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Santa Cruz

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Things to do in Santa Cruz

Attractions (35)

Tours (12)

Nightlife (5)

Shopping (3)

Traveller recommended attractions
Rating Name
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Ollie #1 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
5 of 5 stars 31 reviews
The Santa Cruz campus offers an attractive blend of notable architecture and panoramic views.
Attraction type  Educational Sites
Distance  1.9 km from city centre
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Ollie #2 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4.5 of 5 stars 53 reviews
Attraction type  Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Distance  1.0 km from city centre
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Ollie #3 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4.5 of 5 stars 24 reviews
See a wide variety of marine animals at the University of Californias research lab.
Attraction type  Aquariums; Science Museums
Distance  3.5 km from city centre
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Ollie #4 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4.5 of 5 stars 17 reviews
Owner description: For more than a hundred years, Santa Cruz has been a hot spot for hard-core surfers. This museum tells their stories through photographs, surfboards...... more » Owner description: For more than a hundred years, Santa Cruz has been a hot spot for hard-core surfers. This museum tells their stories through photographs, surfboards and other related items. « less
Attraction type  Speciality Museums
Distance  2.5 km from city centre
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Ollie #5 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
5 of 5 stars 5 reviews
Attraction type  Wineries
Distance  2.2 km from city centre
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Ollie #6 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4.5 of 5 stars 12 reviews

The Arboretum at UC Santa Cruz is an unsurpassed garden with flowering plants from around the world, especially Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, California, and Chile. It's... more »

Attraction type  Gardens
Distance  2.9 km from city centre
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Ollie #7 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4 of 5 stars 227 reviews

 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - Fun in the Sun The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been a popular destination for more than 100 years.  There are a variety of rides to enjoy. Take a... more »

Attraction type  Wharfs/ Piers/ Boardwalks; Amusement/ Theme Parks; Historic Sites
Distance  1.4 km from city centre
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Ollie #8 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4.5 of 5 stars 9 reviews
Attraction type  Wineries
Distance  2.2 km from city centre
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Ollie #9 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4 of 5 stars 56 reviews

Santa Cruz Wharf is adjacent to the Boardwalk and Main beach.  Lots of restaurants, shops and the Sea Lions at the end of the pier.  Can rent boats or go on boat rides from the... more »

Attraction type  Wharfs/ Piers/ Boardwalks
Distance  1.4 km from city centre
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Ollie #10 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4.5 of 5 stars 30 reviews
Owner description: See California’s towering redwood trees from two historic railroads. Ride steam trains to Bear Mountain or Beach Trains to Santa Cruz. Visit an 1880s...... more » Owner description: See California’s towering redwood trees from two historic railroads. Ride steam trains to Bear Mountain or Beach Trains to Santa Cruz. Visit an 1880s logging town located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. Between San Francisco and Monterey Bay in Felton. « less
Attraction type  Scenic Railroads
Distance  7.9 km from city centre
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Ollie #11 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
5 of 5 stars 5 reviews
Owner description: Shakespeare Santa Cruz is a professional theatre company in residence at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Founded in 1981, SSC presents a...... more » Owner description: Shakespeare Santa Cruz is a professional theatre company in residence at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Founded in 1981, SSC presents a season of Shakespeare and non-Shakespeare plays each summer, as well as a family musical each November and December. SSC is perfect entertainment for the whole family, and welcomes groups of all sizes! « less
Attraction type  Performances
Distance  3.7 km from city centre
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Ollie #12 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
5 of 5 stars 5 reviews
Attraction type  Theatres
Distance  0.3 km from city centre
Ollie #13 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4 of 5 stars 30 reviews
Owner description: A refuge for wintering Monarch Butterflies, this park boasts a sandy cove, tidepools, a nature trail through the Butterfly Preserve, and several...... more » Owner description: A refuge for wintering Monarch Butterflies, this park boasts a sandy cove, tidepools, a nature trail through the Butterfly Preserve, and several hiking trails. There is also a bicycle path around the perimeter of the park. « less
Attraction type  State Parks; Geologic Formations; Beaches
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Ollie #14 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4.5 of 5 stars 20 reviews
This popular beach, with killer waves, is known as one of the top surfing spots in the world.
Attraction type  Beaches; Wharfs/ Piers/ Boardwalks; Amusement/ Theme Parks
Distance  1.5 km from city centre
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Ollie #15 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4.5 of 5 stars 12 reviews

Website: http://www.parks.... more »

Attraction type  State Parks
Distance  5.3 km from city centre
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Ollie #16 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
5 of 5 stars 3 reviews
This museum's exhibits feature Ohlone Native American artifacts and local flora and fauna.
Attraction type  Natural History Museums
Distance  2.2 km from city centre
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Ollie #17 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4 of 5 stars 114 reviews
This enigmatic place draws curious visitors who come to witness its gravity-defying properties.
Attraction type  Mysterious Sites
Distance  5.6 km from city centre
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Ollie #18 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4.5 of 5 stars 6 reviews
One of the best and most popular beaches in the United States for learning to surf.
Attraction type  Beaches
Distance  4.6 km from city centre
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Ollie #19 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4.5 of 5 stars 9 reviews
Native American pottery and modern beach photos all on exhibit.
Attraction type  Art Museums; History Museums
Distance  0.5 km from city centre
Ollie #20 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
5 of 5 stars 2 reviews
Attraction type  Wineries