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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

Our expertly curated list of Outdoor Activities in Santa Cruz brings together the citys quirky spirit and vibrant culture. Each activity is designed for maximum excitement, blending local history, art, and adventure into one-of-a-kind experiences. From mysterious ghost tours to interactive hunts through famous neighborhoods and historic landmarks, there is something new around every corner. Get ready to challenge yourself, laugh with your group, and discover why these activities are some of the top things to do when visiting Santa Cruz.

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Surfs Up Santa Cruz Skattejakt kortbilde
grønn stjerne 4.9 (12 anmeldelser)

Surfs Up Santa Cruz Skattejakt

Sentrum, Santa Cruz

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

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Santa Cruz Fengslende Utflukt Skattejakt kortbilde
grønn stjerne 5.0 (25 anmeldelser)

Fengslende utflukt-skattejakt i Santa Cruz

Strandpromenaden, Santa Cruz

Surf's up, ledetrådsøkere! Dykk ned i vår Santa Cruz-skattejakt gjennom det pulserende...

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Skjulte perler av UCSC Skattejakt kortbilde
grønn stjerne 4.9 (25 anmeldelser)

Skjulte perler av UCSC Skattejakt

UCSC, Santa Cruz

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

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Neon & Nattlys: Et bilde av ScavengerHunt.com i Santa Cruz
grønn stjerne 5.0 (24 anmeldelser)

Neon & Natt Tide: En Skattejakt i Santa Cruz

Sentrum, 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
grønn stjerne 5.0 (20 anmeldelser)

Slug Quest: UCSC-eventyret

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 West Skattejaktkortbilde
grønn stjerne 5.0 (19 anmeldelser)

Oppdrag ved Vest-scavenger hunt

Sentrum, 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
grønn stjerne 4.9 (13 anmeldelser)

Capitola Scavenger Hunt Scavenger Hunt

Sentrum, Capitola

Beach, please! Unearth hidden gems in Rio del Mar‘s Downtown neighborhood on our...

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om utendørsaktiviteter

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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.

Mann på skattejakt-vandring

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.

Merkelig veggmaleri

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.

Bygningen til det gamle teateret

Oppdag historier om gamle komedier i Old Theatre Building, nær naturens sjarm – et nostalgisk stopp fullt av historie under skattejakten din.

Calvary Episcopal Church

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

Pepperkakehus på Laurel Street

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

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History

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.

Andys Auto Supply-veggmaleri

Experience nostalgia with Andys Auto Supply Mural depicting vintage cars and lively scenes—an engaging stop on your outdoor adventure through downtown 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

Opplev sjarmen til Santa Cruzs eneste strandhotell. Dette stedet tilbyr utsikt over Stillehavet og vintage vibber, perfekt for en dagstur eller sightseeing-eventyr i denne Beach Town USA.

Santa Cruz Wharf

Spaser langs den ikoniske Santa Cruz Wharf for panoramautsikt over Monterey Bay Haven. Nyt levende musikk og håndverksøl mens du nyter Coastal Paradise-atmosfæren.

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

Vandre gjennom Neary Lagoons flytende gangveier for en fredelig tilflukt midt i naturen. Oppdag lokalt dyreliv i denne skjulte perlen nær sentrum av 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.

Beach Flats Park

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

Santa Cruz Beach Volleyballbaner

Delta i eller se spennende kamper på disse volleyballbanene ved sjøen. De gir sportslig spenning til skattejakten din med solfylt moro mot brusende bølger.

Lifetree Totem #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.

Muse

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: Til minne om

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.

Uten tittel

Decode geometric designs at this must-see ceramic piece on your city tour. Architecture buffs will enjoy adding this to their list of things to do in Santa Cruzs Oceanfront Adventure.

The Wave

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.

Edna L. Scott Fountain

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.

Sentinel

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.

Offerlam

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.

Angela Grova’s Muse

Utforsk Surf City-stemningen med en spasertur gjennom Santa Cruzs livlige gater. Utendørs kunst dukker opp rundt hvert hjørne, og du kan kanskje se et veggmaleri bare lokale kjenner til. Perfekt for sightseeing og oppdagelser i frisk luft.

Koi dam fontene

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.

UCSC Musikk senter

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.

McHenry Library

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.

Sentinel

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 og Stadion

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)

Trå inn i Surf City-stemningen mens du utforsker utendørsunderverker i Santa Cruz. Oppdag sære kroker, livlige veggmalerier og den salte luften som lokalbefolkningen verdsetter. Hver spasertur her føles som en hemmelighet som avsløres.

Golden Gate Villa

Vandre gjennom Beach Town USA der brisen bærer latter og lyden av bølger. Utendørsaktiviteter her blander Redwoods Retreats ro med Monterey Bay Havens spenning – lokale vet at solnedgangsturer er magiske.

Neptunskongens rike (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.

Santa Cruz Beach

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 Arkade & Gamle Jernbanespor

Nyt brisen fra Monterey Bay Haven mens du nyter utendørsaktiviteter like ved Boardwalk Funland. Lokal trivia: noen sier de beste utsiktene får du like etter soloppgang, når strandbyens sjarm er på sitt roligste.

Evergreen Picnic Area

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 i Harvey West Park

Nyt en dagstur omgitt av Wharf Wonders og havbris. Utendørsaktiviteter skinner her, med utsikt over Monterey Bay Haven og lekne seler nedenfor. Lokalbefolkningen anbefaler å komme tidlig for rolige morgener.

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.

Friendship Garden

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.

Se våre beste utendørsaktiviteter etter nabolag

Fra den livlige energien til Pacific Avenue Vibes til den rolige skjønnheten ved Redwoods Retreat, lar våre utendørsaktiviteter deg oppleve Santa Cruzs beste nabolag på nye måter. Klikk på disse nabolagene for å se den relaterte aktiviteten.

Topprangert
Bilde av sentrumskort
grønn stjerne 4.9 (1 anmeldelse)

Sentrum

Sentrum, Santa Cruz

Discover Downtown Santa Cruz, a hub of excitement with its famous Giant Dipper and charming Surfrider Cafe. Perfect for sightseeing and unique experiences, this...

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Bilde av strandpromenaden
grønn stjerne 5.0 (1 anmeldelse)

Strandpromenaden

Strandpromenaden, 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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UCSC kortbilde
grønn stjerne 4.9 (1 anmeldelse)

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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University of California, Santa Cruz kortbilde
grønn stjerne 5.0 (1 anmeldelse)

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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Bilde av sentrumskort
grønn stjerne 5.0 (1 anmeldelse)

Sentrum

Sentrum, 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.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Megan L.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Laura H.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Daniel M.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

Utendørsopplevelsen rundt UCSC var fantastisk. Vi oppdaget vakre severdigheter og lærte om lokal kultur underveis.

Jessica G.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

David B.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

Dette var en fantastisk opplevelse i sentrum av Santa Cruz. Jeg elsket å oppdage unike steder som California Crude mens jeg vandret rundt.

Michael S.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Megan W.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

This self-guided tour through Santa Cruz was such a cool thing to do. I loved finding the Frat Fried Koi: In Memoriam!

Chris L.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Daniel M.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Jessica G.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

David B.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Sarah W.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Michael S.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

Jeg hadde en fantastisk tid med å utforske området ved strandpromenaden. Jakten ledet oss til Sentinel, og det var en morsom måte å avdekke lokalhistorie på.

Emily J.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Laura L.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

We had so much fun on this walking tour of downtown. It felt like we were part of the citys history as we explored!

Daniel H.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Ashley M.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Chris G.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

What a fun thing to do in the beach town! The interactive walking tour made it easy to find interesting points of interest.

Jessica D.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

David B.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Sarah W.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Michael S.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

What an incredible day exploring Santa Cruz! The Frat Fried Koi: In Memoriam was definitely one of my favorite stops along the way.

Ethan W.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Isabella L.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Lucas H.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Sophia M.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Mason G.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

Å utforske Lifetree Totem #4 var en unik opplevelse. Utendørsaktiviteten gjorde det enda bedre i solfylte Santa Cruz.

Ava D.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

This self-guided tour was perfect for our family. We loved visiting the Edna L. Scott Fountain and learning about its history together.

Noah B.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Olivia W.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

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

Liam S.

5-stjerners anmeldelser

I had a blast exploring the Santa Cruz Beach Volleyball Courts. It was a fun way to see the iconic spots in this beautiful coastal town.

Emma J.

Ofte stilte spørsmål.

LOKALE INNSIKTER

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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