1. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The most famous area for tourists in Santa Cruz is the Beach Boardwalk. This place is amazing and a fun time for the kids, family or even by yourself. There is an amusement park with roller coasters, mini golf, bumper cars and so much more to do - and all on a beach. Walk along the beachside boardwalk whilst the family or friends go and play in the amusement park.

The boardwalk is even better at night with the lights and beautiful scenery. This is like a city fair, but open year-round. It can get busy during certain times of the year, like Fourth of July and summertime, so plan accordingly. This, right here, is the number one spot to visit in Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Address: 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Contact: +1 (831) 423-5590

Website: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

2. West Cliff Drive

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If you are looking for a beautiful drive and view of Santa Cruz, West Cliff Drive is the place. The homes are beautiful, the dog park is accessible, and it’s such a great place to walk or hike. This place is unlike no other. You can park your car and walk around and see the beautiful beach waves, take pictures, and watch surfers.

There is not much else to say about this beautiful view - it needs to be seen to be believed. You will not regret visiting this place and enjoying the view and at night, or during sunset hours, this place will really take your breath away.

West Cliff Drive

Address: Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Website: West Cliff Drive

3. Mystery Spot

The wonderful landmark called Mystery Spot is where you need to check out next. Mystery Spot is hard to explain because it is more than just a mystery spot, it is an experience. Optical illusions and the laws of gravity are defied in this quirky, cool place.

8 USD takes you on a 15-30 minute tour that will blow your mind. The drive to the Mystery Spot is exciting, as well. The drive is through the woods and the scenery is amazing, an enjoyable drive even if you don’t go to the Mystery Spot. Everything about this place is fun, and it’s located on its own street called “Mystery Spot Road.”

Mystery Spot

Address: 465 Mystery Spot Road off Branciforte Dr., Santa Cruz, CA 95065

Price: from 8 USD

Duration: around 30 minutes required

Contact: +1 (831) 423-8897

Website: Mystery Spot

4. Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

If surfing is something you are interested in, do not miss the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. This museum is small but packed with a ton of surfing history.

Open daily from 12pm - 4pm, except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, this is a must-see for surfers when you are in Santa Cruz. If you want to know a tiny bit of history of surfing in Santa Cruz, don’t hesitate to stop by.

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

Address: West Cliff Drive at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz, CA

Duration: around 15 minutes required

Contact: +1 (831) 420-6289

Website: Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

5. Santa Cruz Harbor Beach

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Another stellar beach option - Santa Cruz Harbor Beach is beautiful. If you like to surf, play in the sand, picnic or play beach volleyball, this is the beach for you. This beach is great for families, couples, solo, business dinners, or even a date out with friends.

The restaurants nearby offer more than just a beach view, they offer convenient walking distance to the sand so you can take in the beach before or after your meal. Clean and respectable - don’t hesitate to check out this beach on your way to Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz Harbor Beach

Address: 5th Ave. at East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA

Contact: +1 (831) 475-6161

Website: Santa Cruz Harbor Beach

6. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

If you want to know more about the marine history of Santa Cruz, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center is free and fun!

Just steps away from the Santa Cruz Wharf - this exploration center is simple and an easy visit. It doesn’t have live attractions, but it does have a video that they play on Monterey.

Not many tourist attractions are free and this is a fun time for the family, children or for yourself if you want to know more about the marine history of Santa Cruz. It is right next to the beach, like everything in Santa Cruz and the view is another great feature of this exploration center.

Only open from 10am to 5pm, it is something that you should check out in between the beach and the boardwalk. This is family time fun for anyone!

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Address: 35 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-5013

Price: Free!

Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm. Closed on public holidays.

Access: Steps away from the Santa Cruz Wharf

Contact: +1 (831) 421-9993

Website: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

What's next

If you are on your way to Santa Cruz and don’t have any idea what to do, make sure you check out at least one thing on this list. There are so many fantastic spots to check out in Santa Cruz – this short list doesn’t do it justice - but these are some of the top suggestions. Take a trip to sunny California today and see what it has in store for you or your family, you will not regret it. Check out the Mystery Spot while you are here!