• 
• 
• 
• 1234          123456789          01234

Santa Cruz, CA Attractions

With gorgeous scenery, charming shops and a relaxed beach atmosphere, Santa Cruz is the quintessential California town. Local attractions and activities to include during your stay at Hotel PURE Beach Inn include:

Santa Cruz Boardwalk

This State Historic Landmark is California’s only major seaside amusement park and home to two National Historic Landmarks: the 1911 Looff Carousel and 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster. For more information, call (831) 423-5590.

The Mystery Spot of Santa Cruz

This gravitational anomaly located in the redwood forests is contained in a circular area of about150 feet in diameter. Visitors experience puzzling variations of gravity, perspective, and height. Theories vary from spacecraft to a magma vortex. See for yourself!

University of California, Santa Cruz

This public university is one of the ten campuses of the University of California. It offers over 60 undergraduate majors, with graduate programs in more than 30 fields. Popular undergraduate majors include art, business management economics, molecular and cell biology, and psychology.

Santa Cruz Wharf

The current wharf was built in 1914 — the last of six built on the site. It's known for fishing, recreation and great whale watching in Santa Cruz.

Marine Discovery Center

This working marine laboratory features exhibits, an aquarium, touch tanks, tours to marine mammal research overlook, and even the world's largest whale skeleton.

Capitola Village

This intimate beach village is perfect for a romantic weekend visit. Experience quaint shops and eateries, as well as an interesting bit of California history.

Roaring Camp Train>You can see California's breathtaking redwood forests from two historic railroads. Take the steam train through the Big Trees to Bear Mountain or go by beach train down the scenic San Lorenzo River to Santa Cruz's beaches.

Surf Museum at the Lighthouse
In the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, the museum overlooks renowned surfing spot Steamer Lane and features photographs, surfboards, and other interesting items recounting more than 100 years of surfing history in Santa Cruz. For hours and information, call (831) 420-6289.

... and be sure to see our beautiful California beaches and state parks, as well!

« back to top

Annual Events

From food and wine festivals to great surf competitions, Santa Cruz County offers beautiful surroundings and ideal weather for many popular events. To find events by name or to browse by month, please visit the Santa Cruz Convention & Visitors Bureau.

« back to top

Watersports

For a full list of Santa Cruz surf shops, please see our Shopping page.

« back to top

Golf

For additional information about Santa Cruz, CA attractions, please visit the Santa Cruz Convention & Visitors Bureau.