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 head over to Natural Bridges State Park for a fun day out!

West Cliff Drive & 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. Get ready to see some gnarly waves and soak up the laid-back surf culture of Santa Cruz. It's gonna be an epic ride, dude!

Have you heard of the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum? It's the first surfing museum in the world, and it's located at 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.

Dream Inn at Cowell's - If you're looking for a sick spot to see 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 who 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, let's ride over to Cowell's for a rad time!

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. Bike through this popular spot 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. The pier is conveniently located near the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk, making it a great addition to your day of fun and adventure in Santa Cruz. 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. So, whether you're interested in fishing, enjoying a meal with an ocean view, or simply taking a leisurely walk, Santa Cruz Wharf offers a delightful experience for visitors of all ages.

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.

Welcome the National Marine Sanctuary Center where we can explore more of Santa Cruz's ocean life.

Come ride through a boater's paradise, the Santa Cruz Harbor is the spot! With over 1,000 slips granting immediate access to Monterey Bay, you can set sail and explore the beautiful California coast. Check out the marina full of magnificent vessels, waterfront eateries, and sandy beaches. Plus, there are boundless land and sea recreation opportunities, including fishing, kayaking, and whale watching tours. So, set sail for the Santa Cruz Harbor, and discover a variety of seaside activities that are sure to float your boat.

We stop by the Santa Cruz Museum to see what it has to offer. Get a sneak peek at Santa Cruz's art scene.