Surfing, sun, and sand abound in Santa Cruz, California, making it a perfect destination for families with kids of all ages. With a mix of natural wonders and man-made attractions, Santa Cruz offers endless possibilities for outdoor adventure, creative play, and educational exploration. Whether you want to hit the waves, explore the redwoods, or learn about marine life, there’s something for everyone.
Santa Cruz is well-known for its beautiful beaches, the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and the Santa Cruz Wharf. The beach boardwalk is an amusement park with a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, carnival games, and much more. The wharf offers restaurants, shops, and fishing opportunities. Families can also visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is a short drive away, and explore the natural beauty of nearby state parks such as Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Santa Cruz also has a vibrant downtown with unique shops, restaurants, and street performers.
To help you plan your trip, here are 23 of the best things to do in Santa Cruz with kids.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
One of the top family-friendly attractions in Santa Cruz, the Boardwalk is a must-visit location. From thrilling rides to classic games, to a beachside amusement park, the Boardwalk is a must-visit destination. There are more than 40 rides and attractions for all ages, including the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster. Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk or play carnival games and win prizes. The beachfront location makes it a perfect spot for a picnic or a day of fun in the sun.
Fun Fact: The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which first opened on June 22, 1907, is one of the few remaining seaside amusement parks in the United States that operates without an admission fee. Visitors can walk through the gates and enjoy the lively atmosphere and attractions without having to pay an entrance fee.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz’s Downtown is a great destination for families. The Pacific Avenue and its adjacent streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. One popular destination is Marini’s Candies, which has been making chocolates and other sweet treats for over a century. Another must-visit shop is Bookshop Santa Cruz, an independent bookstore that has been a fixture in the community since 1966.
When it comes to dining, there are plenty of family-friendly options. For breakfast, the Walnut Avenue Cafe is a popular spot known for its hearty portions and cozy atmosphere. For lunch or dinner, the Saturn Cafe is a fun, retro-themed diner that serves vegetarian and vegan-friendly fare. Pizza lovers should check out Pizza My Heart, which has been a local favorite for over 30 years. Also located in Downtown is Betty’s Eat Inn, which is an American-style, retro-theme restaurant serving up burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads and more.
Ride the Trolley
The Santa Cruz Trolley is a seasonal tourist attraction that travels along the scenic West Cliff Drive and past the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, and makes stops at popular attractions such as the Natural Bridges State Beach, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and the Santa Cruz Wharf. The trolley provides a fun and convenient way for visitors to see the sights of Santa Cruz and learn about its history and culture. The fare is typically a few dollars per ride, and discounts may be available for children, seniors, and groups.
Natural Bridges State Beach
A protected beach that is home to a natural bridge rock formation and tide pools, this spot is perfect for exploring with kids. The beach is a great place to take a walk or have a picnic, and the trails around the area offer scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. The park has a visitor center with exhibits about local marine life, and visitors can observe seals and sea otters in their natural habitats.
Mystery Spot
This mysterious attraction is a must-visit for families with kids who love puzzles and illusions. The Mystery Spot is an area in the redwood forest where the laws of physics seem to be defied. Visitors can experience strange phenomena, such as the sensation of being taller or shorter than usual or objects appearing to roll uphill. The site is a great place for photo opportunities and has a gift shop with souvenirs.
Fun Fact: The Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly discovered in 1939 and is a popular tourist attraction due to its strange effects on gravity, perspective, and height. Despite extensive study, the cause of these effects remains a mystery, and the site continues to be a source of fascination for visitors of all ages.
Roaring Camp Railroads
Located in Felton, California, just a few miles from Santa Cruz. Take a historic train ride through the Santa Cruz Mountains with Roaring Camp Railroads. The railroad is a historic narrow-gauge railroad that was once used to transport lumber through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Today, Roaring Camp Railroads offers scenic train rides through the towering redwood trees, with various excursions available, including trips to the beach, through the forest, and to a historic logging camp. There are options for shorter or longer rides. Families can enjoy the scenic views while learning about the history of the area. The railroads also offer themed rides throughout the year, such as the Halloween Ghost Train, Christmas train rides, and the Santa Cruz Beach Train.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
This center offers an interactive learning experience about marine life, ocean conservation, and research. Visitors can explore touch tanks with live animals, including sea stars, sea urchins, and anemones. The center also has an exhibit about gray whales and a marine mammal hospital where visitors can see sea lions and elephant seals being treated.
Santa Cruz Wharf
The Santa Cruz Wharf is a popular spot for fishing, whale watching, and dining. The wharf offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions for visitors. It’s also a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful views of Monterey Bay. The wharf also offers guided tours that focus on the history of the area and marine life.
Lighthouse Point
Lighthouse Point is a park that offers stunning views of Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz coastline. The park is home to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, which celebrates the history of surfing in Santa Cruz. Visitors can explore the lighthouse and take in the views from the observation deck. The park also has picnic areas and walking paths.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is a small, family-friendly museum that explores the natural history of the Central Coast of California. It was founded in 1905 and has been in its current location, a beautiful historic building overlooking the ocean, since the 1930s. The museum has a variety of exhibits and displays that highlight the local flora and fauna, geology, and cultural history of the region. Visitors can see a life-size model of a gray whale, learn about the different types of kelp that grow in the Monterey Bay, and explore the many different habitats found in the area. There are also interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for kids, making it a great destination for families with children. In addition to the exhibits, the museum also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including guided walks, talks, and workshops.
West Cliff Drive
Take a scenic drive or bike ride along West Cliff Drive, which runs along the coast and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The route takes visitors past popular spots such as Lighthouse Point and Natural Bridges State Beach. There are also several lookout points where visitors can stop and take in the views.
Fun Fact: Along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz is home to the world-famous surfing spot, Steamer Lane. The waves at Steamer Lane can reach up to 50 feet in height during the winter months, making it a popular destination for experienced surfers.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is an educational and interactive marine science museum that is perfect for families with kids of all ages. The center offers hands-on exhibits, aquariums, and educational programs that focus on the marine life and ecosystems of Monterey Bay.
Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (MAH) is a vibrant cultural institution located in downtown Santa Cruz, California. Founded in 1958, the museum’s mission is to ignite shared experiences and unexpected connections through art, history, and culture. The museum features a wide range of rotating exhibitions and programs, including contemporary art exhibitions, historical displays, and interactive events that encourage visitors to engage with the community and explore their own creativity. The MAH is also home to a range of permanent collections, including the Abbott Square Public Art Collection, which showcases unique works of art in the museum’s outdoor plaza. Additionally, the museum offers educational programs for visitors of all ages, including workshops, tours, and classes that explore the art and history of Santa Cruz and beyond.
Atlantis Fantasyworld
This legendary comic book store has been a fixture of the local community since 1976 and is a beloved destination for comic book fans of all ages. Atlantis Fantasyworld is known for its wide selection of comic books, graphic novels, and related merchandise, including toys, action figures, and collectibles. The store also hosts regular events such as signings, readings, and workshops, and has been a gathering place for the local comic book community for decades. If you’re a fan of comic books, graphic novels, or pop culture, a visit to Atlantis Fantasyworld is a must-do when in Santa Cruz.
Waddell Creek Beach
Waddell Creek Beach is a popular beach located in northern Santa Cruz County, California. The beach is known for its long and wide stretch of sand and the scenic Waddell Creek that flows into the ocean. Waddell Creek Beach is a great destination for a family day trip as there are picnic areas, restrooms, and plenty of parking. The beach is also known for its excellent surf, kiteboarding, and windsurfing conditions, making it a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore the nearby Waddell Creek Redwoods State Park, which is home to several hiking trails and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
The Tannery Arts Center
The Tannery Arts Center is a vibrant arts community located in Santa Cruz, California. The center is situated on the site of an old tannery, and the buildings have been beautifully renovated to provide a range of artist studios, galleries, and performance spaces. The Tannery Arts Center is home to more than 100 artists, musicians, and performers, making it one of the largest arts communities on the Central Coast. The center is dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation, and it provides a range of programs and resources to support artists in their work. Visitors to the Tannery Arts Center can explore the galleries, attend a performance, or take a class or workshop in a variety of artistic disciplines. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the arts in Santa Cruz.
Wilder Ranch State Park
Wilder Ranch State Park is a California State Park located in Santa Cruz County, California, just north of Santa Cruz. The park is situated on 7,000 acres of land and features a historic dairy ranch, a Victorian farmhouse, and over 35 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Visitors to Wilder Ranch can take a self-guided tour of the historic buildings and learn about the ranching and farming history of the area. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, beachcombing, and picnicking. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife and plant species, including gray foxes, deer, coyotes, and many bird species.
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
This reserve is located about 30 minutes from Santa Cruz, but it’s worth the trip. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is a protected estuary located on the central California coast, near the town of Moss Landing. The reserve covers 1,700 acres and includes tidal creeks, salt marshes, and mudflats, which provide habitat for over 700 species of plants and animals, including sea otters, harbor seals, and a wide variety of bird species.
The reserve is open to visitors and offers a range of educational and recreational opportunities, including guided walks and boat tours, birdwatching, and kayaking. Visitors can explore the trails and boardwalks throughout the reserve, which offer stunning views of the estuary and its inhabitants.
Santa Cruz Farmers Market
The Santa Cruz Farmers Market is a weekly outdoor market that takes place every Wednesday and Saturday in downtown Santa Cruz, California. The market offers a variety of fresh, locally grown produce, as well as artisanal foods, crafts, and flowers. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists who are interested in supporting local agriculture and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the market.
The Wednesday market takes place year-round and features a smaller selection of vendors, while the Saturday market is larger and includes more than 50 vendors during peak season. The market is a great place to find fresh fruits and vegetables, including organic and heirloom varieties, as well as artisanal cheeses, baked goods, honey, nuts, and other specialty foods.
In addition to the food and crafts, the Santa Cruz Farmers Market also hosts live music and other events throughout the year. The market is a fun and festive way to experience the local community and support sustainable agriculture.
Pogonip Open Space Preserve
Pogonip Open Space Preserve is a beautiful nature preserve located in Santa Cruz, California, spanning over 600 acres of forests, meadows, and wetlands. The preserve is named after the Pogonip, which is a type of fog that forms ice crystals and creates a beautiful winter wonderland in the area. Visitors to Pogonip can explore several hiking trails, including the Rincon Trail, which leads to the highest point in the preserve, offering stunning views of Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay. Pogonip also features a disc golf course, picnic areas, and a pond where visitors can fish or relax by the water. It’s a great destination for families who love spending time in nature, hiking, and enjoying outdoor activities.
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is a small but informative museum that celebrates the history of surfing in Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is located inside the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, overlooking the famous Steamer Lane surf break. The museum showcases the history of surfing in Santa Cruz and its evolution over the years, including vintage surfboards, wetsuits, photos, and other surfing memorabilia. Visitors can learn about the pioneers of the local surf scene, such as Jack O’Neill, and how Santa Cruz became a hub for surfing culture. The museum also hosts special events and exhibitions throughout the year. Overall, it’s a great spot to visit for anyone interested in surfing history and culture.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Located a short distance from Santa Cruz, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-renowned aquarium located in Monterey, California. It first opened its doors in 1984 and has since become a popular destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and marine biologists alike. The aquarium’s exhibits feature over 35,000 animals and plants, representing over 600 different species. Some of the highlights include a giant kelp forest exhibit, a sea otter exhibit, and a deep-sea exhibit showcasing the wonders of the Monterey Canyon. Visitors can also participate in interactive exhibits, including touch pools and feeding demonstrations. The aquarium is committed to promoting ocean conservation and education, and has been at the forefront of many marine research initiatives.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Located about 5 miles northeast of Santa Cruz, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a 4,650-acre park located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. The park is famous for its ancient redwood trees, some of which are over 1,500 years old and can grow up to 277 feet tall. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking and biking on the park’s trails, as well as camping, fishing, and swimming in the nearby San Lorenzo River. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, coyotes, and more than 90 species of birds. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, a 0.8-mile hike that takes visitors through some of the park’s largest and oldest redwoods.
Santa Cruz is a perfect family-friendly destination with a myriad of activities and attractions for all ages. The city has a beautiful coastline with numerous beaches, parks, and playgrounds, including the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Visitors can also explore the scenic redwood forests at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and enjoy outdoor adventures like kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking. For families who love learning and discovery, there are museums like the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. And for those who love shopping and dining, Downtown Santa Cruz is a great place to explore with its many shops, restaurants, and the unique Santa Cruz Trolley. With all these options, Santa Cruz is a destination that will keep families entertained and engaged throughout their stay.