What to do in Santa Cruz County, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A row of colorful buildings along a sandy beach at sunset.
A colorful coastal town with a sandy beach and a calm body of water.
A coastal town with colorful buildings, a calm waterfront, and palm trees.
A pier extending into the ocean with waves crashing against it during sunset.
Colorful houses by a waterfront with palm trees in the background.

Activities

Step aboard our stable, USCG inspected, 27ft. pontoon boat, and embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure!

Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay Wetland

NZ$80
per adult
Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay Wetland
Goddess Fantasy 150 passenger vessel

Monterey Bay Whale Watching

NZ$121
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay Whale Watching
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour

Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour

NZ$78
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
Santa Cruz Beach Hill to Mission Hill Loop Via Downtown

Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop

NZ$78
per adult
Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop
Santa Cruz: Wine Tasting Experience

Santa Cruz: Wine Tasting Experience

NZ$43
per adult
Santa Cruz: Wine Tasting Experience
Gilroy: Back-to-Eden Ranch Petting Zoo Experience

Gilroy: Back-to-Eden Ranch Petting Zoo Experience

NZ$61
per adult
Gilroy: Back-to-Eden Ranch Petting Zoo Experience
Silicon Valley Tech Tour

Silicon Valley Tech Tour

NZ$319
per adult
Silicon Valley Tech Tour
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill

Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill

NZ$78
per adult
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill
Spa-Quality On Demand Massage - Silicon Valley

Spa-Quality On Demand Massage - Silicon Valley

NZ$310
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Spa-Quality On Demand Massage - Silicon Valley
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What to do in Santa Cruz County

Stay near popular Santa Cruz County attractions

A pier with colorful cable cars, a beach, and a sign that reads "WORLD FAMOUS."
Photo by Adri VDM Photography
Open Photo by Adri VDM Photography

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

8.8/10 (6,089 reviews)
Enjoy the exciting rides at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and see why everyone loves this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.
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Day trip destinations from Santa Cruz County

A beach with a pier, houses, and palm trees.

Aptos

An aerial view of a cityscape with a distinctive circular building, residential areas, and autumn foliage.

Cupertino

A sandy beach with waves, a lighthouse, and rocky outcrops.

Santa Cruz

A residential area with houses surrounded by dense forest and hills in the background.

Scotts Valley

A mountainous landscape with dense forests and rolling hills.

Ben Lomond

A rocky stream surrounded by dense forest.

Boulder Creek

A steam locomotive with a yellow passenger car traveling through a dense forest.

Felton

A coastal landscape with a river delta, green fields, and a distant industrial facility.

Moss Landing