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person standing on shore during daytime

Attractions in Santa Cruz

Sights, markets, museums and nights out in Santa Cruz, with our top choices first and then the places readers open most.

8 places

Sunset State Beach

SightSunset State Beach

Santa Cruz Wharf

SightSanta Cruz Wharf

Natural Bridges State Beach

ParkNatural Bridges State Beach

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

MuseumSanta Cruz Surfing Museum

UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden

GardenUC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

BeachSanta Cruz Beach

Small yellow and white ball from santa cruz mystery spot

LandmarkThe Mystery Spot

a group of people standing on top of a sandy beach

BeachCowell Beach

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DestinationsWhere to go, when to go and how to get around in 221 countries. Every practical fact shows the date we checked it and who checked it.Where to stayNeighborhoods walked end to end: who each area suits, how far it is from the airport train, and the hotels we would book ourselves.PlanVisas and entry rules, travel insurance, eSIMs and rail passes, explained in plain words and rechecked when the rules change.EventsFestivals, concerts and tours with confirmed dates, rooms near the venue and the fastest way on to the next city.StoriesField reports and data stories from the road. We time the queues, count the costs and say what changed since last year.