1
Santa Cruz Wharf
Fishing pier
Beach shops, seafood restaurants, sea lions & fishing draw crowds to this landmark bayside pier.
4.60 (14.8K reviews)
(~9.88 km from centre)
2
The Mystery Spot
Tourist attraction
Opened in 1941, this roadside landmark is a tilt-induced visual illusion with tours & a gift shop.
4.50 (7.6K reviews)
(~9.31 km from centre)
3
Seacliff State Beach
Public beach
Versatile state beach offers a variety of outdoor activities such as camping & hiking.
4.60 (4.4K reviews)
(~0.31 km from centre)
4
New Brighton State Beach
State park
This strip of beach features pine & oak trees, bay views & a small campground on a bluff.
4.60 (2K reviews)
(~1.96 km from centre)
6
DeLaveaga Park
Park
Grassy space includes picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, bocci ball courts, trails & a creek.
4.60 (1K reviews)
(~8.65 km from centre)
7
Santa Cruz Harbor
Marina
Beachside harbor with seafood restaurants, deep-sea fishing excursions & yacht charters.
4.70 (1K reviews)
(~7.92 km from centre)
8
Pleasure Point Park
Public beach
👍👍 Most people are familiar with Westcliff, but Eastcliff is sometimes a hidden gem, so unless you live nearby, you might miss this little spot. It is not as long as Westcliff drive, but you still get a nice beach stroll with some amazing views.
There’s not as much foot traffic, either. I love all the...
4.70 (594 reviews)
(~5.71 km from centre)
9
Giant Dipper
Roller coaster
Iconic red & white wooden roller coaster dating to 1924 overlooking the beach & wharf.
4.80 (542 reviews)
(~9.3 km from centre)
10
Ocean View Park
Park
👍👍 Always the best of time here at Ocean View Park! Dogs are welcome. Area for basketball. Restrooms are clean and people are always pleasant. Neighborhood parking. Locals are welcoming. Beautiful views. Clean. Picnicking is a plus here. I love to spend time relaxing here while my son plays. It’s very...
4.60 (497 reviews)
(~9.06 km from centre)
11
Frederick Street Park
Park
Neighborhood park with a playground for children, plus picnic tables overlooking the harbor.
4.50 (493 reviews)
(~7.96 km from centre)
12
Moran Lake County Park
Park
Spacious lakeside & oceanside park offering beach space for fishing, surfing & picnics.
4.50 (472 reviews)
(~6.15 km from centre)
13
Jade Street Park
Park
Community park featuring kids' play areas as well as tennis courts & fields for soccer & baseball.
4.60 (444 reviews)
(~4.25 km from centre)
14
San Lorenzo Park
Park
👍 Very beautiful as always I go here every day enjoy the water and smoke a bowl or 2. I just feel bad for the homeless people always bring some bud water and food for them
3.90 (408 reviews)
(~9.73 km from centre)
15
Esplanade Park
Park
👍 The best park with iconic views. Stunning area for pictures and a great way to have fun in the sun. Family friendly beach with a great south swell surf spot. Be ready for long waiting time for parking and access.
4.60 (406 reviews)
(~3.38 km from centre)
16
Rockview Drive County Park
Park
👍👍 Views, views and more views. In Santa Cruz we have lots of hidden little spots you learn over time. This is one of them.
You can watch people surf or just enjoy the sound of the ocean. Walk down the stairs to get onto the sand or just snap some beautiful photos from the rocks.
If you like to surf,...
4.60 (265 reviews)
(~6 km from centre)
17
Chanticleer Ave County Park
Park
👍👍 The park was a welcome surprise. It is the best park in the county by a large margin. It is incredibly well designed with thought given to creativity, interaction and disabled access. The equipment includes many different climbing and play structures, bridges, slides, swings, spinners, tractors, mus...
4.80 (263 reviews)
(~6.07 km from centre)
18
Grant Park
Park
Neighborhood park with a playground, softball field, basketball court, grills & off-leash dog area.
4.10 (246 reviews)
(~9.76 km from centre)
19
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Natural history museum
Galleries & interactive programs exploring flora, fauna, geology & peoples native to the Bay Area.
4.70 (244 reviews)
(~8.73 km from centre)
20
Brommer Street County Park
Park
😠 Had such a negative experience playing pickle ball today at Brommer Street. The regulars were rude and condescending. The opposite of an inclusive and fun community. If you want to expand the sport don’t be like them.
4.20 (210 reviews)
(~5.48 km from centre)