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Top Attractions and Activities in Santa Cruz, California

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Top Attractions and Activities in Santa Cruz, California Top Attractions and Activities in Santa Cruz, California With 29 miles of sun-drenched coastline, Santa Cruz County offers some of California's best beaches, beautiful coastline trails, mountains and activities to suit everyone. Visit the historic Beach Boardwalk, a museum or art gallery, go winetasting, try one of our local craft breweries, ride a steam train, view the redwoods, or attend one of our many local events! Buffeted by the Santa Cruz Mountains and Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz attractions offer a variety of activities, whether your visit is long or short. 1. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk The admission-free Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is an historic, classic seaside amusement park located on a mile of sandy beach. Visitors can enjoy over 35 rides and attractions, games, food and shopping. Events at the Boardwalk include free Friday Night Bands on the Beach, Movie Nights, Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off and the Chili Cook-Off. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features the world famous Giant Dipper roller coaster and the historic 1911 Looff Carousel. Coupons, schedules and operating hours can be found on the Boardwalk's website. Season passes and daily ride wristbands are available. Read more about our world-famous landmark here: http://www.santacruzca.org/blog/?p=4046 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: 831.426.7433 831.423.5590 beachboardwalk.com 2. West Cliff Drive West Cliff Drive is a scenic, 3 mile walking and biking path along the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz. Watch surfers, observe wildlife or just admire the incredible ocean views. Start your walk at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf and head past the iconic Santa Cruz Dream Inn to watch some of the best surfers in the world catch a wave at world-renown Steamer Lane. Stop in for a little surfing history at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum or watch for whales and dolphins at Lighthouse Point. West Cliff Drive ends at Natural Bridges State Beach, winter home of the Monarch butterfly. Turn around and head back, for a hike that covers almost 6 miles round-trip. West Cliff Drive is wheelchair accessible and is popular with locals and tourists alike. West Cliff Drive between Bay Street and Natural Bridges State Park Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: 831.425.1234 3. Capitola Village, Wharf, and Beach Located in Capitola Village along the famous Esplanade, lined with shops and restaurants. Walk along the beach. Capitola Beach The Esplanade Capitola, CA 95010 Top Attractions and Activities in Santa Cruz, California Phone: 831.475.6522 capitolasoquelchamber.com 4. The Mystery Spot (historical landmark) The Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly located in the redwood forests just outside of Santa Cruz, California. It is a circular area of effect around 150 feet or 46 meters in diameter. Within the Mystery Spot you will be stunned as your perceptions of the laws of physics and gravity are questioned. But don't take our word for it, come and decide for yourself! The Mystery Spot 465 Mystery Spot Road Santa Cruz, CA 95065 USA Tel: (831) 423-8897 5. Roaring Camp Railroads Roaring Camp is a must see attraction with its 1880's steam trains through the redwoods & beach trains to Santa Cruz. Roaring Camp Railroads Graham Hill Rd. at Roaring Camp Rd. Felton, CA 95018 Phone: 831.335.4484 831.335.4400 roaringcamp.com 6. Beer Thirty Tasting Room Handpicked craft beer from all over the country. Enjoy your beer outside in their beer garden or take it to-go. Play games in the beer garden. Beer Thirty offers 30 rotating taps, 250+ bottles, local brews, events, and is family and dog friendly! Beer Thirty Bottle Shop and Pour House 2504 S. Main Street Soquel, CA 95073 Phone: 831.477.9967 bthirty.com/ 7. Big Basin Redwoods and State Park Big Basin is California's oldest State Park, established in 1902. Home to the largest continuous stand of Ancient Coast Redwoods south of San Francisco, the park consists of Old Growth and recovering Redwood Forest. Elevations in the park vary from sea level to over 2,000 feet. The park has over 80 miles of trails. The popular Skyline to the Sea Trail threads its way through the park along Waddell Creek to the beach. The park also has a surprising number of waterfalls, a wide variety of environments, many animals and lots of bird life.Dogs are permitted in the campsites, picnic areas, and on paved roads only. They must be on a leash and attended at all times. Dogs ARE NOT permitted on any of the trails. Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Hwy Top Attractions and Activities in Santa Cruz, California Boulder Creek, CA 95006 Phone: 831.338.8860 (Recorded Info) 800.444.7275 (Camping reservations) parks.ca.gov 8. Henry Cowell Redwoods This park features 15 miles of hiking and riding trails through a variety of forested areas including redwoods as well as rare ancient marine deposits called Santa Cruz sandhills. Henry Cowell Redwoods is home to a centuries old Redwood Grove that features a self-guided nature path. The park has a picnic area above the San Lorenzo River, nature center, and bookstore. Campground entrance is off Graham Hill Road.The main park area contains the large, old-growth redwoods, while the northern area (Fall Creek) has about 20 miles of hiking trails. The tallest tree in the park is about 285 feet tall, and about 16 feet wide. The oldest trees in the park are about 1400 to 1800 years old. Dogs are welcome in many parts of the park but must be on leash and attended at all times. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 North Big Trees Park Road Felton, CA 95018 Phone: 831.335.7077 800.444.7275 (Reservations) parks.ca.gov 9. The Penny Ice Creamery The Penny Ice Creamery is the only ice cream shop in Santa Cruz making small batches of delicious ice cream completely from scratch in house. Our flavors change with the seasons, and feature locally farmed and organic ingredients. Flavors can include unique items such as Blueberry Black Licorice, Brown Butter Spiced Pecan, Straight Up Strawberry, New Orleans Coffee, Black Tea Peach, Salted Butter Toffee, Pluot Sorbet, Tahitian Vanilla Bean and Dark Chocolate Sorbet. Downtown – Original Location (3 locations in Santa Cruz) 913 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Daily 12pm – 11pm Santa Cruz has various activities and attractions, which change with the seasons and always focus on the unique beachside location at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains. For more information, visit the following sites: www.santacruz.org www.downtownsantacruz.com .
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