Perched on the stunning California coast, Santa Cruz is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With its picturesque beaches, lush forests, and rolling hills, this vibrant city offers a diverse range of activities that cater to every type of adventurer. From surfing the Pacific waves to hiking through redwood forests, Santa Cruz provides an abundance of thrilling experiences set against a backdrop of natural beauty. In this guide, we’ll delve into the best ways to experience Santa Cruz like a local adventurer, ensuring your time in this iconic destination is filled with unforgettable moments.
Hiking in the redwood forest of Santa Cruz, CA Photo by Dalton Johnson
Why An Adventure Traveler Should Visit Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz combines coastal charm with a plethora of outdoor activities, making it a prime destination for adventure travelers. The city’s unique location offers easy access to both ocean and forest environments, creating diverse opportunities for exploration. Whether you're an avid surfer, a passionate hiker, or a nature enthusiast, Santa Cruz has something for you. The area's mild climate and scenic landscapes provide the perfect setting for year-round adventures. With a rich local culture and a laid-back vibe, Santa Cruz invites you to experience its natural wonders and outdoor thrills like a true local.
Top Adventures You Don't Want to Miss
Hiking
Wilder Ranch State Park: This sprawling park features a network of trails that wind through coastal bluffs and oak woodlands. The 7.5-mile hike to the scenic overlook provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and is ideal for both novice and experienced hikers.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Home to ancient redwoods, this park offers a range of trails from easy walks to more challenging hikes. The Redwood Grove Loop Trail is a must-do, providing an immersive experience among towering trees.
Forest of Nisene Marks State Park: Explore the serene trails of this park, which include the popular Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. The 12.5-mile trek takes you through lush redwood forests, past waterfalls, and eventually to the coast.
Peak Bagging
Loma Prieta Peak: This hike offers panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Bay Area. The 8-mile round trip is a rewarding challenge, with a summit that provides stunning vistas.
Black Mountain: Located within the Black Mountain Open Space Preserve, this hike is a great option for peak baggers looking to explore less-traveled trails. The summit offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Monte Bello Open Space Preserve: For a moderate peak bagging experience, the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve features several summits with expansive views of the Bay Area and beyond. The preserve’s trails offer a mix of challenging and scenic routes.
Camping
Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA: This family-friendly campground offers a range of amenities and easy access to local attractions. It’s a great base for exploring Santa Cruz and the surrounding area.
Wilder Ranch State Park Campground: Enjoy a rustic camping experience with access to hiking trails and coastal views. The campground provides a more immersive outdoor experience with basic amenities.
New Brighton State Beach Campground: Located right on the beach, this campground offers stunning ocean views and easy access to the sand. It's perfect for those who want to combine camping with beach activities.
Cliff Jumping
Natural Bridges State Beach: This beach is known for its unique rock formations and offers several spots for cliff jumping. The clear waters and picturesque surroundings make it a popular choice for adrenaline seekers.
Steamer Lane: This iconic surf spot features rocky outcrops that can be used for cliff jumping. Be mindful of the surf and tides, and always prioritize safety. The common place to jump is known as Toilet Bowl.
Stargazing
Natural Bridges State Beach: With minimal light pollution and expansive ocean views, Natural Bridges State Beach is an excellent spot for stargazing. Bring a blanket and enjoy the night sky.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: The park’s remote location offers clear skies for stargazing. Explore the trails during the day and return in the evening for a celestial show.
West Cliff Drive: This scenic route offers several vantage points for stargazing. Park along the drive and enjoy unobstructed views of the night sky over the ocean.
Rock Climbing
The Cave: Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, The Cave offers a range of bouldering problems for climbers of all skill levels. The natural rock formations provide a unique climbing experience.
Castle Rock State Park: This popular climbing destination features a variety of routes on granite rock formations. The park’s diverse climbing options cater to both beginners and experienced climbers.
Boulder Creek: Known for its bouldering opportunities, Boulder Creek offers several climbing areas with different levels of difficulty. It’s a great spot for a climbing adventure close to nature.
Fishing
Santa Cruz Wharf: Enjoy a day of fishing from the historic Santa Cruz Wharf. The wharf provides access to deep water and a chance to catch a variety of fish species.
New Brighton State Beach: For a more relaxed fishing experience, try surf fishing at New Brighton State Beach. The beach’s waters are home to various fish species.
Capitola Beach: Located near the charming town of Capitola, this beach offers fishing opportunities with beautiful views of the coast. It’s a great spot for both fishing and relaxing.
Flat Water Kayaking
Kayak Connection: Rent a kayak from Kayak Connection and explore the calm waters of the Santa Cruz Harbor. The harbor’s sheltered waters provide a peaceful kayaking experience.
Elkhorn Slough: A short drive from Santa Cruz, Elkhorn Slough offers excellent flat water kayaking with opportunities to see wildlife such as sea otters and birds.
Santa Cruz Harbor: Paddle around the harbor and enjoy views of the city and the coastline. The sheltered waters are perfect for a relaxing kayaking adventure.
SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding)
Santa Cruz Harbor: Try SUP at the Santa Cruz Harbor, where the calm waters make for a great paddleboarding experience. Enjoy views of the city and the surrounding area.
Capitola Beach: This beach is ideal for SUP, with gentle waves and scenic surroundings. Paddle along the shoreline and take in the views of the charming Capitola village.
Monterey Bay: Head to nearby Monterey Bay for a more expansive SUP experience. The bay’s waters offer plenty of space for paddleboarding and opportunities to see marine life.
Backpacking
Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail: This classic backpacking route takes you from the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The 38-mile trail offers a diverse range of scenery, including redwoods, waterfalls, and coastal views.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Explore the park’s extensive network of trails on a multi-day backpacking trip. The park’s ancient redwoods and lush landscape create a memorable hiking experience.
Los Padres National Forest: For a more remote backpacking adventure, head to Los Padres National Forest. The forest offers various trails and camping spots with stunning natural beauty.
Surfing
Steamer Lane: One of the most famous surf spots in the world, Steamer Lane is a must-visit for surfers of all levels. With consistent waves and a lively surf culture, this spot offers an authentic Santa Cruz surfing experience.
Pleasure Point: This iconic surf spot is perfect for both beginners and seasoned surfers. The area offers a variety of breaks, with waves suitable for different skill levels. The relaxed vibe and stunning views make it a favorite among locals.
Cowell's Beach: Ideal for beginners, Cowell's Beach features gentle waves and a long, mellow ride. The beach's proximity to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk adds to its appeal, making it a great spot for learning to surf.
Other Highlights of the Area
Places to Eat
The Picnic Basket: Enjoy a delicious meal with ocean views at The Picnic Basket. The casual eatery offers a range of sandwiches, salads, and local favorites.
Crow’s Nest: Located on the Santa Cruz Wharf, Crow’s Nest serves seafood and other dishes with stunning views of the ocean. It’s a great spot for a relaxing meal after a day of adventure.
Samba Rock Café: This lively café offers Brazilian-inspired cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a unique dining experience with flavors from South America.
Must-See Spots
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: A classic seaside attraction, the Boardwalk features rides, games, and eateries. It’s a fun spot for a nostalgic experience by the ocean.
Monterey Bay Aquarium: Just a short drive from Santa Cruz, the aquarium offers a fascinating look at marine life with interactive exhibits and stunning displays.
Capitola Village: Explore the charming village of Capitola with its colorful buildings, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. It’s a great place to wander and soak in the local atmosphere.
Photo Locations
West Cliff Drive: Capture stunning ocean views and scenic coastal landscapes along this picturesque drive. The various vantage points provide excellent photo opportunities.
Natural Bridges State Beach: The unique rock formations and tide pools make for striking photographs. Visit during sunset for particularly dramatic shots.
Santa Cruz Wharf: The wharf offers great photo opportunities with its panoramic views of the coastline and the bustling activity of the harbor.
Best Sunset Locations
Natural Bridges State Beach: Watch the sun set behind the iconic natural rock arches. The combination of ocean and sky creates a stunning sunset display.
Capitola Beach: Enjoy a beautiful sunset over the ocean from Capitola Beach. The view of the sun dipping below the horizon is a perfect way to end the day.
West Cliff Drive: This scenic route provides several spots for watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Find a vantage point and enjoy the colors of the evening sky.
Great Places to Swim
Santa Cruz Main Beach: The main beach offers a classic swimming experience with its sandy shores and moderate surf. It’s a popular spot for beachgoers and swimmers.
New Brighton State Beach: Known for its clean and warm waters, New Brighton State Beach is a great place for a refreshing swim.
Seabright Beach: Located near the Santa Cruz Harbor, Seabright Beach offers a wide sandy area and good swimming conditions.
Cultural Highlights
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History: Explore local art and history exhibits at this engaging museum. It provides insight into the region’s cultural heritage.
The Mystery Spot: A unique local attraction, the Mystery Spot offers a quirky experience with its optical illusions and mysterious gravitational effects.
Santa Cruz Downtown: Wander through downtown Santa Cruz to experience the city’s vibrant culture, with its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and street performers.
Surfing at the mouth of the Harbor in Santa Cruz, CA. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Santa Cruz offers a diverse range of adventures and experiences for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. From exhilarating hikes and epic climbs to relaxing beach days and cultural explorations, this coastal city has something for every type of adventurer. Embrace the unique opportunities to explore, enjoy, and connect with the natural beauty and local culture of Santa Cruz. Dive into your adventure, and experience Santa Cruz like a true local adventurer.