If you’re in the mood for a little culture, Santa Cruz CA is a great place to explore. West Cliff Drive offers a picturesque panoramic view of Monterey Bay. The beach area offers hiking opportunities, plus you’ll find Santa Cruz’s best surfing. The Surfing Museum and Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse are great places to check out the city’s history and culture. While in Santa Cruz, don’t miss out on the 87-foot blue whale skeleton and other sea creatures. You can even spot hibernating monarch butterflies and other marine creatures.
Surfers will love Santa Cruz’s wide-open beaches, and the town’s world-class off-shore breaks attract surfers from around the world. There’s something for every level of surfer, including Pleasure Point Beach, The Hook, Four Mile Beach, Steamer Lane, and more. There are plenty of other great surfing spots, too, including the famous Point Lobos. The city’s vibrant arts and culture will draw you in with its eclectic mix of events and activities.
If you love animals, you might want to check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This attraction is home to the world’s largest blue whale skeleton, as well as elephant seal sculptures. You can also try your hand at leaning against gravity to get a better view of the beautiful redwood forest. If you’re looking for an entertainment venue, Downtown Santa Cruz is a great place to visit. Pacific Avenue is the central hub for downtown Santa Cruz.
While visiting Santa Cruz, don’t forget to check out the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. With artifacts, photos, and old surfboards on display, this museum is worth a visit. The museum’s hours are limited, so you might want to plan your visit accordingly. Meanwhile, Steamer Lane is the perfect place to watch surfers while you’re visiting the city. The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is a community-supported center, but doesn’t compare to Monterey Bay Aquarium.
If you’re looking for a unique gift or souvenir, Santa Cruz offers a variety of options. Downtown Santa Cruz offers many thrift shops and consignment shops. MoonZooom is a Santa Cruz institution, while Hula’s Island Grill has some unique pieces for sale. Several live theater performances are held at various venues. A trip to Santa Cruz will be a memorable experience for all ages. You’ll surely find something unique to take home with you.
While you’re in Santa Cruz, don’t miss the chance to eat at the local food markets. Whether you’re looking for authentic Neapolitan pizza or gourmet ice cream, you’ll find it here. For dessert, try Penny Ice Creamery. You won’t regret it. While you’re there, you might want to visit the First Fridays art and culture market. During these free events, local artists exhibit their work.
You’ll find beautiful beaches along the Santa Cruz coast. If you’re a beach lover, you’ll find that Main Beach offers plenty of options for outdoor recreation. There are restrooms, parking, and BBQ pits near the shore. Outdoor activities are also abundant in Santa Cruz. Besides the beach, you can go bird watching, bike riding, whale watching, and golfing. During your vacation, don’t miss the Santa Cruz Wharf, the longest wooden pier in the state.