Your Ultimate Summer Guide: Unforgettable Things to Do in Santa Cruz, CA!

Imagine sun-kissed beaches, towering redwoods, and quirky discoveries—all waiting for you in one vibrant California destination. Santa Cruz isn’t just a surf town; it’s a summer paradise packed with diverse adventures for every type of traveler. This guide covers must-do activities, from iconic beachfront fun to serene forest escapes and thrilling day trips.

Iconic Santa Cruz Waterfront: Sun, Sand & Sea Life

Since 1907, this ocean-scented playground has been a delight for visitors, standing as California's oldest continuously running amusement park.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

This is one of the few remaining traditional seaside parks still exciting crowds along the West Coast today. You’re instantly hit with that unmistakable mix of funnel cake sweetness, salty sea air, and the distant scream from the Giant Dipper. This classic oceanfront amusement park hums with nostalgia and neon. It’s been a summer tradition for generations for a reason.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Parking:

• Arrive before 11 am for parking—the main lot fills fast.
• Check the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk website for discounted twilight tickets if you're planning an evening visit.

Santa Cruz Wharf

Sea breezes, the sound of sea lions barking from beneath, and the slow creak of the wooden planks underfoot. California’s longest wooden pier invites slow strolls past chowder stands, souvenir shops, and local fishing spots.

Highlight:

• Listen for barking sea lions under the pier at sunset—a surprisingly soothing end to a beach day.

Capitola Wharf

While the Boardwalk is buzzing, Capitola Wharf offers the opposite—a sleepy, postcard-worthy escape with a front-row seat to colorful Venetian-style beachfront cottages. Rent a fishing rod or just sit with a coffee and watch paddleboarders drift by.

Highlight:

• Capitola Village’s pastel buildings and mellow vibes give it a Mediterranean feel.
• A rebuilt wharf with a wider deck and new pilings opened September 2024.

Natural Bridges State Beach

When the tide is low, kids squeal as they discover sea stars clinging to rocks, hermit crabs skittering between tide pools, and kelp ribbons underfoot. Time your visit right, and this place transforms into a living marine biology lesson.

Pro Tip:

• Parking costs $10, but free street parking is available on Delaware Avenue—add a 5-minute walk.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center

One part marine science center, one part quiet oceanfront trail. Between touching sea urchins in the center’s hands-on exhibits and standing under the massive blue whale skeleton outside, the Seymour Center blends education and oceanfront calm.

Highlight:

• You get a deeper understanding of Monterey Bay’s ecological richness—without the crowds.

Into the Redwoods & Forest Adventures

Santa Cruz County also offers several opportunities to explore redwood forests and enjoy outdoor adventures.

Mount Hermon Adventures Santa Cruz

Harness up and feel your pulse quicken as you step off a redwood platform, ziplining through old-growth trees. Mount Hermon Adventures is adventure therapy for those who crave a jolt of adrenaline with their nature fix.

Highlight:

• With expert guides and rigorous safety standards, even first-timers will feel at ease soaring through the forest.
• Redwood Canopy Tours Santa Cruz: This guided canopy tour offers a slower-paced alternative to ziplining, inviting visitors to experience the quiet beauty of the redwoods—complete with the sounds of woodpeckers, the scent of the forest floor, and views of centuries-old trees.
• It’s less about speed and more about stillness, perspective, and ecological wonder.

Roaring Camp Railroads

Steam whistles, pine needles underfoot, and the gentle chug of vintage locomotives. Riding through the redwoods at Roaring Camp Railroads is like time-travelling to 1880, with sunlight piercing the tree canopy above.

Highlight:

• The Bear Mountain rides about a one-hour round trip and winds through cathedral-like redwood groves—pure magic for families and history buffs alike.

Wilder Ranch State Park

This park blends working ranch history with breathtaking coastal views. Imagine riding your bike past wind-swept cliffs, walking shaded trails beside grazing cows, and wandering into 19th-century farm buildings that still smell faintly of hay and timber oil.

Highlight:

• The coastal trail is a must—especially at golden hour. 
• Your Ultimate Guide to Explore Hiking, Biking, Cruising, and Campgrounds in Santa Cruz

Uniquely Santa Cruz: Quirks, Gardens & Local Charms

The quirks, gardens, and other local attractions around Santa Cruz feature different styles.

Mystery Spot

Hidden in the forest just outside of town, the Mystery Spot seems to bend both physics and logic. Balls roll uphill, people appear to shrink or stretch depending on where they stand, and laughter is unavoidable.

Highlight:

• Your kids will love the “tilted room” where balls roll uphill and your brain gets delightfully scrambled.

UCSC Arboretum

High on a hill is the UCSC Arboretum, this sprawling garden is a quiet marvel. You can hear bees in the protea grove, smell eucalyptus, and watch hummingbirds dart through succulents from South Africa, Australia, and beyond.

Highlight:

• It’s a global botanical tour without leaving Santa Cruz—and a perfect picnic spot.

Loch Lomond Recreation Area

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Loch Lomond offers a quiet escape with calm waters ideal for kayaking or paddle boating. The crisp mountain air and pine-scented breeze create a refreshing contrast to the coastal atmosphere.

Highlight:

• It feels like a mini Lake Tahoe—without the crowds or drive.

Bamboo Giant Nursery

The Bamboo Giant Nursery doesn’t just sell bamboo; it transports you. Towering green stalks creak in the breeze as you wander winding paths. The filtered light, the crunch of gravel underfoot, and the secluded benches make this nursery feel like a hidden meditation retreat.

Highlight:

• Bring a camera—and your inner child. It’s as enchanting as any curated Japanese garden.

Beyond the City Limits: Essential Santa Cruz Area Day Trips

Peer into the secret world beneath Monterey Bay's waves without even getting your feet wet.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

It’s located about an hour south of Santa Cruz. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-class aquarium is a must-visit. Visitors can explore mesmerizing jellyfish displays, walk through immersive ocean tunnels, and watch playful sea otters in action.

● Highlight:

Be sure to catch the sea otter feeding times—watching them crack open shellfish and tumble through the water is always a crowd favorite.

17-Mile Drive

Wind down this scenic coastal route, 17-Mile Drive, through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, where every curve reveals wind-twisted cypress trees and waves crashing on craggy rocks. You’ll want to stop often—and you should.

Highlight:

• The Lone Cypress, a resilient symbol perched on granite, is one of California’s most photographed trees.

Lake Vasona Park

Located in nearby Los Gatos, Lake Vasona Park caters to families with gentle trails, pedal boats, and shaded lawns perfect for unhurried picnics.

Highlight:

• Rent a paddleboat and let kids take the wheel—the lake is calm, and the ducks make good company.
• The 152-acre park and connecting walkways are Santa Clara County's most popular regional park and recreation areas.

Lake Vasona Park - Los Gatos - Photo by Vadim Shevyrin

A Santa Cruz Stay: Seascape Beach Resort

If you’re looking to extend your trip, Seascape Beach Resort in Aptos is the perfect coastal home base. With private beach access, crackling fire pits at sunset, and suites that smell faintly of salt and eucalyptus, this is coastal California at its most relaxed and refined.

Highlight:

• Order s'mores kits from the front desk and toast marshmallows as the sun melts into the horizon.

FAQs

• Q. What's the best way to enjoy Santa Cruz in the summer?
  • A. Mix beach time with forest escapes. Begin with coastal activities, explore the redwoods in the afternoon, and end with seafood and sunset views.
• Q. What are some Santa Cruz summer bucket list ideas?  A.    
  • Ride the Giant Dipper
  • Tidepool at Natural Bridges 
  • Zipline through redwoods   
  • Catch a beach concert   
  • Toast marshmallows at a bonfire  
  • Explore Capitola’s village shops  
  • Take a day trip down 17-Mile Drive 
  • Spot otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Q. Where can I find live music and outdoor concerts in Santa Cruz during summer?
  • A. Enjoy shows at the Boardwalk, local wineries, Abbott Square, and pop-up events in Capitola Village.
• Q. Are there family-friendly activities in Santa Cruz during summer?
  • A. Yes—visit the Boardwalk, Roaring Camp, Seymour Center, Lake Vasona Park, or enjoy a beachside picnic at Capitola or Seabright.
• Q. What are the best beaches to visit in Santa Cruz in summer?
  • A. Santa Cruz Main Beach, Capitola Beach, Natural Bridges, and Twin Lakes are all top choices for sun, surf, and scenery.
• Q. How can I spend a summer weekend in Santa Cruz?
  • A. Start with a Wharf stroll, ride the Boardwalk, enjoy sunset at Natural Bridges, and wrap up with a beach bonfire. On Sunday, zipline or kayak in the redwoods.
• Q. What are the best places for beach bonfires in Santa Cruz?
  • A. Twin Lakes and Seabright State Beach have fire pits available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check fire regulations before you go.
• Q. Are there outdoor hiking or nature activities in Santa Cruz during summer?
  • A. Absolutely. Hike among the redwoods at Henry Cowell, bike coastal trails at Wilder Ranch, or take a guided canopy tour.
• Q. Where can I watch the sunset in Santa Cruz during summer?
  • A. West Cliff Drive, Natural Bridges, and Seascape Beach Resort offer incredible views. Capitola Wharf and Santa Cruz Wharf are also excellent spots.
• Q. What are some unique or hidden summer experiences in Santa Cruz?
  • A. Explore the Mystery Spot, stroll through the UCSC Arboretum, or wander the peaceful paths of Bamboo Giant Nursery.
• Q. Can you recommend summer activities in Santa Cruz for families?
  • A. Families love Roaring Camp Railroads, tide pooling at Natural Bridges, visiting Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and boating at Vasona Lake Park.
• Q. What are the top summer festivals and concerts in Santa Cruz?
  • A. Don’t miss Friday Night Bands on the Beach, the Capitola Art & Wine Festival, and live music at Abbott Square and The Catalyst.
• Q. What are the best things to do in Santa Cruz during the summer?
  • A. Santa Cruz summers are packed with adventure! Ride the Giant Dipper, explore redwood forests, relax at Natural Bridges State Beach, or take a scenic day trip to Monterey.
• Q. Where can I go for fun in Santa Cruz during summer?
  • A. Head to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for amusement rides, explore Capitola Village, hike at Wilder Ranch, or zipline at Mount Hermon Adventures. There's something for every kind of traveler.
• Q. What's happening in Santa Cruz this summer?
  • A. Enjoy live beach concerts, outdoor movie nights, art fairs, and bustling farmers markets. Check local event calendars for current updates.
• Q. When is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk open in the summer?
  • A. The Boardwalk typically operates daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check their website for ride hours and twilight ticket specials.
• Q. How can I buy tickets or wristbands for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?
  • A. Purchase tickets online or at on-site kiosks. Online deals may include discounts or bonus ride credits.
• Q. Are there summer camps or activities for kids in Santa Cruz?
  • A. Yes—Santa Cruz offers surf camps, science camps at the Seymour Center, and nature-based programs. Check with Parks & Rec for details.
• Q. What are the best places to eat or drink in Santa Cruz in summer?
  • A. Try The Picnic Basket or Betty Burgers by the beach, dine at Shadowbrook in Capitola, or sip local wine at Beauregard Vineyards. Food trucks and beachfront cafes round out the options.

Get In Touch Today!

Paul Burrowes, CRS, CCEC, SFR, NHCP, LHC, REALTOR® Licensed REALTOR® with over 15 years of experience and expertise. Commits to being on time and transparent. Acts as your consultant to ensure you make the best decisions to fit your transaction at every step in the process. Negotiates towards a low-stress, win-win outcome. Handles all the details for you, ensuring the hundreds of steps in your real estate transaction go smoothly. Proudly serving Silicon Valley, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Santa Clara Counties! | DRE# 01955563 | (831) 295-5130 | paul@burrowes.com.

Having navigated every neighborhood from Santa Cruz’s surf breaks to Scotts Valley’s forested hills, I specialize in matching clients with homes that reflect their lifestyle. Whether you crave oceanfront tranquility or beach-town vibrancy, I’ll help you discover a property that feels authentically yours. Let’s connect and turn your Santa Cruz living dreams into reality.