Bike trail sign and direction signs in Santa Cruz, CA

While Santa Cruz is known for its beautiful, mild temperatures, you can still sometimes (unfortunately!) experience the winter blues in the city.  It can be difficult to enjoy the outdoors when the weather isn't cooperative. For those rainy or colder days where going to the beach or the park isn’t an option, here are a few indoor activities—many of which are suitable for a range of different age groups.

Museums & Science Centers

Santa Cruz offers a wealth of different museums, science centers, and galleries to explore and discover. One of the best parts of these excursions is that they can be both spontaneous or planned far in advance, as many museums do offer special programs and events. Additionally, each one is accessible via both car and…

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Group of friends with their mobile phones

 

These days, pretty much everyone has a phone in their pocket—or in their hand. And while it’s great to have a device to check social media, text friends and family, and even play a little game of Candy Crush, your phone is also a great way to connect with and navigate around your community.


There’s always something happening in Santa Cruz, from performances and events to workshops and clubs, and so much more. For students, especially those who might be new to the area, here are some helpful, local apps to help make post-secondary life a little easier—and no, none of these are weather apps!


Apps can be purchased for Android and iPhone devices via applicable app stores.

Navigation and Public Transit

Parking in and around Santa Cruz…

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Santa Cruz—known for its surf culture, scenic location, and beautiful beaches—has grown to be one of the most desirable (and expensive!) places to live in this region. With an average daily high of about 62°F during the winter months, Santa Cruz is also recognized for its milder climate.


That all being said, sometimes Santa Cruz residents long for that picturesque, snowy winter experience. From camping to skiing, here are some possibilities for weekend trips from Santa Cruz this winter.


All drive times are rounded up to account for traffic. All flight times are approximate.

 

Pinecrest Lake in winter, near Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort

Stanislaus National Forest / Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort

Drive time from Santa Cruz: 3 hours and 35 minutes

 

Drive time if not going through San…

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New Year's partygoers with sparklers and champagne

As 2024 is coming to an end, there are a multitude of ways to ring in the new year and celebrate with friends and family. For those who prefer to get out on December 31st for a more lively affair, the city is hosting a number of themed events, from the downtown to the waterfront—and this includes both family-friendly occasions as well as 21+ gatherings. 


Here are just a few of the New Year’s Eve events happening across the city of Santa Cruz. As an important note, many of these events listed offer discounted tickets if purchased early, and/or VIP packages for guests who want an even more opulent experience.

The Galactic Ball at the Civic Auditorium

Santa Cruz’s Civic Auditorium, organized by Mindwarp Entertainment, is hosting the Galactic…

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Lighted Boat Parade in Santa Cruz, CA

The Lighted Boat Parade in Santa Cruz

 

There’s always something happening in the city of Santa Cruz, especially towards the end of the year. From movie screenings to holiday performances, there are a wide variety of exciting activities and events for the entire family to enjoy.


As we move full-swing into the holiday season, the city is getting ready to celebrate—and here’s how you can get involved with your community and experience some cheer! Below are just a few of the exciting events happening in December.

Downtown Parades

The annual downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade is happening on December 7th, from 10AM to 12PM. Sponsored by local businesses and organizations, this parade has always been a highlight for the kids, featuring…

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Bungalow style home, typical of Westlake neighborhood

 

One of the city’s most well-known neighborhoods, Westlake is found in the northwestern corner of Santa Cruz. This area is recognized for its luxury properties, its safe and quiet streets, and its amenities—all of which make Westlake one of the most desirable places to settle down in this city.


Westlake, which centers on Westlake Park and pond, comprises an area of just under 600 acres, or 4 miles in total distance. For those searching for a neighborhood to raise a family or retire in, all while being within a close distance to the downtown district, Westlake may just be what you’re looking for.

Family-Oriented Community

A five-minute drive to downtown Santa Cruz—or a ten-minute bike ride!—Westlake is bounded roughly by Coolidge Drive…

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Close up of fancy dining table at restaurant

 

When it comes to dining options in and around Santa Cruz, the city offers a diverse selection of cuisine from around the world. For a quick bite at a street food place during a busy lunch break, or a fancy meal at a fine dining restaurant to celebrate an anniversary, there’s something for all budgets and all occasions.


For smaller events, such as a family dinner or a get-together with friends, Santa Cruz has a number of restaurants that offer casual or semi-private dining spaces. However, for something a bit more special, some locations in Santa Cruz do offer private dining—a more secluded experience, either at tables sequestered away from the rest of the crowd or in a separate room altogether.

 

Discover some of the area’s unique…

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Aerial view over estuary and water at Elkhorn Slough Reserve


Located outside of Watsonville, California, between the communities of Elkhorn and Las Lomas, Elkhorn Slough Reserve is a large estuary and open space just inland from Monterey Bay. At about 3,600 acres in size (of the 45,000 acres in total), this conservation area is home to a multitude of plants and wildlife, including sixteen different animal species with the threatened or endangered designation. The staff at Elkhorn Slough Reserve work to preserve and restore the natural habitat for the animals that live there, as well as provide education to those who visit. 


Discover why a trip to Elkhorn Slough Reserve makes for an incredible day out in the Santa Cruz area, perfect for hikers and nature-lovers alike.

Elkhorn Slough Reserve: A Brief…

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Mission Santa Cruz welcome sign

 

One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city of Santa Cruz, Mission Hill, also known as the Mission Hill Historic District, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Centrally-located and recognized for its family-friendly atmosphere, mixture of residential and commercial areas, and notable architecture, Mission Hill is a desirable place to live for a diverse selection of homebuyers.


Mission Hill is centered on Mission Street, and defined roughly by the following boundaries: the intersection of the train tracks and the highway in the north, River Street around to Pacific Avenue in the east, Church Street across to Chestnut Street in the south, and then up past Mission Street to Storey Street. For those seeking an upbeat and…

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Ferris wheel at Santa Cruz County Fair, Watsonville

 

There’s always something happening in the month of September in Santa Cruz: the hot weather from the summer begins to ease up, University students are preparing for the start of class, and many take to the waves—as California Surfing Day falls on the 20th!


Of course, it’s always great to get up and get out, but for those not sure of what to do this month, here are a few fun activities for those of all ages!

Hoops And Scoops

Hosted by The Penny Ice Creamery (913 Cedar Street), Hoops and Scoops is a family-friendly event. Like its name suggests, Hoops and Scoops combines hula hooping and ice cream—though maybe you shouldn’t try to do both at the same time!


The Penny Ice Creamery has a number of locations across Santa Cruz County.…

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