Identity summary
2 to 5 days
Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Recommended car
Coast · City · Amusement Park · Forest
Good accessibility
Sweet rhythm
General presentation
Santa Cruz
Surf beaches, historic carnival and sequoia forests close to the city.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Natural Bridges State Beach and Henry Cowell Redwoods give the most telling landmarks of Santa Cruz. Together, they form a destination where the coastline, urban life, leisure worlds and forests meet, with atmospheres that change over the stages rather than just one uniform decor.
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For a stay of 2 to 5 days, a quiet rhythm works well. Also to be anticipated: variable influx depending on the season. A car is usually the easiest way to connect different sectors. The main sites are generally easy to access.
Strengths and constraints
Strengths
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Henry Cowell Redwoods
Before you choose
- Variable frequency depending on season
- Parking to anticipate in the center
Places worth visiting
A selection to start dreaming and organizing the stay — not an exhaustive list of everything there is to see.
Nature and landscape
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk keep the spirit of California's seaside parks, with wooden roller coasters, arcades, sweet stands and beach just behind the rides. Interest comes from the noise of attractions as well as from the light on Monterey Bay in the late afternoon.
Nature and panorama
Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach The eucalyptus grove is named after the rocky arch that stands at the edge of the water, beaten by waves and seabirds. Within the land, the eucalyptus grove welcomes the monarchs in season, suspended in orange clusters when conditions are favourable.
Place indismissible
Henry Cowell Redwoods
Henry Cowell Redwoods protects an ancient coastal sequoia forest along the San Lorenzo River, just a few minutes from Santa Cruz The main loop passes at the foot of huge trunks, in a fresh, sieved light, with longer trails to Fall Creek for a wilder walk.
Place indismissible
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive along the cliffs of Santa Cruz between the beach, the lighthouse and the surf spots. Walkers see waves break against the rocks, surfers wait off Steamer Lane and, in clear weather, the curve of Monterey Bay.
Practical tips
This information helps know if the destination matches the planned trip before starting a fuller search.
To go further
More activities
Restaurants, walks, culture, leisure and outings to search without leaving the destination card.
The nearest destinations
The closest ideas on the map, to extend your trip.
Similar destinations
Same landscapes and the same pace of travel, elsewhere in the world.
Escaped to discover
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Texas, 🇺🇸 United States of America
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