Plan your trip
  • Hotels
  • Apartments
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Bed & Breakfasts
  • Villas
Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Attractions

Your guide to the top places to visit in Santa Cruz, United States

Things to do in Santa Cruz – top Santa Cruz must-see attractions

Santa Cruz, California is defined by its surf culture, coastal wilderness, and a laid-back energy that shows up in every landmark you visit. From rugged redwood forests and working harbors to hands-on science centers and surf history museums, the range of things to see in Santa Cruz, United States is genuinely impressive. You can stroll the Santa Cruz Wharf for fresh seafood with ocean views, explore ancient coastal trails at Wilder Ranch State Park, or get interactive with marine life at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Ready to plan your trip? Here's your go-to list of top spots.

QUICK browse:
Historic Site
Historic Site
Parks
Parks
Museums
Museums
Harbors
Harbors
Nature reserves
Nature reserves
Lighthouses
Lighthouses
Santa Cruz Wharf
Families
Santa Cruz Wharf
Why visit?
  • Oceanfront dining spots
  • Local seafood vendors
  • Panoramic bay views
Wilder Ranch State Park
Nature Lovers
Wilder Ranch State Park
Why visit?
  • Coastal hiking trails
  • Historic farm buildings
  • Horseback riding paths
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Families
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Why visit?
  • Live marine touch tanks
  • Ocean research exhibits
  • Guided science programs
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
History Geeks
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Why visit?
  • Vintage surfboard collection
  • Wave-riding history displays
  • Lighthouse building setting
Families
The Mystery Spot
Why visit?
  • Optical illusion effects
  • Guided mystery tours
  • Redwood forest setting
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Nature Lovers
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Why visit?
  • Old-growth redwood groves
  • Riverside camping areas
  • Scenic forest hiking trails
Roaring Camp
Families
Roaring Camp
Why visit?
  • Vintage steam train rides
  • 19th-century logging camp
  • Redwood grove rail route
Santa Cruz Harbor
Families
Santa Cruz Harbor
Why visit?
  • Working fishing harbor
  • Lighthouse viewing point
  • Sandy Twin Lakes beach
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
History Geeks
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Why visit?
  • Local wildlife exhibits
  • Native plant displays
  • Archaeology artifact collections
UC Santa Cruz
Nature Lovers
UC Santa Cruz
Why visit?
  • Redwood-lined campus paths
  • Coastal prairie overlooks
  • Open-air art installations
Santa Cruz
United States
United States

Plan your next unforgettable trip with insider tips, curated experiences, and trusted traveler reviews.

With travelers' reviews from:

Tripadvisor

Plan your trip

  • Hotels
  • Apartments
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Bed & Breakfasts
  • Villas

© 2026 Visit Santa Cruz. All rights reserved.