With over 14 state parks, wineries, museums, farmer's markets, and outdoor activities like hiking, stand up paddle boarding, surfing, canopy tours and mountain biking, there is plenty to choose from. Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Roaring Camp Railroads, the Santa Cruz Wharf, UCSC, and lots more!
Is Santa Cruz open for tourists?
WHAT'S OPEN? Santa Cruz County is open for business and ready to welcome you! Hotels, resorts, spas, restaurants, wineries, attractions, museums, parks, and more – take a look below for what to expect during your visit!
Where do the locals go in Santa Cruz?
- Privates Beach. ...
- DeLaveaga Park. ...
- Hiking Nisene Marks or Land of the Medicine Buddha. ...
- Simpkins Swim Center. ...
- Low Tide East Cliff. ...
- Beer Thirty Bottle Shop & Pour House. ...
- Capitola Cliffs. ...
- Opal Spa and Boutique in Capitola.
Is Mystery Spot worth seeing?
Tripadvisor ranks the Mystery Spot high on their list of things to do in Santa Cruz. People can't seem to get enough of taking wacky pictures of their friends appearing to walk on the walls or floating in mid-air. They also praise the tour guides saying "The guides are fantastic and fun to be with.Jun 3, 2019
Where can I watch fireworks in Santa Cruz?
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. 1.1 mi. 1974 reviews. ...
- Watsonville Fireworks. 14.5 mi. $ Fireworks. ...
- Skypark. 5.1 mi. Playgrounds, Parks. ...
- New Brighton State Beach. 5.1 mi. 200 reviews. ...
- Seacliff State Beach. 6.1 mi. 254 reviews. ...
- Almaden Lake Park. 20.1 mi. ...
- Fantasy of Lights. 18.0 mi. ...
- Aptos Dog Park. 8.1 mi.
Does Santa Cruz Boardwalk have fireworks?
There are firework shows in Santa Cruz County. The Beach Boardwalk has a fireworks show in June to celebrate the Boardwalk's birthday.
Can you outdoor dine in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is a fresh air paradise for those with a penchant for dining alfresco. With summer weather year-round, any time of year can be great to enjoy the option of outdoor dining offered by many area restaurants.
Are Santa Cruz beaches open today?
Main Beach is open 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Cowell Beach has a 12:00 am to one hour before sunrise curfew. If you are driving to these beaches, to the Boardwalk or Wharf you might want a closer look at the roundabout at Ocean Street and Front Street.
What is Santa Cruz named after?
In 1769 the Spanish explorer Don Gaspar de Portola discovered the land area which is now known as the City of Santa Cruz. When he came upon the beautiful flowing river, he named it San Lorenzo in honor of Saint Lawrence. He called the rolling hills above the river Santa Cruz, which means holy cross.