A stunning sandy shore and rolling waves alone are enough to bring people to any given area. Add to the mix roller coaster rides, fun arcade games and delicious treats and you’re certainly in for an adventure!

These are just a few of the reasons that the Santa Cruz Boardwalk has become such an iconic destination. If you’re ready to make a trip of your own, here are some popular ways to pass your time at the wharf. 

Wander The Wharf

Perhaps the best way to soak in your surroundings is by taking a stroll along the length of the boardwalk.

By doing so, you’ll have a good idea of everything the area has to offer, in turn helping make it easier for you to decide which activities you’d like to try and which one you’re okay to save for another…

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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…

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Guide to camping in santa cruz

Spring is upon us, which means everyone in Santa Cruz can once again enjoy all the wonderful activities that make this city one of the best places to live in California.

One of the most popular activities to do in Santa Cruz is camping. And there’s no wonder why.

Santa Cruz has countless state parks and campgrounds that are home to dense redwood forests and miles of tree-lined trails.

The natural beauty alone is enough to attract people from all over the place to camp in these state forests.

So, if you’re planning on joining in on the fun, here’s the ultimate guide to camping in Santa Cruz:

  • Where to Camp
  • When to Camp
  • Tips for Camping in Santa Cruz

Where to Camp in Santa Cruz

There are tons of spots in and around…

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Viewpoints at Santa Cruz Lighthouse at dusk


With it’s coastal redwood forests and it’s white sand beaches, Santa Cruz has it all. And what better way to experience this natural beauty than from viewpoints around the city?


No matter if you love hiking, wine-tasting, dining-out, or all of the above, there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean and redwood forests.


Here are the five best viewpoints in Santa Cruz:

Lookout Trail in Pogonip

If you’re wanting to catch a good view of the city from up high, Lookout Trail in Pogonip is the best spot for this. This trail gives you unobstructed views of Santa Cruz’s redwood forests and the glistening ocean below.


You can arrive at this viewpoint by driving along Coolidge Dr. There’s a dirt parking lot…

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Dos and don'ts of visiting Santa Cruz

When travelling, it’s easy to get caught up in tourist traps and overrated attractions.

If you’ve ever seen the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen or the Manneken Pis in Brussels, then you know the feeling.

It’s hard to imagine, though, coming to a city like Santa Cruz and being underwhelmed in any sort of way. It’s undeniable that this city is amazing!

Although this is true, we want to make sure your vacation to Santa Cruz is the best it can possibly be. Here are the dos and don’ts of visiting Santa Cruz, CA:

Don’t Rule Out the Off-Season

There’s no doubt why everyone travels to California in the summertime—the weather is amazing and the outdoor activities are better than ever.

But alongside all the amazing things that summertime…

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winter vacation in Santa Cruz, CA

Amid Christmas, New Years, and all those pesky resolutions, it’s hard to find time to plan a winter vacation.

So, make it easy for yourself by vacationing in Santa Cruz!

Santa Cruz is the hidden gem of California where you can find mountainside vineyards that overlook the dreamy, white sand beaches. And with so much to do and see in this vibrant town, there’s no better place to go for a holiday than here.

If you’re planning on spending your winter season under the warm California sun, here’s the ultimate guide for winter vacation in Santa Cruz:

Things to Do in Santa Cruz

When you vacation in Santa Cruz, you never have to worry about being bored. With an endless list of things to do, you’ll have more trouble deciding what not to do than…

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If California isn’t known for its sunny weather and outstanding beaches, then it’s known for its delicious wine.

And Santa Cruz is no exception.

The city is littered with top-rated wineries and vineyards that produce some of the best wines in the country.

The cool coastal weather and the high elevation make Santa Cruz the perfect place to grow grapes.

If you’re looking for something to do, go wine tasting with some friends! Here are the five best Santa Cruz wineries to visit this winter:

Soquel Vineyards

Though Soquel Vineyards isn’t located directly in the city, it’s certainly worth the drive into the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Once there, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful view of the ocean peaking between the vineyards. If you’re…

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Best Day Trips From Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is an amazing city with a lot to keep you busy. But sometimes you may want to get out on the open road and see what the wider area has to offer. The choices can get overwhelming. Which is why we've put together this list of some of the best day trips to take from Santa Cruz.


Let's start with an easy one...

The Mystery Spot

The Mystery Spot is a popular local Santa Cruz attraction, just 10 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz. So, what makes this a "day trip" worthy of the name? Well, for a start, there are all the wonderful "mysteries" you can enjoy there. I know what you're asking already...


"What IS The Mystery Spot?"


The Mystery Spot is a collection of large-scale illusions, including oddly arranged environments and…

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When you think of Santa Cruz, what comes to mind is its gorgeous, white-sand beaches and its world-class surfing waves. It’s no wonder why people from all over the country move to California’s beautiful Santa Cruz.

Not only is it the city’s beauty that makes it so great, but its quality of life. In 2016, Gallup and National Geographic named Santa Cruz the second happiest city in the United States. People from across the country took a poll that assessed measurable expressions of happiness, like feeling safe, eating well, and learning new things, and Santa Cruz came out on top.

By looking at the city’s laidback, beach lifestyle, it's easy to see why Santa Cruz residents are so happy to live here. There are seemingly countless reasons that make…

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Santa Cruz people using cell phones.

Santa Cruz can feel overwhelming when you’re new to the city. There’s so much to do and see, it can seem impossible to do it all.

Luckily, there are some awesome Santa Cruz apps to help you do just about anything--from guides to the best restaurants in town, to the breathtaking wineries in the Santa Cruz mountains. Whatever it is you need, there’s an app for that!

Check out the best apps to enjoy Santa Cruz, CA.

Santa Cruz Maps and Walks

Available on IOS and Android!

If you’re new to Santa Cruz and want to learn more about the city, this GPSmyCity app is great for you. Santa Cruz Maps and Walks will lead you on self-guided walking tours that take you to see the best attractions in Santa Cruz.

Guided tours are one of the best ways to…

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