Title: 10 TOP Things to Do in Santa Cruz September 2025 | Expedia.ca [Santa Cruz Travel Guide](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz.dx6666)[Hotels in Santa Cruz](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Hotels.d6666.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Santa Cruz](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Santa-Cruz.d6666.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Santa Cruz Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Santa-Cruz.d6666.Car-Rental-Guide)[Santa Cruz Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz.d6666.Destination-Travel-Guides) # What to do in Santa Cruz, CA ## Activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Santa Cruz Types of activities Where to stay [Santa Cruz travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz.dx6666) ![Santa Cruz which includes a beach, general coastal views and rocky coastline](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/59000/59226-Santa-Cruz.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Santa Cruz](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/547000/547514-santa-cruz.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Santa Cruz featuring bird life](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/59000/59234-Santa-Cruz.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Santa Cruz featuring flowers, rugged coastline and a sandy beach](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/59000/59225-Santa-Cruz.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Santa Cruz showing rocky coastline, general coastal views and a sandy beach](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/59000/59223-Santa-Cruz.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Santa Cruz Attractions Let Expedia help you experience the best that Santa Cruz has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes. #### Activities and Tours Santa Cruz is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Santa Cruz to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind. If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights. #### Santa Cruz Attractions Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Santa Cruz. Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Santa Cruz attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. * * * Explore thousands of activities with **free cancellation and no added fees**. Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more. Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel. * * * ### Most fun & popular experiences in Santa Cruz ### Tours & day trips [See all 13 activities](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&filter.categories=ToursDayTrips) ![Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46593425/92f8db64-01a6-4910-8d45-a3218df558f4.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz 4h Free cancellation available CA $48 includes taxes & fees per traveller\* \*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/half-day-private-beach-tour-in-santa-cruz.a46593425.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/5204449/43dc9f95-f013-4b9a-b724-1190dca566bd.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour 2h Free cancellation available CA $42 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/capitola-private-2-hour-walking-tour.a5204449.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Santa Cruz Redwoods Forest Therapy](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4252920/81677566-18a6-4e11-abfe-6b1d4f48d69b.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santa Cruz Redwoods Forest Therapy 2h 30m Free cancellation available CA $118 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/santa-cruz-redwoods-forest-therapy.a4252920.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4127881/688aa0f2-af6a-4909-a637-aed0fb1dd66a.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt 2h 10/10 3 reviews Free cancellation available CA $41CA $32 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/santa-cruz-ade-scavenger-hunt.a4127881.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4727123/b0039426-a2f4-40df-84b8-4989144625a3.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz 2h 30m Free cancellation available CA $192 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/pacifica-or-santa-cruz-2-day-learn-how-to-surf-programme.a4727123.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Whale Watching Monterey Bay semi-private limited to 6 people max](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46428943/ba6631eb-651d-4f00-8e2e-08d133d88d5a.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Whale Watching Monterey Bay semi-private limited to 6 people max 3h 10/10 2 reviews Free cancellation available CA $554 includes taxes & fees per adult\* \*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/wildlife-encounters-on-monterey-bay-private-and-semi-private-tour.a46428943.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47178731/1548d3e5-e5e6-4438-b9c3-b01c5bb45f5c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories 3h Free cancellation available CA $28 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/self-guided-uc-santa-cruz-walking-tour-unlock-secret-stories.a47178731.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike)](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47173658/da7a8278-a24e-4f17-95d0-fd18acd7111e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike) 2h Free cancellation available CA $152 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/santa-cruz-family-friendly-guided-e-bike-tour-ebike-ride-ca.a47173658.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Santa Cruz: Private Custom Wine Tour with Hotel Pickup](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48308571/ab535f66-8325-4dd0-a05f-9164315a418a.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santa Cruz: Private Custom Wine Tour with Hotel Pickup 5h Free cancellation available CA $1,038 includes taxes & fees per traveller\* \*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/santa-cruz-private-custom-wine-tour-with-hotel-pickup.a48308571.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Santa Cruz 2Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47178402/793d0c5d-dc70-4c22-8e61-180f1c40dcf6.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santa Cruz 2Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups 2h Free cancellation available CA $152 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/2hour-guided-e-bike-tour-for-small-groups-santa-cruz.a47178402.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ### Food, drink & nightlife [See all 3 activities](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&filter.categories=FoodDrinkNightlife) ![Capitola Friday Night Food Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/50146719/d0faa7af-1f8c-4e76-87da-53c41de618ac.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Capitola Friday Night Food Tour 2h 30m 10/10 1 review Free cancellation available CA $179 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/capitola-friday-night-food-tour.a50146719.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Santa Cruz: Private Custom Wine Tour with Hotel Pickup](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48308571/ab535f66-8325-4dd0-a05f-9164315a418a.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santa Cruz: Private Custom Wine Tour with Hotel Pickup 5h Free cancellation available CA $1,038 includes taxes & fees per traveller\* \*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/santa-cruz-private-custom-wine-tour-with-hotel-pickup.a48308571.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Santa Cruz: Private Brewery Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48218030/e8e570b9-e42f-407b-be0d-38923c4d67e7.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santa Cruz: Private Brewery Tour 5h Free cancellation available CA $692 includes taxes & fees per traveller\* \*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/santa-cruz-private-brewery-tour.a48218030.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ### Adventure & outdoor [See all 3 activities](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&filter.categories=AdventureOutdoor) ![Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike)](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47173658/da7a8278-a24e-4f17-95d0-fd18acd7111e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike) 2h Free cancellation available CA $152 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/santa-cruz-family-friendly-guided-e-bike-tour-ebike-ride-ca.a47173658.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Santa Cruz 2Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47178402/793d0c5d-dc70-4c22-8e61-180f1c40dcf6.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santa Cruz 2Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups 2h Free cancellation available CA $152 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/2hour-guided-e-bike-tour-for-small-groups-santa-cruz.a47178402.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ![Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47179410/3c8df453-e7b9-4882-8712-68fe12a42649.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour 2h Free cancellation available CA $152 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/santa-cruz-guided-e-bike-ride-most-fun-ebike-tour.a47179410.activity-details?&rid=6666&location=Santa+Cruz&swp=off) ## Recommended things to do in Santa Cruz | Number of things to do | 16 | | --- | --- | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/self-guided-uc-santa-cruz-walking-tour-unlock-secret-stories.a47178731.activity-details): CA $28 | | Top 5 things to do | - [Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/half-day-private-beach-tour-in-santa-cruz.a46593425.activity-details) - [Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/santa-cruz-ade-scavenger-hunt.a4127881.activity-details) - [Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/pacifica-or-santa-cruz-2-day-learn-how-to-surf-programme.a4727123.activity-details) - [Whale Watching Monterey Bay semi-private limited to 6 people max](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/wildlife-encounters-on-monterey-bay-private-and-semi-private-tour.a46428943.activity-details) - [Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/self-guided-uc-santa-cruz-walking-tour-unlock-secret-stories.a47178731.activity-details) | | Half-day tours | - [Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/santa-cruz-ade-scavenger-hunt.a4127881.activity-details) - [Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/pacifica-or-santa-cruz-2-day-learn-how-to-surf-programme.a4727123.activity-details) - [Whale Watching Monterey Bay semi-private limited to 6 people max](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/wildlife-encounters-on-monterey-bay-private-and-semi-private-tour.a46428943.activity-details) - [Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/self-guided-uc-santa-cruz-walking-tour-unlock-secret-stories.a47178731.activity-details) - [Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike)](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/santa-cruz-family-friendly-guided-e-bike-tour-ebike-ride-ca.a47173658.activity-details) | | With kids | - [Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/self-guided-uc-santa-cruz-walking-tour-unlock-secret-stories.a47178731.activity-details) - [Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/capitola-private-2-hour-walking-tour.a5204449.activity-details) - [Santa Cruz Redwoods Forest Therapy](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/santa-cruz-redwoods-forest-therapy.a4252920.activity-details) - [Capitola Friday Night Food Tour](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/capitola-friday-night-food-tour.a50146719.activity-details) | ## What to do in Santa Cruz * * * ### Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Cruz ![Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/d485689f45002b80012841138b6987c3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Enjoy the thrills at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and find out why people love this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Beach-Boardwalk-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6065915.Vacation-Attraction) ![Mystery Spot](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/b0371ec2da0cf966a54d5b8952104ad6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mystery Spot Find out about the history of Santa Cruz with a stop at Mystery Spot. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the surfing spots. [](https://expedia.ca/Mystery-Spot-Santa-Cruz.d6065921.Vacation-Attraction) ![Santa Cruz Wharf](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/d1ad672cfab9e93f51f1ece77a441c28.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santa Cruz Wharf Explore the waterfront of Santa Cruz Wharf and enjoy activities such as surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Wharf-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6209895.Vacation-Attraction) ![Natural Bridges State Park](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/4a0f868ea6c4a82ef9aa2eeb4c1d38e9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Natural Bridges State Park You can take time to visit Natural Bridges State Park during your travels to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails. [](https://expedia.ca/Natural-Bridges-State-Park-Santa-Cruz.d6065917.Vacation-Attraction) ![Ocean Street](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/228bc3c25192c8bd06495508b75184bb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Ocean Street During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can enjoy retail therapy at Ocean Street. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.ca/Ocean-Street-Santa-Cruz.d6351808.Vacation-Attraction) ![Santa Cruz Main Beach](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/99069d69848e8c23dd0fc11809445fcc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santa Cruz Main Beach Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Santa Cruz Main Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Main-Beach-Santa-Cruz.d553248635983989622.Vacation-Attraction) ![Pacific Avenue](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/5e379e48d626e89c8836b74cf12ae517.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Pacific Avenue During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Pacific Avenue. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area. [](https://expedia.ca/Pacific-Avenue-Santa-Cruz.d6327592.Vacation-Attraction) ![Santa Cruz Harbor](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/84470c7bb676d0e1263257e56fbf6088.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santa Cruz Harbor Explore the waterfront in Santa Cruz with a trip to Santa Cruz Harbor. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Harbor-Eastside-Santa-Cruz.d6153463.Vacation-Attraction) ![Cowell's Beach](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/f63a96b5c0e07aad496d267e3ee2a442.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cowell's Beach Explore the waterfront of Cowell's Beach and enjoy activities such as surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails. [](https://expedia.ca/Cowells-Beach-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d553248621557937450.Vacation-Attraction) ### Explore areas of Santa Cruz ![Santa Cruz featuring general coastal views and views as well as an individual male](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/59000/59236-Santa-Cruz.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Westside Santa Cruz 4/5(34 area reviews) Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Westside-Santa-Cruz.dx553248633938969903) ![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/5583c7c676e84ee689618ff7864d09ff.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Eastside Santa Cruz 5/5(1 area review) Eastside Santa Cruz is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Eastside-Santa-Cruz.dx553248633938969699) ![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/2cb656d8e4b1906847424ef219dd57f5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Pleasure Point World-renowned surf spot with a strong surf culture, Pleasure Point offers picturesque ocean views along East Cliff Drive and a walkable path with separate bike lanes. Enjoy amenities at Pleasure Point Park and nearby 41st Ave commercial district. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Pleasure-Point.dx553248635975748864) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Beach Hill - Beach Flats Beach Hill - Beach Flats might not have many top sights, but Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Beach-Hill-Beach-Flats.dx553248635976479150) ![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/e68267ce68f3de158ce514c976fefa06.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Upper Seabright When in Upper Seabright, you can plan a visit to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Harbor, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Upper-Seabright.dx553248635976384107) ![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/5e379e48d626e89c8836b74cf12ae517.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Downtown Santa Cruz Unique features of Downtown Santa Cruz include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Pacific Avenue or Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History while you're exploring the area. [](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Downtown-Santa-Cruz.dx553248633938969818) * * * Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. * * * ## Day trip destinations from Santa Cruz ![Los Gatos](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/7e0cd80a68a8f9f9aba088cf78ea1f3a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Los Gatos [](https://expedia.ca/Los-Gatos.dx8421) ![Bay Area which includes tranquil scenes, landscape views and a small town or village](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/63000/63702-Scotts-Valley.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Scotts Valley [](https://expedia.ca/Scotts-Valley.dx9765) ![Photo by Jay Morales](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/6e3aa27915fbe69871641458c6ef5330.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Ben Lomond [](https://expedia.ca/Ben-Lomond.dx9834) ![Capitola](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/6f2a79fd0a52e88a6bd7dd1443e0b83e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Capitola [](https://expedia.ca/Capitola.dx177416) ![Felton](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/655243d795196363b85852d4809490a0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Felton [](https://expedia.ca/Felton.dx182973) ![Davenport](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/d08511e682d3d04659220e3c0ec2eb9b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Davenport [](https://expedia.ca/Davenport.dx6085019) ![Photo by Timothy Howard](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/3161c8e6add8b3217d4abb4510277985.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Soquel [](https://expedia.ca/Soquel.dx3000428779) ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Santa Cruz worth visiting? > One of the most common things to do in Santa Cruz is explore Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Tick this major attraction off your list, then discover more of this area's history and surfing. ### How do I spend a day in Santa Cruz? > Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp Railroads are two excellent places to start your vacation adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Santa Cruz while you're here too. ### What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz? > The top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz is Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda. ### Is three days enough to stay in Santa Cruz? > Three days will be plenty of time to check out some popular city attractions, like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Wharf and Natural Bridges State Park. The average stay in Santa Cruz is two days. If you have the urge to extend your trip, San Jose isn't far away. ### Is Santa Cruz a walkable city? > With popular neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, Santa Cruz is a good destination to visit on foot. Enjoy wandering between Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf. Then take a stroll around Westside Santa Cruz, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Lower Ocean, which is roughly 2 kilometres away. ### What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids? > Whether you're vacationing with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our ideas for what to do in Santa Cruz with kids. > > > > - [Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/self-guided-uc-santa-cruz-walking-tour-unlock-secret-stories.a47178731.activity-details) > - [Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/capitola-private-2-hour-walking-tour.a5204449.activity-details) > - [Santa Cruz Redwoods Forest Therapy](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/santa-cruz-redwoods-forest-therapy.a4252920.activity-details) > - [Capitola Friday Night Food Tour](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/capitola-friday-night-food-tour.a50146719.activity-details) ### What to do in Santa Cruz for adults? > Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there's no shortage of things to do in Santa Cruz for adults including Soquel Vineyards and Poetic Cellars Winery. ### Are there free things to do in Santa Cruz? > One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Santa Cruz is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without taking your wallet out. Santa Cruz Wharf is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee. - Santa Cruz sightseeing tours & attractions - Hotels near popular Santa Cruz Attractions - Cities to visit near Santa Cruz - Expedia's Latest Trends - [Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Beach-Boardwalk-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6065915.Vacation-Attraction) - [Santa Cruz Harbor](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Harbor-Eastside-Santa-Cruz.d6153463.Vacation-Attraction) - [Cowell's Beach](https://expedia.ca/Cowells-Beach-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d553248621557937450.Vacation-Attraction) - [Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center](https://expedia.ca/Monterey-Bay-National-Marine-Sanctuary-Exploration-Center-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6328119.Vacation-Attraction) - [Pasatiempo Golf Course](https://expedia.ca/Pasatiempo-Golf-Course-Santa-Cruz.d6139735.Vacation-Attraction) - [Wilder Ranch State Park](https://expedia.ca/Wilder-Ranch-State-Park-Santa-Cruz.d6328116.Vacation-Attraction) - [Hotels near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Cruz-Beach-Boardwalk-Hotels.0-l6065915-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - 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