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Top Outdoor Activities In Santa Cruz, California

Golden sunlight pours over the Santa Cruz Boardwalk as ocean breezes swirl through Pacific Avenue Vibes. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, Outdoor Activities in Santa Cruz invite you to dive into Californias most playful city. Experience must-see attractions and hidden corners with friends or family for unforgettable moments. There is no better way to view Santa Cruz than by joining these unique outdoor experiences.

Outdoor Experiences in Santa Cruz, California

Il nostro elenco curato ad arte di Attività all'Aperto a Santa Cruz unisce lo spirito stravagante e la cultura vivace della città. Ogni attività è progettata per il massimo dell'emozione, fondendo storia locale, arte e avventura in esperienze uniche. Dai misteriosi tour dei fantasmi alle cacce interattive attraverso quartieri famosi e monumenti storici, c'è sempre qualcosa di nuovo dietro l'angolo. Preparati a metterti alla prova, a ridere con il tuo gruppo e a scoprire perché queste attività sono tra le cose migliori da fare quando si visita Santa Cruz.

Top Rated
Immagine della tessera della caccia al tesoro Surfs Up Santa Cruz
stella verde 4.9 (12 recensioni)

Caccia al Tesoro "Surfs Up" a Santa Cruz

Centro, Santa Cruz

Surfs up, clue-seekers! Discover Santa Cruzs quirky murals, iconic theaters, and a...

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Immagine della card della Caccia al Tesoro Escursione Affascinante di Santa Cruz
stella verde 5.0 (25 recensioni)

Caccia al Tesoro Incantevole Escursione a Santa Cruz

Lungomare, Santa Cruz

Surfs up, clue seekers! Dive into our Santa Cruz scavenger hunt through the vibrant...

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Immagine della tessera della Caccia al Tesoro dei Tesori Nascosti di UCSC
stella verde 4.9 (25 recensioni)

Caccia al Tesoro Tesori Nascosti di UCSC

UCSC, Santa Cruz

Cruise through UCSC as we see hidden gems on our scavenger hunt! Discover quirky art,...

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Neon & Nighttide: un'immagine della caccia al tesoro di Santa Cruz
stella verde 5.0 (24 recensioni)

Neon & Nighttide: un fantasma di Santa Cruz

Centro, Santa Cruz

Under Santa Cruz’s neon and fog, villas watch the Boardwalk breathe. Tracks hum, arcade...

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Slug Quest: The UCSC Adventure card image
stella verde 5.0 (20 recensioni)

Caccia al Tesoro: L'Avventura UCSC

University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz

Experience a self-guided, app-led University of California, Santa Cruz tour with trivia,...

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Quest at the West Scavenger Hunt card image
stella verde 5.0 (19 recensioni)

Quest al West Scavenger Hunt

Centro, Santa Cruz

Adventure awaits at Harvey West Park! Explore redwood picnics, pump track thrills, a...

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Capitola Scavenger Hunt Scavenger Hunt card image
stella verde 4.9 (13 recensioni)

Caccia al Tesoro di Capitola Caccia al Tesoro

Centro, Capitola

Spiaggia, per favore! Scopri gemme nascoste nel quartiere Downtown di Rio del Mar con la nostra...

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sulle attività all'aperto

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How Our Santa Cruz, California Outdoor Activities Work

Our team of expert writers and adventurers have scouted must-see spots and secret treasures across 3,050+ cities worldwide—including over 50 unique Outdoor Activities right here in California! Each experience features clear instructions tailored specifically for sightseeing tours.

During every activity your group explores on foot: answering trivia at historical markers, snapping photos at colorful murals, solving puzzles at public art installations—all while earning points via our award-winning app so you can compare scores across all available activities.

Uomo che partecipa a un tour a piedi con caccia al tesoro

Top Outdoor Attractions In Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is packed with iconic attractions just waiting to be explored through our Outdoor Activities. Stroll along the legendary Boardwalk Funland while unraveling secrets from its past, or wander beneath towering redwoods near UCSC for breathtaking views of Monterey Bay Haven. Uncover street art gems downtown and experience local culture up close on Pacific Avenue Vibes. Every location offers a fresh perspective on sightseeing in Beach Town USA. Click on each location to see related activities.

Strano murale

Decode the Strange Mural by Josh Voches! This artwork sparks curiosity with its mysterious figures—perfect for photo ops and local trivia during your scavenger hunt.

Edificio del Vecchio Teatro

Discover tales of old comedies at the Old Theatre Building near natures charm—a nostalgic stop full of history during your scavenger hunt.

Chiesa Episcopale Calvary

Marvel at Calvary Episcopal Church’s exterior beauty—a testament to Santa Cruz’s heritage that enriches any scavenger hunt experience.

Casa di pan di zenzero su Laurel Street

Be enchanted by Laurel Streets Gingerbread House—a Victorian masterpiece that adds whimsy to any scavenger hunt journey through town.

Museo d'Arte e Storia di Santa Cruz

Explore the exterior of MAH, a cultural hub where art meets history. Its vibrant facade is perfect for sparking creativity during your outdoor adventures in Santa Cruz.

Murale di Andy's Auto Supply

Rivivi la nostalgia con il murale di Andys Auto Supply che raffigura auto d'epoca e scene vivaci: una tappa coinvolgente nella tua avventura all'aperto nel centro di Santa Cruz.

Theatre Del Mar

Step back into entertainment history at Theatre Del Mar, where vaudeville acts once graced its stage—a must-see on any cultural exploration of Santa Cruz.

The Dream Inn

Experience the charm of Santa Cruzs only beachfront hotel. This spot offers Pacific views and vintage vibes, perfect for a day trip or sightseeing adventure in this Beach Town USA.

Santa Cruz Wharf

Walk along the iconic Santa Cruz Wharf for panoramic views of Monterey Bay Haven. Enjoy live music and craft beer while soaking up the Coastal Paradise atmosphere.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Discover thrills at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a must-see attraction with rides and games. Perfect for first-time visitors seeking unique things to do in this Surf City.

Neary Lagoon

Wander through Neary Lagoons floating walkways for a peaceful retreat amidst nature. Discover local wildlife in this hidden gem near downtown Santa Cruz.

Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Dive into marine wonders at this exploration center near the beach. Learn about ocean conservation while enjoying interactive exhibits—ideal for curious explorers.

Parco di Beach Flats

Visit Beach Flats Park to admire its giant mural celebrating community diversity—a colorful addition to any sightseeing itinerary in Santa Cruz.

Campi da Beach Volley di Santa Cruz

Join in or watch thrilling matches at these volleyball courts by the sea. They add sporty excitement to your scavenger hunt with sun-soaked fun against crashing waves.

Totem dell'albero della vita #4

Discover the hidden gem of Pacific Playground at Redwood Retreat. Stroll among towering trees and uncover local history with each step. A must-see for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Santa Cruz.

Ispirazione

Visit this artful landmark in Santa Cruz, where whimsy meets history. Capture your perfect photo as you explore this unique site, blending teamwork and trivia for a memorable day trip.

Frat Fried Koi: In Memoriam

Explore Surfing Meccas lighter side with campus legends and hidden gems. Perfect for sightseeing or a unique day trip in Santa Cruz, this spot offers laughter and local charm.

California Crude

At California Crude, gears and grit ignite imagination. Perfect for those seeking unique things to do in Santa Cruz, it is an eccentric art stop that challenges your puzzle-solving skills.

Senza titolo

Decodifica disegni geometrici in questo pezzo ceramico imperdibile del tuo tour cittadino. Gli appassionati di architettura apprezzeranno l'aggiunta di questo alla loro lista di cose da fare nell'Oceanfront Adventure di Santa Cruz.

L'Onda

Capture creativity with this striking sculpture as your backdrop. Feel the energy of Pacific Playground while exploring UCSCs artistic spirit on an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Fontana Edna L. Scott

Pause at UCSCs Redwood Retreat for nature-infused art exploration. Ideal for first-time visitors seeking outdoor activities in Santa Cruz with scenic charm and team missions.

Sentinella

Blend architecture, art, and trivia at this cultural stop. A recommended thing to do in Santa Cruz for history buffs eager to add culture to their West Coast Gem adventure.

Capra Sacrificale

Embrace fun facts and hidden gems at this playful location. Perfect for those looking to enjoy outdoor things to do in Santa Cruz with an artistic twist on their visit.

L'ispirazione di Angela Grova

Explore Surf City vibes with a stroll through Santa Cruzs lively streets. Outdoor art pops up around every corner, and you might spot a mural only locals know about. Perfect for sightseeing and fresh air discoveries.

Fontana dello stagno di koi

Breathe in the salty air at Beach Town USA, where Pacific Avenue Vibes meet outdoor adventure. Watch street performers or catch live music echoing from open plazas—local tip: sunsets here are unforgettable.

Centro musicale UCSC

Wander the Redwoods Retreat trails just outside downtown. These towering giants offer shade and serenity—listen for songbirds that call this coastal paradise home. Locals say early mornings are magical here.

Biblioteca McHenry

Step into mystery at one of Santa Cruzs most curious outdoor spots—the famous gravity-defying zone! Locals whisper about odd sensations here, making it a unique thing to do on your next visit.

Sentinella

Take in wharf wonders along the coast, where sea lions nap below and boats bob gently in the bay breeze. This spot is perfect for sightseeing and people-watching—locals love grabbing snacks at sunset.

East Field House e Stadio

Venture into the Santa Cruz Mountains for an outdoor escape filled with hiking trails and panoramic views over Monterey Bay Haven. Wildflowers bloom in spring—a secret locals cherish each year.

Sunshine Villa (Hotel McCray)

Immergiti nelle vibrazioni di Surf City mentre esplori le meraviglie all'aperto di Santa Cruz. Scopri angoli stravaganti, murales vibranti e l'aria salmastra che la gente del posto ama. Ogni passeggiata qui sembra un segreto svelato.

Golden Gate Villa

Vagare per Beach Town USA dove la brezza porta risate e il suono delle onde. Le attività all'aperto qui mescolano la calma di Redwoods Retreat con l'eccitazione di Monterey Bay Haven: la gente del posto sa che le passeggiate al tramonto sono magiche.

Neptune’s Kingdom (The Plunge)

Santa Cruz Mountains frame your adventure as you explore outdoor gems. Locals whisper about hidden trails and wharf wonders—bring curiosity, you might just stumble upon a new favorite spot under the redwoods.

Spiaggia di Santa Cruz

Outdoor things to do abound near Mystery Spot—feel the playful energy that makes Santa Cruz attractions so memorable. Even seasoned locals find fresh surprises on these winding paths through coastal paradise.

Casino Arcade e vecchi binari ferroviari

Assapora le brezze di Monterey Bay Haven mentre ti godi attività all'aperto a pochi passi dal Boardwalk Funland. Curiosità locali: alcuni dicono che le viste migliori si ottengono subito dopo l'alba, quando il fascino della cittadina balneare è al suo momento più tranquillo.

Area Picnic Evergreen

Explore Surf City vibes in the heart of Santa Cruz. This spot offers a unique outdoor experience, blending Boardwalk Funland energy with Pacific Avenue Vibes. Locals say sunsets here are unforgettable.

The Cottage Community School

Step into Redwoods Retreat atmosphere with fresh air and towering trees. Outdoor things to do abound, from people-watching to catching live music nearby. Locals love the hidden art tucked along the walkways.

Clubhouse presso Harvey West Park

Goditi una gita di un giorno circondato dalle Meraviglie del Porto e dalla brezza marina. Le attività all'aperto qui risplendono, con viste su Monterey Bay Haven e foche giocose sottostanti. I locali suggeriscono di arrivare presto per mattinate tranquille.

Harvey West Pump Track

Feel the Coastal Paradise energy while exploring this open-air gem. Outdoor things to do range from street performances to sampling local snacks. Insiders know the murals change with every season.

Giardino dell'Amicizia

Wander through Santa Cruz Mountains scenery at this outdoor haven. Enjoy trails lined with wildflowers and glimpses of wildlife—locals whisper about secret picnic spots tucked away from crowds.

Harvey West Pool

Uncover Mystery Spot magic at this quirky outdoor attraction. Try balancing on slanted paths or snapping gravity-defying photos—locals claim compasses spin wildly here! A fun stop on any day trip.

Scopri le nostre migliori attività all'aperto per quartiere

From the lively energy of Pacific Avenue Vibes to the serene beauty of Redwoods Retreat, our Outdoor Activities let you experience Santa Cruzs best neighborhoods in new ways. Click on these neighborhoods to see the related activity.

Top Rated
Immagine della carta del centro
stella verde 4.9 (1 recensioni)

Centro Città

Centro, Santa Cruz

Scopri il centro di Santa Cruz, un centro di eccitazione con il suo famoso Giant Dipper e l'affascinante Surfrider Cafe. Perfetto per visite turistiche ed esperienze uniche, questo...

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Immagine della carta del Boardwalk
stella verde 5.0 (1 recensioni)

Lungomare

Lungomare, Santa Cruz

Explore Santa Cruzs Boardwalk, a top attraction for visitors seeking unique experiences. With its lively atmosphere and landmarks like the Giant Dipper and Santa Cruz...

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Immagine tessera UCSC
stella verde 4.9 (1 recensioni)

UCSC

UCSC, Santa Cruz

UCSC is a top Santa Cruz attraction with its vibrant street art and landmarks like the Sacrificial Goat. Perfect for sightseeing, this neighborhood offers unique things...

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Immagine della carta della University of California, Santa Cruz
stella verde 5.0 (1 recensioni)

University of California, Santa Cruz

University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz

Explore the University of California, Santa Cruz for one-of-a-kind sightseeing. Wander past Angela Grova’s Muse and the UCSC Music Center, soaking up Redwoods Retreat...

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Immagine della carta del centro
stella verde 5.0 (1 recensioni)

Centro Città

Centro, Santa Cruz

Looking for unique things to do in Santa Cruz? Downtown delivers! Explore hidden gems like the Clubhouse at Harvey West Park or relax at Friendship Garden. This lively...

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See what people say about our outdoor activities in Santa Cruz

Locals and visitors alike rave about our Outdoor Activities in Santa Cruz! With five-star ratings and glowing testimonials like The best day trip ever—so much fun exploring hidden spots, it is easy to see why people keep coming back for more unique adventures.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

What an enjoyable adventure! The Muse was one of my favorite stops on this great walking tour of downtown Santa Cruz—highly recommended!

Brian W.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

This scavenger hunt was an awesome way to see iconic spots like Sentinel. A must-do experience for anyone visiting Santa Cruz!

Megan L.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

Exploring the Frat Fried Koi: In Memoriam was such a unique experience! I highly recommend it as a thing to do in this vibrant neighborhood.

Chris D.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

I loved this interactive walking tour through Santa Cruz. It made sightseeing fun and engaging, perfect for tourists and locals alike!

Laura H.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

A great way to explore downtown Santa Cruz! This self-guided tour revealed so many interesting landmarks we never knew existed.

Daniel M.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

L'esperienza all'aperto intorno all'UCSC è stata fantastica. Abbiamo scoperto luoghi meravigliosi e imparato la cultura locale lungo il percorso.

Jessica G.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

What a fun date idea! We explored The Wave and uncovered some local history while enjoying each others company in the city.

David B.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

We enjoyed a lovely day at the Edna L. Scott Fountain, perfect for families looking for things to do in the Boardwalk area.

Sarah W.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

This was a fantastic experience in downtown Santa Cruz. I loved discovering unique spots like California Crude while wandering around.

Michael S.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

I had a blast exploring the Lifetree Totem #4 on this fun walking tour. A great way to see the hidden gems of Santa Cruz.

Emily J.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

I highly recommend this as a fun thing to do in Santa Cruz! Our walking tour revealed so many interesting historical facts about the area.

Ryan A.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

A wonderful way to see iconic spots like Untitled in UCSC. This experience truly brought out the beauty of Santa Cruz.

Megan W.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

Questo tour autoguidato attraverso Santa Cruz è stata una cosa fantastica da fare. Ho adorato trovare il Frat Fried Koi: In Memoriam!

Chris L.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

We had so much fun with ScavengerHunt.com! It was a great way to explore all that downtown has to offer, including unique art pieces.

Laura H.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

Exploring downtown was a highlight of our trip. The murals and sights made for an unforgettable Santa Cruz tour.

Daniel M.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

The outdoor experience around UCSC was incredible. We loved visiting the California Crude piece while enjoying the fresh air.

Jessica G.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

A great date night idea! We explored Lifetree Totem #4 and had an amazing time discovering hidden gems in this charming city.

David B.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

This walking tour was perfect for our family. We enjoyed seeing The Wave and making memories together in beautiful Santa Cruz.

Sarah W.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

What a fantastic experience in downtown Santa Cruz! We discovered the Edna L. Scott Fountain and learned so much along the way.

Michael S.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

I had a blast exploring the Boardwalk area. The hunt led us to the Sentinel, and it was such a fun way to uncover local history.

Emily J.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

Such a cool thing to do in Santa Cruz! We enjoyed every moment and learned so much about local art and culture along the way.

Kevin W.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

I absolutely loved using the ScavengerHunt.com app! It made exploring Neary Lagoon an unforgettable experience.

Laura L.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

Ci siamo divertiti così tanto con questo tour a piedi del centro. Ci siamo sentiti parte della storia della città mentre esploravamo!

Daniel H.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

This scavenger hunt was such a great UCSC experience! I loved how engaging it was, perfect for families or groups.

Ashley M.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

A fantastic way for tourists to see iconic landmarks like the Sentinel while enjoying some fresh air in Santa Cruz.

Chris G.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

Che cosa divertente da fare nella città balneare! Il tour a piedi interattivo ha reso facile trovare punti di interesse.

Jessica D.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

Exploring the downtown neighborhood was such a highlight. I loved learning about its history and discovering cool spots.

David B.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

The Lifetree Totem #4 was an amazing stop on our adventure. A great outdoor activity for anyone looking to explore Santa Cruz.

Sarah W.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

This was a fun date night experience in the downtown area. We discovered hidden gems while enjoying each others company.

Michael S.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

I had a blast exploring the Edna L. Scott Fountain on this self-guided walking tour. Such a unique way to see Santa Cruz.

Emily J.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

Che giornata incredibile esplorando Santa Cruz! Il Frat Fried Koi: In Memoriam è stato sicuramente una delle mie tappe preferite lungo il percorso.

Ethan W.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

This walking tour of UCSC is a must-do! We found ourselves captivated by the art installations and beautiful views all around.

Isabella L.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

A great experience that brought us closer together! The Santa Cruz tour helped us appreciate our city more than ever.

Lucas H.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

We had so much fun on this scavenger hunt! It was an entertaining way to discover historical spots like the Sentinel.

Sophia M.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

I highly recommend this as a great thing to do in Downtown. The interactive elements kept us engaged while we explored.

Mason G.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

Exploring the Lifetree Totem #4 was such a unique experience. The outdoor activity made it even better in sunny Santa Cruz.

Ava D.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

Questo tour autoguidato è stato perfetto per la nostra famiglia. Ci è piaciuto visitare l'Edna L. Scott Fountain e imparare la sua storia insieme.

Noah B.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

What a fantastic date idea! We enjoyed wandering around UCSC, taking in the art and scenery while connecting with each other.

Olivia W.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

The walking tour around Downtown was an amazing experience. I discovered hidden gems and learned so much about local history.

Liam S.

Recensioni a 5 stelle

Mi sono divertito un mondo ad esplorare i campi da beach volley di Santa Cruz. È stato un modo divertente per vedere i luoghi iconici di questa bellissima città costiera.

Emma J.

Domande frequenti.

SCOPRI LOCALI

Fun Santa Cruz Facts and Hidden Gems

Did you know that Santa Cruz was founded as Villa de Branciforte back in 1797? It quickly became known for it's surf culture and creative spirit.

The Mystery Spot has puzzled visitors since 1940 with gravity-defying illusions—just one example of how this city loves surprises!

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