Santa Cruz… a quintessential beach town where bright blue ocean surf meets lush, redwood-covered mountains, where a colorful and lively downtown intersects with a laid-back, hippy vibe. It’s the perfect place for a chill and casual getaway!
Located 72 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Cruz is about an hour and a half from our hometown, so it’s been a go-to beach destination my whole life. This place holds so many great memories as a kid – loading up the suburban with my mom, brothers, aunts and cousins to hit the beach and ride the rollercoasters on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It also holds special memories as Steven and I spent some of our early relationship getaways here. It’s where we celebrated our first anniversary of dating, and a whole week of living like the locals in the cutest rental just a short walk from Lighthouse Field State Beach. And over at Natural Bridges State Beach, is where Steven asked me to marry him on 4th of July eleven years ago!
So naturally, it felt like we had “done all the things” here in this beach town, even as our family grew. Boy, was I wrong! The Santa Cruz area has SO much to offer beyond the Boardwalk, especially for young, adventure-loving families. So much so, that this upcoming list of our favorite experiences is far from brief. Whether you’re here for the weekend, or two months like our stay, there are plenty of things to choose from for your vacation!
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The first on the list is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – and for good reason. This iconic amusement park offers a variety of rollercoaster rides and games, with the beautiful mile-long backdrop of the sandy beach behind it.
This was the boys’ first time coming to the boardwalk, and it was just as magical for them as it was for Steven and I growing up: corn dogs and funnel cakes, cotton candy and saltwater taffy. Chocolate-covered ice cream cones and caramel apples. Heart-dropping rollercoaster rides and swinging pirate ships, with a bird-eye view of the Pacific Ocean for miles, the Santa Cruz Beach and its beloved wharf. As we shared this place with Levi and Harvey, the four of us couldn’t contain our grins as we rode ride after ride.
Price: Varies on the day. If you’re traveling on a budget, there are some solid options for saving money AND enjoying the boardwalk. If you’re going to be in Santa Cruz for a good stretch of time, you might want to consider a season pass for $81.95. This will give you unlimited rides all year long, and pretty much pays for itself in two visits. There’s also Coca-Cola Nights during the summer months. Just bring a Coke product and you can enjoy unlimited rides for $14.95 (plus tax) on Wednesdays and Thursdays after 5pm. We opted for Retro Nights. Between mid-June to mid-August, you can enjoy $1.50 rides on Mondays and Tuesdays after 5pm. We did the latter, and spent about $60 total for all of us to do 10 rides each. And any time you buy tickets, the park offers up a discount coupon booklet with some pretty cool deals on food and merch.
Hours: Boardwalk rides are open daily from late May through late August, plus most weekends and holidays throughout the year, weather permitting. Check out beachboardwalk.com for the most up-to-date info.
Pick Your Park!
One thing I didn’t realize is how there is not shortage of incredible forests, trails and state parks located here in Santa Cruz! We were able to explore so many cool outdoor places during our time here. Here are some of our faves!
Wilder Ranch State Park
If you’re looking for a day-long adventure, this historical dairy ranch is the perfect place to do explore. You can step back into the late 1800s to see what early ranch life was like along the Santa Cruz coastline at Wilder Ranch State Park. There’s a Victorian home surrounded by a farm, where kids can enjoy looking at the horses, goats, cows, chickens and more. In front of the home, there are two amazing hideaways to discover. The first is a path through a massive aloe plant, complete with kid-sized “rooms” that feel like a cave. The second is the awesome climbing tree! Levi and Harvey spent a ton of time scaling the tree limbs. This is also a great place to set up lunch or snacks – especially if the next part of your visit is checking out the trails!
For a great coastal hike with epic views, make sure to save some time for the Old Cove Landing Trail to Ohlone Bluff Trail. This trek is 2.5 miles, mostly flat and unpaved. While it’s a pretty easy path, it does get very warm with the summer sun beating down on you. Bring sunscreen and a hat! While we walked, we saw a few families ride bikes on the trail, which seemed like fun. And if your kids are like mine – complaining about the walk – do yourself a favor and pull out the bribes. For the first 0.7 miles, you’re not going to see much of anything. This was the hardest for the boys because they thought it was boring. KEEP GOING!
The coastline cliffs are absolutely STUNNING, and well worth listening to your kids complain for 30 minutes. These panoramic views showcase a bright blue ocean crashing relentlessly against the picturesque sandstone cliffs. And once you get closer to the ocean, a refreshing, cool breeze picks up. My only other suggestion might be to opt for the hike first thing in the morning, when it’s cooler, and then have lunch at the ranch. Either way, you won’t want to miss these magnificent views!
Price: $10 parking
Hours: 8am to Sunset
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
If you’re seeking the most magical forest with boundless trails, you’ll definitely want to spend some time in Nisene Marks. When asking for local recommendations on places to explore, this was the No. 1 suggestion by a long shot. Nisene Marks is a densely forested, 10,000-acre wilderness located in Aptos, just outside of Santa Cruz. With over 30 miles of trails, there’s plenty of hiking, running or biking to do here!
We packed up our water and snacks, and hit the 1.1-mile-long Old Growth Loop. Almost immediately, you’re transported away from civilization and immersed in a lush, bright green forest filled with ferns and redwoods. There’s a stream running through the trail, which is a perfect place to stop for a picnic. While the creek babbled in the background, we sat at a picnic bench and read a chapter from Knights vs. Dinosaurs. (Side note: this is an awesome book to read to kiddos!)
After, we made our way to the twisted redwood forest, and saw the park’s largest tree, the Advocate. While the trail itself takes less than an hour with kids, this place is one to bask in the quietness of nature and take it in slowly.
Price: $10 for parking
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
We easily spent the most time at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. My first visit here was with our dog Ruby for a kid-free hike along the Pipeline Road. Let me say that this 5-mile round-trip trek is sure to get your heart pumping with the steep uphill climbs on the paved road.
After seeing how beautiful this park is, I knew that I had to bring the boys back to check it out. With redwoods in the name, the Redwood Grove Loop Trail is an obvious attraction. It’s just shy of a mile and completely flat, so it’s perfect for kids. There’s also a printed guide that you can pick up at the start of the trail, with numbers identifying key nature points and tidbits of info. The boys had a blast finding the next number along the trail, so that we could stop and read about that section of the forest. (Can we say homeschooling win?!)
Our next visit, we brought Steven along for the Labor Day holiday to hike along the River Trail. The San Lorenzo River flows through this state park, offering up shady views of the water flowing alongside the two-mile path. When we came to the part of the trail where the railroad trestle hangs overhead, we spotted a few families enjoying the river and decided to hop in ourselves! As we made our way to a little beach just past the railroad tracks, we stopped to enjoy a homemade lunch and snacks.
There are so many other trails to check out here that are kid-friendly too. A stop at the Visitor’s Center can provide all of the info you need to find the right one for your family. And, if you’re looking to make a full day while in Felton, Roaring Camp Railroads is next door to Henry Cowell. Here you can take a 75-minute train ride on a 19th century steam locomotive through the redwoods. We passed on this, only because it costs $110 for a family of four (and as a traveling family, we’re trying to stretch our dollars as far as we can!).
Price: $10 for parking
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
We didn’t have a chance to make our way to Big Basin State Park on this stay, but we have explored this beautiful park in the past. It’s well worth the visit, but be forewarned that it can get extremely busy during the summer, especially on the weekends. Established in 1902, Big Basin is California’s oldest state park. Some of the redwood giants here are as tall as the Statue of Liberty, and can be up to 1,800 years old! There are more than 80 miles of trails within this 18,000-acre state park. If you’re toting around little ones, we recommend the Redwood Loop Trail, which showcases some of the park’s largest trees – like the Father of the Forest, as well as the Mother of the Forest. There’s also supposed to be some great campsites here according to some of our family members!
Price: $10 for parking
Hours: 6am to Sunset
Natural Bridges State Beach
Steven and I had only been to Natural Bridges State Beach once before – years ago on 4th of July, when he asked me for my hand in marriage. (Check out our crazy hair! Such rebels, LOL.) So it only seemed fitting to come back and explore with the boys.
During our first visit, we donned our swimsuits and headed straight for the tidepools peppered along the bluffs on the right side of the beach.
Not only does this area provide fantastic views of the last standing natural arch, it’s a fun chance to seek out sea stars, anemones and shore crabs. Take note though – you’ll want to make sure it’s low tide before going too far in. If you hike up just above the bluffs, there’s a fun climbing tree where the kiddos can play for hours! After, we pulled out our beach gear to enjoy the sand and the ocean for the rest of the afternoon.
On a later trip, the boys and I came back to walk the Monarch Butterfly Nature Preserve Loop. While it was too early in the season to spot any of the 100,000 monarchs that grace this park each year (late October and November is said to be the best time), we did get the chance to see other wildlife – deer and bunny rabbits! The trail itself is great for kids at 0.6 miles. The boys were in a good mood to explore after seeing animals, so we extended our trek to the Moore Creek Trail. Once we reached the lagoon, we climbed up to our favorite tree above the tidepools and continued our adventures in Knights vs. Dinosaurs. After, we crossed the beach to the shaded picnic tables, where we ate lunch and did some homeschool work. A great way to end a perfect day!
Price: $10 for parking
Hours: 8am to Sunset
A final word to the wise – it’s a $10 visit to most state parks, so do yourself a favor and purchase an annual California state park pass. Especially if you have plans to travel to other state parks within Cali. We got the Golden Poppy Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass for $125, which grants you access to many of the premiere destination parks in the redwood region, and most of the state reservoirs. Based on our park visits, we almost paid for our entire pass during our two months in Santa Cruz – so it’s totally worth it! For the full list of parks accepting this pass, click here.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
If you’re anywhere in proximity of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, you MUST check it out. Only 25 miles or so from Santa Cruz, we headed to Monterey to meet up with my brother and his family to celebrate my niece’s birthday. While this can be a pricey visit (it was $144 for our family of 4, with our AAA discount), it’s totally worth every penny. You can spend all day here staring at glass-walled tanks filled with more than 35,000 animals and 550 species of plants. You can catch the sea otter, penguin and kelp forest feedings throughout the day, or venture over to The Open Sea at 11am for arguably one of the best feedings at the aquarium. (I mean, who doesn’t want to see sharks eat?!)
There’s literally something for everyone, too. Me? I love watching the sea otters dash below the surface and tease the little ones staring at them from behind the glass. The Kelp Forest is mesmerizing, as leopard sharks, sardines and wolf-eels weave in and out of this underwater forest. The Open Sea boasts hammerhead sharks, green sea turtles, the pelagic stingray, and possibly the strangest marine life – the ocean sunfish. At the Touch Pools, you can skim your fingers along a stingray, sea anemone, hermit crabs, abalone and more. I just asked the boys which exhibit was their favorite, and they both answered enthusiastically, “EVERYTHING!”
You can bring your lunch and snacks into the Aquarium, and they also have a café and restaurant on-site. But while you’re in Monterey, be sure to walk Cannery Row. (Parental warning: there are candy shops all over this stretch, so proceed with caution!) There are plenty of restaurants if you’re in the mood to eat out. A family staple for us has been Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., which is a kid-friendly spot known for its seafood fare and Forrest Gump trivia. Levi thought it was especially cool that the kid’s meal comes with jello!
One last pro tip if you’re in Monterey – don’t make a visit without stopping off at Dust Bowl Brewing Co. Tap Depot. Now, we may be partial because this brewery is a source of pride from our hometown of Turlock, but if you’re in the mood for excellent beer, this place is for you. It’s also family-friendly! They have a Mexican food truck on-site (get the quesadilla – it’s delish) and over 22 craft brews on tap. If you’ve never tried Dust Bowl, you’ve got to start with the Hops of Wrath IPA or Taco Truck Lager. My personal favorite is the California Line Vanilla Blonde. If you’re feeling daring, check out the Therapist IIIPA (just make sure you’re not the designated driver!).
Price: $29.95-49.95, varies by person. Definitely buy your tickets online before going, as it’ll save you a long wait in the line to get in. There are discounts through AAA, and sometimes you can find discounted tickets at Costco in California.
Hours: 10am-5pm
Nearly 30 Miles of Coastline & Beaches
When in the Santa Cruz area, there are literally tons of beaches to choose from for your stay. Our Airbnb was fairly close to Seabright and Twin Lakes State Beaches, so we put our feet in the sand there the most. Our personal favorite is Manresa State Beach, just outside of Watsonville. There are fewer crowds, plenty of parking and the ocean waves are awesome for little ones to play in.
All of these are also dog-friendly, as long as your pup is on a leash. If you’re looking strictly for a dog beach, check out Its Beach by Lighthouse Field State Beach. Parking is trickier over here, so bring your patience. While the latter is perfect for your four-legged friend to run around and play, I don’t recommend setting up your beach-day blankets here. There are usually too many dogs doing their business ALL over the beach, and while all of the owners are responsible in cleaning up after the mess, it still grossed me out a bit.
One thing to take note of with Santa Cruz weather… most days you’ll see fog along the coastline until lunchtime or so. Even though the sun may not be shining in the morning hours, don’t forget your sunscreen! We discovered a new, easy-to-apply rollerball from Project Sunscreen. It contains 100% mineral active ingredients, including zinc oxide, and doesn’t leave a sticky mess all over your hands.
Price: Varies by beach.
Hours: Varies by beach.
Sea Spirit Ocean Safari Tour
Towards the end of our stay in Santa Cruz, my parents came up to visit. I racked my brain on an activity that everyone would love, and ended up choosing the Great White Shark Safari Tour from Sea Spirit Ocean Safari. I have an affinity for these incredible creatures, and thought it would be a good fit for all ages. Boy, was I right!
This ocean sea tour ventures from the Santa Cruz Harbor to “Shark Park,” a warm, calm water area within the Monterey Bay Sanctuary aboard the Sea Spirit. The 50’ boat has wrap around decking, so there’s not a bad view of the water. For this size, there isn’t a ton of people on board as well, which makes it easy for the kids to spot marine life.
Speaking of marine life – we saw our fair share! Immediately upon departure, we saw a large male sea lion basking on the dock. Once we were out in the open waters, we caught a glimpse of dolphins swimming alongside our boat, as well as humpback whales! When we got over to Shark Park, we witnessed several juvenile great white sharks in the water. We even saw a shark breach the surface, just like on Shark Week!
For four adults and two kids, it cost us $224 for two hours. Worth every penny! This tour was incredible, and we all talked about it for days afterwards. The Sea Spirit also hosts morning whale watching tours, as well as a sunset cruise. We highly recommend booking a tour with these great folks!
Price: $35 for kids, $39 for adults.
Hours: Varies by tour. The Great White Shark Safari tour is at 2pm.
Some of our other favorite spots in Santa Cruz are worth a quick mention:
Bookshop Santa Cruz – This independent store is a book lover’s dream. I could spend all day here! New and used books, plus lots of local recommendations. Fantastic kids’ section!
Gizdich Ranch – Head to Watsonville to pick your own strawberries! Then stop by the Pie Shop afterwards for a slice of heaven or a puff pastry.
Pleasure Point – Head down at sunrise or sunset to watch the surfers catch waves.
Seymour Marine Discovery Lab – If you can’t make it to Monterey Bay Aquarium, give this place a go. A mini aquarium with fun touch pools for the kids!
Frederick Street Park – Our favorite playground and open space in town, complete with a dog park.
Hula’s Island Grill – Delicious drinks and food, with awesome happy hour deals. Very kid-friendly too!
Downtown Farmer’s Market – Every Wednesday take your pick of food trucks, live music and local, organic fruits and vegetables in the heart of downtown.
Marianne’s Ice Cream – a Santa Cruz staple since 1947. There are over 105 flavors of ice cream here! Try the Lavender or Root Beer Swirl. Cash only!
Santa Cruz Wharf — Built in 1914, the wharf gives you fantastic views of the Boardwalk, as well as touristy shops and dining. And you can check out the sea lions underneath if you peek your head over!
Santa Cruz Power Fitness – Hands down, this is the best place to get in a workout in Santa Cruz. They offer tons of weight lifting equipment and a fab kids club.
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) – A fantastic museum that features a wealth of info on the area’s rich cultural history.
Abbott Square Market – An energetic and fun culinary and entertainment venue featuring fantastic food and drink options. We wish we had spent more time here!
Top a Lot Yogurt – Nothing fancy by any means, but Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-7pm they have two-for-one fro-yo. Yum!
Ocean View Park – This dog- and kid-friendly park offers a great view of the Boardwalk, as well as the coolest playground slides.
Mystery Spot – Defy the laws of physics at this gravitational anomaly centered in the redwood forests of Santa Cruz County. Kids will LOVE it!
Verve Coffee Roasters — The best coffee spot in town, hands down. Try the Nitro Cold Brew!
Capitola Village – This place has always been a go-to for us! Shop and dine near the water, or hit the beach. Parking can be a pain, so head there early in the day.
There is so much to do in this eccentric beach town. Even with two months here, we barely scratched the surface! Check out our crowd-sourced list of fun, family-friendly things to do in the Santa Cruz region. Where will you go first?
And if you’re familiar with the Santa Cruz area, what are your favorite spots to go?
