![]() The Wharf also hosts events, so check to see if anything is scheduled for the time of your visit. It’s a great place to get a bowl of steaming clam chowder or a fresh seafood meal. The Santa Cruz Wharf is lined with boutiques and gift shops, and restaurants. You may also see dolphins or otters in the water, or even whales spouting or fluking. Enjoy the raucous cries of the gulls and the barking of the sea lions. You’ll get fabulous views of the ocean as you walk out, and you can look out at the beach and city on your way back.Īlong the way, look for a variety of sea birds, as well as seals, and sea lions. Walking to the end of the wharf and back is one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz. Stroll East Cliff DriveĪ beautiful waterfront walkway in Pleasure Point, East Cliff Drive is part of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail, and stretches from Pleasure Point to The Hook. West Cliff Drive is extremely popular, both with visitors and with locals, so on weekends parking can be an issue. We suggest visiting on a weekday for a quieter, more relaxing stroll. Dogs are permitted on the path, but must be leashed at all times. West Cliff Drive is free to access, and can be hiked or biked year round. There are benches along the route if you want to rest or stop to take in the views at leisure. ![]() ![]() There are many parking lots along its length, so you can do a part of the path if you so choose, but if you visit on a nice weather day, you will definitely want to linger, so allow plenty of time.Įnjoy the expansive ocean views as you walk or bike, look for surfers riding the waves, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales in the ocean. West Cliff Drive extends from the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf at one end to Natural Bridges State Beach at the other. West Cliff Drive makes for a beautiful walk PC: Summer The accessible path is 2.7 miles long one way, and one of the most scenic hikes in Santa Cruz. Take in the Views from West Cliff Driveįor spectacular views of the Monterey Bay, walk or bike West Cliff Drive, which hugs the Pacific Ocean for its length. If you visit when the river has pooled on the beach, you will likely see lots of birds in the area. Look for sea lions and otters in the water, and a variety of birds in the air and on the shore. If you walk toward the San Lorenzo River, you will eventually see the coastline curving into the water, with the lighthouse at the tip. There are lots of restaurants long Beach Street if you want to get something to eat. If you plan to swim, check water quality ratings just ahead of your visit. Main Beach is a large swathe of sand, but even so, expect to find it crowded on nice weather weekend days.īring a blanket and picnic and stake out a spot early, to relax for a few hours. The family-friendly beach sports a variety of amenities, including designated swim areas and lifeguards, and is popular with surfers as well. Enjoy the Santa Cruz Main BeachĮxtending from the Municipal Wharf to the mouth of the San Lorenzo River, Main Beach is a hugely popular Santa Cruz beach, right in front of the Boardwalk. Rides are priced individually, with a boardwalk card you can charge up to pay as you go. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is free to enter. There are lots of restaurants if you want to have a regular meal, and the beach setting means that you may see otters or dolphins (or even whales!) in the water. The arcade features a variety of games, including the latest, and you can bowl or go mini-golfing as well.Īnd bring your appetite: from corn dogs and nacho cheese fries to churros, ice cream, funnel cakes, and cotton candy, you’ll find all the amusement park favorites for snacking! You can enjoy a variety of rides in the park, which range from kid-friendly to seriously thrilling. The Giant Dipper is a wooden roller coaster from 1924, and it continues to thrill visitors! And kids will love the beautiful Looff Carousel, a hand-carved merry-go-around from 1911. The amusement park on the beach has been operating since 1907, and two of the rides here are National Historic Landmarks.Īn aerial view of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk The historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a must-visit, especially if it’s your first time in Santa Cruz. The Best Time to Visit Santa Cruz, California Things to Do in Santa Cruz, CA Have Fun at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Planning a visit to this fun coastal vacation spot? Read on to discover the best things to do in Santa Cruz, plus our suggestions for where to stay and eat! VISITING SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA: THINGS TO DO + TRAVEL GUIDE Santa Cruz is worth visiting for its fun beach boardwalk, spectacular oceanfront walks, and expansive beaches, but also take the time to explore hiking and biking trails in the many state parks to discover local flora and fauna, and enjoy the topnotch dining options and wine tasting.
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