
A refuge for wintering Monarch Butterflies, this park boasts a sandy cove, tidepools, a nature trail through the Butterfly Preserve, and several hiking trails. There is also a bicycle path around the perimeter of the park.
Reviewed By 497haydns
If the Monarchs are here, a wonderful visit, go on a warm sunny day they will be flying about, the is very nice, and very unusual to Eucalyptus trees in USA. Check on line if the Monarchs are here, the info is accurate and up to date.
3. Mitchell's Cove Beach
4. Pleasure Point Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
A popular Santa Cruz surf spot.
Reviewed By sonofdragon - San Jose, United States
Lived in the bay area for years but never take Santa Cruz seriously. Some good things surely come during this pandemic madness. Discovery of Pleasure Point was a blessing for us since we're having pandemic fatigue. Walking the public path while enjoying the breeze/waves was cooling/calming to the mind. Watching the surfers ride the waves was so exciting. Seeing people jogging/running/walking/biking is very inspiring. And the sea birds flying close just above the waves and diving for a catch was a sure wow moment to watch. Words cant say more. Stop the worry and make life livable again!
5. Santa Cruz Harbor Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Adjacent to Santa Cruz harbor, this beach has beach volley ball as well as nearby shops and restaurants.
Reviewed By mganter - Prien am Chiemsee, Germany
Area around the lighthouse is very nice and clean. We were there at low tide, so we could walk up to the lighthouse without getting drenched by breaking waves. Very cool!
6. Waddell Beach
7. Twin Lakes State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By manoj_biswal - San Francisco, United States
Sandy Beaches, a Lighthouse and an amazing view close to the Santa Cruz broad walk - a perfect place for a quick getaway on a Sunny Day (~an hour away from SFO). Beach Volleyball courts are a great add on! The beach is surrounded by a few restaurants and there a few paid parking lost close by.
8. Panther Beach
9. Seabright State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By L0ve2travle
My yearly tradition is to visit a new country and celebrate my Bday. This year I had to adjust and visit Santa Cruz, my old home town, instead. I got an Arbnb apartment by the Seabright beach and enjoyed my stay In the paradise. The beaches were open but not crowded even during the 4th of July celebration. Hiked in Nisene Mark park, took a long walk to National Bridges, ate at downtown restaurants and had a fantastic Bday dinner @ Sardines Factory in Monterey. The weather was overeats for a couple of days and sunny the rest of the week. What a great vacation! Grab your mask and head over to Santa Cruz, the city economy needs our support.
10. Santa Cruz Main Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 276 reviews
This popular beach, with killer waves, is known as one of the top surfing spots in the world.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We went to the Main Beach area at Santa Cruz. This beach is close to the fun Boardwalk area. There is sand volleyball. We enjoyed wading in the Pacific Ocean water, taking a walk, and enjoying the views. Many were there too on a delightful sunny July Day.
