Hey there, if you’re looking for a beautiful coastal State park and beach, you should definitely check out Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz, CA. It’s an excellent vantage point for viewing shore birds, migrating whales, as well as seals and otters playing offshore. Plus, in the Fall, it’s a natural habitat for migration Monarch Butterflies. The park also offers a monarch butterfly migration preserve and exhibit, picnic areas, hiking trails, an accessible boardwalk, and a memorable sandy beach. Further along the beach, public access tidepools offer a glimpse of life beneath the sea. Low tides reveal sea stars, shore crabs, sea anemones, and other colorful ocean life. It’s one of the best spots in Santa Cruz to watch the sunset, play in the waves, or see some local wildlife. So, grab your sunscreen and let’s bike over to Natural Bridges State Park for a fun day out!

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Dude, have you heard of the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum? It’s the first surfing museum in the world, and it’s located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse at Lighthouse Point on West Cliff Drive. The lighthouse was built in 1967 as a memorial to surfer Mark Abbott, who died while surfing at the nearby Pleasure Point surf break. The museum opened its doors in June 1986 and features photographs, surfboards, and videos tracing over 100 years of surfing history in Santa Cruz. It’s a little gem that’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Steamer Lane-

If you’re looking for some epic surfing action in Santa Cruz, you gotta check out Steamer Lane! It’s a famous surf spot located just off the cliffs in the West Cliff residential area near downtown Santa Cruz. The best part? It’s super easy to access and offers a killer view of the waves. Steamer Lane is like the heart and soul of Santa Cruz surfing. It’s known throughout the world as a top-notch surf destination. The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is even housed in a lighthouse right there at Steamer Lane, so you know it’s legit. This place is always buzzing with surfers and spectators. You’ll see some of the most talented riders taking on the waves. It’s a sight to behold! And if you’re not a surfer yourself, no worries. You can still enjoy the action from the cliffs and soak up the awesome vibes. So let’s go bike over and see some gnarly waves and soak up the laid-back surf culture of Santa Cruz. It’s gonna be epic, dude!

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cowell’s –

If you’re looking for a sick spot to catch some waves in Santa Cruz, Cowell Beach, aka Cowell’s, is where it’s at. It’s located west of the Municipal Wharf pier in downtown Santa Cruz, CA, and has a grand hotel, the Dream Inn, as a backdrop. The beach has a great view of the pier jutting out into the Santa Cruz Harbor. Volleyball is popular here, and there are many sand courts available on both sides of the pier. But the real deal is the surfing, which is super popular when conditions are right. Cowell’s is less crowded than the larger and more popular Santa Cruz Main Beach on the other side of the pier, so you’ll have more space to shred the gnar. Plus, the Dream Inn is the perfect destination for professional surfers and people that love awe-inspiring West Coast sunsets. You can even soak in the sunshine from their newly renovated pool area, with direct access to Cowell Beach. So, hold on to your handle bars and head over to Cowell’s for a rad time!

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Santa Cruz Wharf is a popular attraction in Santa Cruz, California. It offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including fishing, boat tours, dining, and shopping at gift shops. We will bike along the pier to take in the beautiful views. There are several dining options available on the pier, ranging from seafood restaurants to casual eateries. One popular spot is the Firefish Grill, where you can enjoy delicious seafood, chicken, and salads while taking in the ocean breeze. As you bike to the end of the pier, you’ll have the chance to see and hear the sea lions and sailboats. It’s a unique experience to witness these marine creatures in their natural habitat. Santa Cruz Wharf is the longest public drive-on wharf on the West Coast, and its historical significance and picturesque setting make it a must-visit attraction for tourists.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Welcome to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a legendary oceanfront playground in Santa Cruz, California. Founded in 1907, it’s California’s oldest surviving amusement park and one of the few seaside parks on the West Coast. The Boardwalk is a true West Coast treasure, known for its great rides, remarkable history, and spectacular beach setting. You’ll find a total of 35 attractions, including thrilling roller coasters and water rides. The Giant Dipper roller coaster and Looff Carousel are both National Historic Landmarks, adding to the park’s rich history.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

It’s not all surf shacks in Santa Cruz. Just a short stroll from the contemporary shops of downtown Santa Cruz, you’ll find some of the city’s most elaborate Victorian homes along the charming, tree-lined Walnut Avenue. Marvel at impeccably restored 19th century Queen Annes, Italianates, and Colonial Revivals—some illuminated with flickering gas lamps. Thanks to the Museum of Art & History, nearly all are labeled with informative blue plaques which state the home’s name and date of construction.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

“Lost Boys” Bridge

Welcome to Santa Cruz, home of the Lost Boys. The railroad trestle bridge featured in the movie is located in southern California, but we’ve included the one in Santa Cruz for the total fan experience. The bridge measures 332 feet long and was built in the 1800s. A pedestrian walkway makes crossing easy, but be sure to stay off the tracks – and watch out for hanging vampires! The bridge offers stunning views of the river and surrounding area, making it a perfect spot for a spooky photo op. The City of Santa Cruz received a 2020 Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Award for its San Lorenzo River Parkway/Trestle Trail. So, if you’re a fan of The Lost Boys or just looking for a unique and spooky experience, you will enjoy this stop on the San Lorenzo River Railroad Bridge in Santa Cruz.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

If you want to ride through a boater’s paradise, the Santa Cruz Harbor is the spot for you! With over 1,000 slips granting immediate access to Monterey Bay, you can set sail and explore the beautiful California coast. But even if you’re not a boater, the Santa Cruz Harbor has plenty of fun for landlubbers, too! Check out the marina full of magnificent vessels, waterfront eateries, and sandy beaches. Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the harbor. So, set sail for the Santa Cruz Harbor, and discover a variety of seaside activities that are sure to float your boat.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Downtown Santa Cruz, located on Pacifica Ave., is a must-visit destination for any traveler. With its laid-back vibe and diverse offerings, it has something for everyone. You can expect a unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment that captures the essence of this vibrant coastal town. So, take your time, explore the area, and immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere and local charm.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free