What's New In Santa Cruz For The Summer

Want to make the most of the summer in Santa Cruz? From catching sun on the beach to seeing a new release at the Landmark Del Mar Theatre (or a surprise movie at the Secret Film Festival!), there’s always something to see and do.  Here are some updates—as well as some activities to consider—for the summer season here in the city!

Vertigo 360, A New Ride At The Boardwalk

Following the construction of the Ferris Wheel (the Dream Wheel) and the new spin ride, Surge, in 2024, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will welcome yet another new addition to the amusement park. Described as a thrill ride that swings seated guests around on a pendulum, “Vertigo 360” is set to be completed around spring of next year.

The park already houses several thrill rides, including the popular Pirate Ship, Giant Dipper (the historic roller coaster), and Logger’s Revenge (a flume ride). However, there are still plenty of fun alternatives at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for those who might want something slightly less intense this summer!

Camping at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

A gem of the Santa Cruz area, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a popular destination for walking/hiking, fishing, and camping. This year, however, the park has been undergoing construction and delays have meant that camping will not be available at the park until August. 

Further updates about the park can be found here.

Movies On The Beach

Back for another year, Movies on the Beach has released their summer schedule. Happening Friday nights from June to August at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this free event always draws a crowd. Guests are invited to bring a blanket or a low-backed chair for movie-viewing, and snacks and refreshments can be purchased on-site.

This year, the summer lineup includes Clueless, Ghostbusters, The Goonies, and, of course, The Lost Boys—which kicks off the event on June 13th. Rumors of a remake of the classic 1987 film have been circling around, but the Warner Bros. production seems to have halted for the moment. Regardless, perhaps a remake could be filmed at the same location(s) as the original, right in Santa Cruz!

The entire movie schedule can be found here.

Saturdays at the Museum of Natural History

The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, located at 1305 East Cliff Drive, has events all throughout the year, including guided walking tours, after-school activities for kids, and scavenger hunts. Their Saturday programs are themed and always bring something exciting and new, though they also have their permanent event called Saturdays In The Soil, where participants can garden together. Past events have included oil painting classes, special exhibitions, and more. 

Additionally, the museum is also hosting a beach clean up event for World Oceans Day on June 8th, and sign-ups can be found here. More information, including other and future events, can be found on their website.

M.K Contemporary Art Gallery Exhibitions 

Formerly Curated [By The Sea], the M.K. Contemporary Art gallery is located in downtown Santa Cruz and showcases works by local artists. From now until June 29th, the gallery is currently featuring their latest exhibition, Here to Eternity, which is in partnership with Santa Cruz Pride.

Past exhibitions have included “Divergent Visions” (on alternative photography), “Feasting on the World” (beauty and chaos), and “Ten” (which featured the works of ten of Santa Cruz’s most well-known artists). These can also be viewed in the online archives.

Their website can be found here.

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