4 Of Santa Cruz's Best Kept Secrets

Santa Cruz seems to draw people from all walks of life. Surfers, artists, tourists and restaurateurs are just a few of the many and diverse types of people that are called to the gorgeous beaches here to relax in the sun.

And although all these reasons are more than enough to spend time in this paradisiacal place, the city of Santa Cruz is nuanced enough to keep homeowners happy and visitors and snowbirds returning year after year. 

In this article, we’re taking a look at the 4 best hidden gems in Santa Cruz for you to check out.

Garden of Eden

Located in the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near the University of California at Santa Cruz and Felton, this beautiful area named after the biblical paradise is aptly named! 

This idyllic swimming hole is worth the nearly mile and a half hike it requires to get there, making the arrival of this woodsy watering hole that much more rewarding.

Neary Lagoon

Perfect for birdwatchers, Nearly Lagoon is perfectly located, situated just a few minutes walk away from the Santa Cruz Wharf.

This boardwalk winds above the water and wetland reeds on a quiet, scenic route filled with the sights and sounds of the many birds that call Neary Lagoon home. 

The Lost Boys Tour

Set in the fictional town of Santa Carla but filmed in Santa Cruz, this iconic film from over three decades ago has some familiar settings for residents here. 

Fans of the movie love exploring the many iconic locations from the movie, such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Atlantis Fantasyworld Comic Book Shop, the Santa Cruz Wharf and other locations that are as iconic to the area as the movie is.

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

It's no secret that Santa Cruz has some of the finest surfing on the Pacific coast, but did you know they have a whole museum dedicated to this favourite pastime? For instance, you can learn about how the sport was brought to the island of Santa Cruz in the 1880s by three Hawaiian princes! 

Are you interested in living close to so many hidden gems? Explore more for yourself with Santa Cruz real estate. Contact us, Lauren Spencer and Amy Jenske. We're your local Santa Cruz real estate experts!