The coastal city of Santa Cruz in the US state of California is a must-visit destination for those seeking a place with loads of sunshine, sand, and a laid-back coastal vibe. The city is hugely popular for its vibrant surfing and skateboarding cultures, not to miss the picturesque beaches and the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Santa Cruz offers an array of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and delectable dining options. In this blog post, we will explore the best places to visit in Santa Cruz and discuss the many things to do in Santa Cruz.
Top Places to Visit in Santa Cruz
- West Cliff Drive
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Santa Cruz Wharf
- Wilder Ranch State Park
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West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive is a breathtaking 3-mile pathway in Santa Cruz, offering scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the picturesque Monterey Bay. Starting at Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, the drive passes by charming inns and hotels before entering a residential area. You can enjoy strolls, bike rides, and dog walks. The scenic drive concludes at Natural Bridges State Beach and Park featuring a striking sandstone arch and tide pools teeming with marine life. Winter brings in mesmerising clusters of monarch butterflies.
Things to do at West Cliff Drive
- Take a walk or go on a bike ride along the scenic pathway
- Enjoy surreal views of the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay
- Stop by the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum to learn about the city's surfing heritage
- Explore tide pools with starfish and crabs at Natural Bridges State Beach and Park
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Among the notable places to visit in Santa Cruz is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The beach boardwalk is a legendary amusement park that offers seemingly endless fun with rides, games, and attractions for all ages. Here you can experience the thrill of two National Historic Landmarks: the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and the Looff Carousel.
Things to do at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Enjoy thrilling rides, including the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and the Looff Carousel
- Explore a variety of rides for all ages, including thrill rides and kiddie rides
- Play over 300 games at the Casino Arcade, featuring new and vintage options.
- Experience mini-golf fun at Neptune's Kingdom
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Natural Bridges State Beach
A nature lover's paradise, Natural Bridges State Beach offers captivating views of shorebirds, migrating whales, seals, and playful otters. Here you can explore tidepools during low tides. The coastal scrub and grasslands come alive in spring with colourful native wildflowers. The park's beauty is enhanced by Moore Creek, which creates freshwater wetlands and a salt marsh before flowing into the sea. Natural Bridges State Beach easily ranks top among the places to visit in Santa Cruz.
Things to do at Natural Bridges State Beach
- Observe shorebirds, migrating whales, seals, otters, and various other marine life from the beach
- Explore public access tidepools with starfish, shore crabs, and sea anemones
- Visit the Monarch Grove to witness thousands of monarch butterflies from late fall to winter
- Discover diverse marine life at the tide pools in the Marine Protected Area
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Santa Cruz Wharf
Yet another of the places to visit in Santa Cruz is the Santa Cruz Wharf. The pier provides thrilling views of the Californian coast. It is the longest wooden pier in the US, at 2,745 feet. The Santa Cruz Wharf rests on over 4,400 Douglas-fir pilings. Dating back to 1914, this timber pier offers a timeless Santa Cruz experience. Enjoy the best of seaside dining, shopping, and recreation. You can shop for myriad handicrafts and beachwear here.
Things to do at Santa Cruz Wharf
- Stroll along the wooden walkways with a cup of clam chowder in hand
- Explore fresh-seafood eateries and local gift shops
- Discover nature and history displays on the wharf
- Attend fun seasonal events hosted at the Santa Cruz Wharf
- Meet the famous barking sea lions for a delightful experience
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Wilder Ranch State Park
Among the much sought-after places to visit in Santa Cruz is the Wilder Ranch State Park. The park spans 7,000 acres, offering a captivating sight of the Santa Cruz coastline. You will have to traverse ancient wave-cut terraces and marshlands to reach the seashore. You will feel you are in the late 1800s after visiting a historic dairy ranch, an 1897 Victorian home, and a water-powered machine shop at the park.
Things to do at the Wilder Ranch State Park
- Explore the captivating Santa Cruz coastline on the vast 7,000-acre Wilder Ranch State Park
- Enjoy a delightful picnic on the park's front lawn and interact with friendly farm animals
- Embark on over 35 miles of scenic trails, offering adventures through the Santa Cruz Mountains and along coastal bluffs
Best Time to Visit Santa Cruz
The best period to explore Santa Cruz is between September and November. During this time, the summer tourists will have departed, providing more space at beaches and attractions. December to February sees slightly cooler temperatures, ideal for the overwintering monarch butterflies at Natural Bridges State Beach. April to May brings rising temperatures and special events, culminating in a nexus of activities from June to August.
Travel Insurance for Santa Cruz
Thus, you now know about the best places to visit in Santa Cruz and the things to do in Santa Cruz. You also know the best times of the year to visit.
There is one more aspect you should focus on, and that is investing in travel insurance. It is essential to invest in travel insurance to protect yourself from any unforeseen circumstances. Choose a reliable insurance provider and carefully review the policy to ensure it meets your requirements.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.