The Many Attractions Near Santa Cruz

Posted by Denny Farhan on November 21st, 2018

Santa Cruz has many beaches that offer tourists the opportunity to swim, bask in the sun, participate in water sports, make sand castles, and more. The location is also popular for excellent restaurants, outstanding accommodations, great museums, amusement parks, and other attractions that will make your time there worthwhile. Here are five attractions near Santa Cruz:

1. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Visit the Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz for classic fun during the summer. It is a popular amusement park that overlooks the Monterey Bay’s sandy shores. Due to its historic roller coaster rides and a fantastic setting, it is deemed as one of the top amusement parks in the world. This tourist site is the most famous in Santa Cruz, and it is popular with families. Your family will get a chance to participate in fun-loving games and exciting rides as well as see panoramic ocean views and the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden landmark. You can even get accommodation at one of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk hotels near this site.

2. Santa Cruz Wharf

For over a century, this attraction has acted as a fishing pier. The wharf was constructed in 1914 as a service to deep water vessels and is over 2,000 feet long. But the initial freight warehouse and steamship dock are no longer in existence. Currently, the wharf is only used for tourism and recreational fishing. You can have a great time strolling the pier and viewing the bay’s serene views as well as shopping at the nearby boutiques. The site has multiple amazing fish restaurants that offer fresh seafood. Additionally, you can engage in other activities like sea lion viewing, bird watching, and watersports.

3. The Surfing Museum & West Cliff Drive

West Cliff Drive offers a chance to engage in a breathtaking bike ride or scenic walk. It includes a pathway that hugs the coastline for six miles giving visitors sensational views of the Pacific Ocean. You can sit on the benches that are placed on certain scenic spots to provide a view of the blue seas, roaring seagulls, and hovering pelicans. This part of the Monterey Bay is famous among surfers and has a bronze surfer statue. You can also visit the Surfing Museum at the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse.

4. Cowell Beach & Main Beach

The safe waters, sandy shores, and the sunny Mediterranean weather make Santa Cruz one of the top beach destinations in California. There are multiple stunning beaches, but the Cowell Beach and the Main Beach are the two most popular. For swimming and sunbathing, Main Beach is your ideal beach. Children can safely wade in the sea waters and make sandcastles. The beach also has sand volleyball courts for volleyball players and enthusiasts. If you want to body board and surf, Cowell Beach is suitable for you.

5. Natural Bridges State Beach

The beach has been graced by a stunning sea arch that was formed from mudstone cliffs’ fractures. The remarkable beach has iconic natural beauty and is perfect for bird watching and relaxation. The site is also ideal for watching migrating whales, otters, seals, and shorebirds. The beach also has sea anemones, sea stars, small crabs, and other sea creatures.

Conclusion

Santa Cruz’s many attractions are ideal for both tourists and locals looking to spend quality time during their vacation. For a quality holiday, Santa Cruz is the perfect destination.