Activities

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Sea otter floating in Monterey Bay

Explore the Surroundings

Discover Santa Cruz

Just steps from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach, with shops, restaurants, the Wharf and downtown nearby, and only minutes to golf, water sports, fishing, sailing charters and state parks.

THE BOARDWALK

FAMILY FUN

SHOPPING

ON THE WATER

OUTDOORS

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

THE BOARDWALK

01

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

California's classic seaside amusement park and a State Historic Landmark, right across the street. Admission is free; pay only for rides, games and the 1911 Looff Carousel.

Neptune's Kingdom

THE BOARDWALK

02

Neptune's Kingdom

Indoor pirate-themed mini golf and arcade games at the Boardwalk. An easy pick for foggy mornings and rainy days.

Casino Arcade

THE BOARDWALK

03

Casino Arcade

Hundreds of games, from skee-ball and claw machines to the latest arcade hits, a short stroll down the Boardwalk.

Boardwalk Bowl

FAMILY FUN

04

Boardwalk Bowl

The Boardwalk's state-of-the-art bowling center is a fun place for family play time, year-round.

Shopping at The Walk

SHOPPING

05

Shopping at The Walk

Pick up Santa Cruz sweatshirts, beachwear and souvenirs to take home from your trip.

Sailing the Chardonnay II

ON THE WATER

06

Sailing the Chardonnay II

The Chardonnay II offers many options for a relaxing, affordable sail on Monterey Bay, from daytime cruises to sunset sails.

Sea otter floating in the kelp

ON THE WATER

07

Sea Otters & Wildlife

Monterey Bay is a National Marine Sanctuary. Watch for sea otters floating in the kelp and sea lions resting under the Wharf.

West Cliff and the Surfer Statue

OUTDOORS

08

West Cliff & the Surfer Statue

Walk or bike the coastal path along West Cliff Drive to the surfer statue and Steamer Lane, where local surfers ride the point.

Natural Bridges at sunset

OUTDOORS

09

Natural Bridges at Sunset

Natural Bridges State Beach is known for its ocean arch, tide pools and winter monarch butterflies. Go for sunset; you won't regret it.

Redwood forest

OUTDOORS

10

Redwood Forests

Towering redwood groves are a short drive from the coast, with shaded trails for every pace.

Not sure where to start?

Ask at the front desk. We're open 24 hours and happy to point you to our favorite spots.