Next to Henry Cowell Redwoods is Roaring Camp Railroad you can actually visit both of them with the same parking fee if you walk over from the state park to the railroad. There is a parking fee to visit here, but the trail is one of the best 1-mile trails you can do along the coast to experience these fantastic natural wonders. The one-mile loop trail is great for the whole family and takes you up close to some of these gigantic trees. The park preserves some old-growth redwoods, which are massive and awe-inspiring to see. Henry Cowell Redwoodsįifteen minutes from downtown Santa Cruz, you will reach the redwoods, and one of the best ways to explore them is to hike through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Book a tour in advance though, as it often sells out. Plus they give you a sticker to take with you when you leave. Either way, it is a blast to explore, and the tour is a lot of fun for the whole family. The Mystery Spot is a mystical area of altered reality or a clever collection of optical illusions, whatever you believe. Heading a little out of the city, the Mystery Spot is a must visit in Santa Cruz and a historic and fun adventure in the city. The ice cream here is stellar, and they have a marshmallow topping that they burn onto the top of the ice cream, which is pretty hard to beat as well. The other spot I love in downtown Santa Cruz is Penny Ice Creamery. You can get a shirt and a slice of pizza for $7-$8. ![]() A few of my favorite spots to eat here are Pizza My Heart, a chain that sells pizza by the slice and is pretty great. ![]() Here you will find shops, restaurants, and historic buildings as you walk down Pacific Avenue. Heading back into the city, park your car and explore some of downtown Santa Cruz. This mission is one of the 21 Spanish California missions, and even though it is not original, it is still unique to see. While you are there, you can see a replica of the Santa Cruz mission. There is also a nice picnic area outside with a view out towards the ocean. You can walk through the building, and see displays about life during that time. Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is another historic park in the city that preserves an adobe building once a dormitory for the Santa Cruz Mission. The coastal views are stellar here, and even though I have been many times, I always enjoy going back to see it again. The main highlight here is the coastal trail, which takes you towards the bluffs and lets you walk along them. You can still see one of the old adobe buildings while you are there and walk past many of the newer ranch buildings as well. This state park preserves a historic ranch part of a Mexican land grant in 1839. Heading on from Natural Bridges, Wilder Ranch State Park is another excellent spot to hike in Santa Cruz. There is only one arch now, but it is worth seeing by itself, and it’s a great spot in Santa Cruz. There used to be two arches here, but the other broke in a storm in the 1980s. The beach is worth visiting itself, but for photographers, the arch is a fantastic spot for sunset photos. This beach is stunning and has a large natural rock arch about 20 feet out into the water. Natural Bridges State BeachĪt the end of West Cliff Drive, you will reach Natural Bridges State Beach, one of the most picturesque views in Santa Cruz. It can be hard to find parking, but it is an excellent spot for a summer day. This is also a great area for a pleasant coastal stroll, the beach, or watching the surfers out past the point. ![]() While there, stop at Lighthouse Point and check out the surfing museum if it is open. Next up, head over to West Cliff Drive and take the scenic drive along the city’s western portion. Plus, they have a fish market if you want to pick something up. I recommend getting the clam chowder and the fish tacos there. My favorite spot to eat on the wharf is Stagnaro Bros Seafood. ![]() The pier is fun to explore, with great views looking back at the boardwalk and over towards Lighthouse Point. Next to the boardwalk, the Sant Cruz Wharf is a large pier built in 1914 that is drivable and has multiple restaurants. It is a fun stop in Santa Cruz for the whole family. The Giant Dipper is an especially amazing piece of history, as the wooden roller coaster has been running since 1924 and is a blast to ride. It is still going strong, with summer weekends packed with people enjoying the weather and rides. The boardwalk is California’s oldest amusement park, which opened in 1907. The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is the top attraction in the city of Santa Cruz.
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