Top 5 Things to Do in Santa Cruz, California
Nestled just a short drive from San Francisco and San Jose, Santa Cruz is a charming town that makes for the perfect getaway, although once you taste the town’s charm and scenic beauty, you might want to stay. The area is a picturesque land of mountains, expansive beaches, the best off-shore breaks, surf, redwood-covered mountains, hippy culture, and a laid-back vibe. You are contemplating moving to Santa Cruz but wondering about the fun activities to engage in. Here are some of the top things to do in Santa Cruz.
Understand The Surfer History at Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum contains Santa Cruz’s surfing history with photographs, artifacts, and lots of old-school boards. Here, you will learn what Burt Landess first used for a surfing board, and then stroll around Lighthouse Point to see dozens of surfers shredding the break at the Steamer Lane. You can also buy souvenirs, such as books, to help support the museum.
Take A Train Ride On the Roaring Camp Train
Another fun thing to try out in Santa Cruz is taking a train ride on the Roaring Camp Train. You can enjoy two exceptional riding experiences: the Santa Cruz Beach Train and the Redwood Forest Steam Train. The Beach Train is a three-hour tour through the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and the San Lorenzo River before reaching the end at the Beach Boardwalk. The Redwood Forest Train is a one and a half hour ride running through the redwood forests up the mountains to the charming Felton town.
Explore the Santa Cruz Wharf
If you are searching for a perfect place to spend a day and get scenic ocean views, the Santa Cruz Wharf is a great option. This shopping and dining district is nestled on the Pacific water of around a 100-year-old wharf. Here, you can shop for all the gifts that family members and coworkers expect you to bring back. You can also grab some food at one of the many seaside eateries. However, for most people, it’s not the restaurants and shops that warrant a visit here; it’s the scenic views from the pier. Ensure to go to the sea lion viewing holes and see the memorable sea lions that live here.
Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
You may recognize the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk from movies as it has been featured as a backdrop for many cinema scenes. Going to the Santa Cruz boardwalk is free and always open from May to late August, including holidays and weekends. But even during the offseason, the place is still open for miniature golf, laser tag, and arcades.
Relax at A Local Park
If you want to spend an afternoon relaxing and enjoying nature, consider visiting one of Santa Cruz’s scenic municipal parks. The parks are green, well-maintained, and shady even on sunny days; hence, they are a great place to relax and let kids play. San Lorenzo Park is one of the most popular urban parks in Santa Cruz. The park even features an artificial turf bowling lawn to enjoy with family members.
Moving to Santa Cruz? Work with Joe Prather
Santa Cruz is a city packed with things to enjoy. There are many recreational opportunities and a vibrant entertainment scene, which is fantastic. If you are interested in homes for sale in Santa Cruz, Joe Prather is an experienced local real estate agent ready to assist you in finding the ideal home at the right price. Contact Joe Prather today to get started.
