Things To Do in Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz, California Beaches
Santa Cruz, California Outdoor Adventures
California Free Things to do this Summer!

Visiting Santa Cruz in 2012? You'll find plenty of things to do here - not only our famous local attractions such as the Mystery Spot, Natural Bridges State Park and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, but all kinds of cool places to discover and special events, as well.

Santa Cruz, California Beaches -

So many beaches, so little time! Capitola Beach ... Lighthouse Field Beach ... New Brighton Beach ... Pleasure Point Beach… Rio Del Mar ... Seabright ... Twin Lakes Beach… the list goes on! Ask at our front desk for more information and directions.

Capitola Village in Santa Cruz, California -

Restored historic village in the heart of Capitola by the Sea with fine restaurants, outdoor cafes', boutiques, shops, art galleries, live entertainment, and beautiful Capitola Beach and Wharf 1/2 block away.

Pacific Garden Mall in Santa Cruz, California -

Great shopping, dining, art, movies, clubs, coffee houses, street musicians - it's all here, and all within walking distance of the hotel!

Santa Cruz, California Outdoor Adventures

Bicycle Rentals - 115 Cliff Street 831-459-7235
Boardwalk Bowl - 115 Cliff Street 831-426-3324
Club Ed Surf School - 101 Beach Street 831-464-0177
Pacific Edge Rock Climbing Gym - 104 Bronson Street 831-454-9254
Redwood Canopy Tours - Zipline tour through the redwoods 419-0153
West Cliff Drive - 2 mile paved walking/bicycling path along the ocean

Santa Cruz, California Upcoming Events

1/1 New Year's Bird Count!

1/13 – 15 Santa Cruz Fungus Fair

1/22 Santa Cruz Chocolate Festival
1/29 Cocoanut Grove Bridal Ex
2/24 – 25 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

2/25 Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook Off at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

3/16 – 18 Santa Cruz Paddlefest

3/24 – 25 Central Coast Home and Garden Expo

4/1 Santa Cruz Half Marathon & 10K
4/8 Eggstraordinary Egg Hunt at Roaring Camp Railroad
4/21 Earth Day Santa Cruz

4/22 44th Annual Santa Cruz Classic Criterium
4/22 Day of the Child/Earth Day
4/28 – 29 12th Annual Big Stick's Logjam Surfing Contest
4/28 22nd Annual Ducky Derby

5/5 Capitola Kite Classic
5/5 Davenport Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
5/13 Mother's Day Walk: Women of Big Basin
5/13 Scotts Valley Grand Prix Bicycle Race and Festival

5/19 Maifest

5/19 Open Architecture Tour

5/19 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Kickoff the Season!

5/26 – 27 20th Annual Santa Cruz Blues Festival
5/26 – 27 28th Annual Santa Cruz Longboard Club Invitational
5/26 – 28 31st Annual Civil War Battles and Encampment at Roaring Camp Railroad

6/2 – 3 Redwood Mountain Faire

6/9 – 10 7th Annual Capitola Rod & Custom Classic Car Show

6/16 Japanese Cultural Fair
6/23 Woodies on the Wharf Classic Car Show

6/24 Bikes on the Bay: Capitola Vintage Motorcycle Show

Santa Cruz, California Free Things to Do

2nd SUNDAY/month - Antique Fair Downtown
1st TUESDAY/month - free admission at the UCSC Arboretum
WEDNESDAY - Farmer's Market Downtown, 2:30 - 6:30pm
1st THURSDAY/month - free admission to the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
1st FRIDAY/month - free admission at the Museum of Art & History
NIGHTLY - Live Jazz at Hoffman's Bistro on Pacific Avenue
ONGOING - free literary events at the Bookshop Santa Cruz, our local independent bookseller since 1966!