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.
4.9 (12 recensioner)
Surfs Up Santa Cruz Scavenger Hunt
Centrala, Santa Cruz
Surfs up, clue-seekers! Discover Santa Cruzs quirky murals, iconic theaters, and a...
5.0 (25 recensioner)
Santa Cruz Fängslande Utflyktsjakt
Strandpromenad, Santa Cruz
Surfs up, clue seekers! Dive into our Santa Cruz scavenger hunt through the vibrant...
4.9 (25 recensioner)
Hidden Gems of UCSC Scavenger Hunt
UCSC, Santa Cruz
Cruise through UCSC as we see hidden gems on our scavenger hunt! Discover quirky art,...
5.0 (24 recensioner)
Neon & Natt: En Santa Cruz-jakt
Centrala, Santa Cruz
Under Santa Cruz’s neon and fog, villas watch the Boardwalk breathe. Tracks hum, arcade...
5.0 (20 recensioner)
Slug Quest: The UCSC Adventure
University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz
Experience a self-guided, app-led University of California, Santa Cruz tour with trivia,...
5.0 (19 recensioner)
Quest at the West Skattjakt
Centrala, Santa Cruz
Adventure awaits at Harvey West Park! Explore redwood picnics, pump track thrills, a...
4.9 (13 recensioner)
Capitola Scavenger Hunt Scavenger Hunt
Centrala, Capitola
Strand, tack! Upptäck dolda pärlor i Rio del Mars stadskärna med vår...
EnepiskSanta Cruz, California experience
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.
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.
Konstig muralmålning
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.
Gamla Teaterbyggnaden
Discover tales of old comedies at the Old Theatre Building near natures charm—a nostalgic stop full of history during your scavenger hunt.
Calvary Episcopal Church
Förundras över Calvary Episcopal Churchs yttre skönhet – ett bevis på Santa Cruzs arv som berikar varje skattjaktsupplevelse.
Pepparkakshus 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-målning
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.
Dröm-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.
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 Volleybollplaner
Delta i eller se spännande matcher vid dessa volleybollplaner vid havet. De ger sportig spänning till din skattjakt med solkysst kul mot brusande vågor.
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: Till minne av
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.
Otitulerad
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.
Vågen
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-fontänen
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.
Vaktpost
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.
Offerkoppen
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 Grovas musa
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.
Koi Dam fontän
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 Music Center
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.
Vaktpost
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 och Stadium
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)
Step into Surf City vibes as you explore outdoor wonders in Santa Cruz. Discover quirky corners, vibrant murals, and the salty air that locals cherish. Every stroll here feels like a secret revealed.
Golden Gate Villa
Wander through Beach Town USA where the breeze carries laughter and the sound of waves. Outdoor activities here blend Redwoods Retreat calm with Monterey Bay Haven excitement—locals know sunset strolls are magic.
Neptunus 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
Utomhusaktiviteter finns i överflöd nära Mystery Spot – känn den lekfulla energin som gör Santa Cruz sevärdheter så minnesvärda. Även erfarna lokalbefolkningen hittar nya överraskningar på dessa slingrande stigar genom ett kustparadis.
Casino Arcade & gamla järnvägsspår
Soak up Monterey Bay Haven breezes as you enjoy outdoor activities steps from Boardwalk Funland. Local trivia: some say the best views come just after sunrise, when beach town charm is at its quietest.
Evergreen Picknickområde
Utforska Surf City-vibbar i hjärtat av Santa Cruz. Denna plats erbjuder en unik utomhusupplevelse, som blandar Boardwalk Funland-energi med Pacific Avenue Vibes. Lokalbefolkningen säger att solnedgångarna här är oförglömliga.
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 vid Harvey West Park
Enjoy a day trip surrounded by Wharf Wonders and ocean breezes. Outdoor activities shine here, with views of Monterey Bay Haven and playful seals below. Locals suggest arriving early for peaceful mornings.
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.
Vänskapsträdgården
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 våra bästa utomhusaktiviteter per stadsdel
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.
4.9 (1 recensioner)
Centrum
Centrala, 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...
5.0 (1 recensioner)
Strandpromenad
Strandpromenad, 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...
4.9 (1 recensioner)
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...
5.0 (1 recensioner)
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...
5.0 (1 recensioner)
Centrum
Centrala, 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...
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.
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.
Denna scavenger hunt var ett fantastiskt sätt att se ikoniska platser som Sentinel. Ett måste för alla som besöker Santa Cruz!
Megan L.
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.
I loved this interactive walking tour through Santa Cruz. It made sightseeing fun and engaging, perfect for tourists and locals alike!
Laura H.
A great way to explore downtown Santa Cruz! This self-guided tour revealed so many interesting landmarks we never knew existed.
Daniel M.
The outdoor experience around UCSC was amazing. We discovered beautiful sights and learned about local culture along the way.
Jessica G.
Vilket roligt dejt-idé! Vi utforskade The Wave och upptäckte lite lokalhistoria medan vi njöt av varandras sällskap i staden.
David B.
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.
This was a fantastic experience in downtown Santa Cruz. I loved discovering unique spots like California Crude while wandering around.
Michael S.
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.
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.
A wonderful way to see iconic spots like Untitled in UCSC. This experience truly brought out the beauty of Santa Cruz.
Megan W.
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.
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.
Exploring downtown was a highlight of our trip. The murals and sights made for an unforgettable Santa Cruz tour.
Daniel M.
The outdoor experience around UCSC was incredible. We loved visiting the California Crude piece while enjoying the fresh air.
Jessica G.
A great date night idea! We explored Lifetree Totem #4 and had an amazing time discovering hidden gems in this charming city.
David B.
This walking tour was perfect for our family. We enjoyed seeing The Wave and making memories together in beautiful Santa Cruz.
Sarah W.
What a fantastic experience in downtown Santa Cruz! We discovered the Edna L. Scott Fountain and learned so much along the way.
Michael S.
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.
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.
I absolutely loved using the ScavengerHunt.com app! It made exploring Neary Lagoon an unforgettable experience.
Laura L.
Vi hade så roligt på den här vandringsturen genom centrum. Det kändes som att vi var en del av stadens historia när vi utforskade!
Daniel H.
This scavenger hunt was such a great UCSC experience! I loved how engaging it was, perfect for families or groups.
Ashley M.
Ett fantastiskt sätt för turister att se ikoniska landmärken som Sentinel samtidigt som de njuter av frisk luft i Santa Cruz.
Chris G.
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.
Exploring the downtown neighborhood was such a highlight. I loved learning about its history and discovering cool spots.
David B.
The Lifetree Totem #4 was an amazing stop on our adventure. A great outdoor activity for anyone looking to explore Santa Cruz.
Sarah W.
This was a fun date night experience in the downtown area. We discovered hidden gems while enjoying each others company.
Michael S.
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.
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.
This walking tour of UCSC is a must-do! We found ourselves captivated by the art installations and beautiful views all around.
Isabella L.
A great experience that brought us closer together! The Santa Cruz tour helped us appreciate our city more than ever.
Lucas H.
We had so much fun on this scavenger hunt! It was an entertaining way to discover historical spots like the Sentinel.
Sophia M.
I highly recommend this as a great thing to do in Downtown. The interactive elements kept us engaged while we explored.
Mason G.
Att utforska Lifetree Totem #4 var en så unik upplevelse. Friluftsaktiviteten gjorde det ännu bättre i soliga Santa Cruz.
Ava D.
Den här självguidade turen var perfekt för vår familj. Vi älskade att besöka Edna L. Scott Fountain och lära oss om dess historia tillsammans.
Noah B.
Vilken fantastisk dejt-idé! Vi njöt av att vandra runt på UCSC, njuta av konsten och naturen samtidigt som vi knöt an till varandra.
Olivia W.
The walking tour around Downtown was an amazing experience. I discovered hidden gems and learned so much about local history.
Liam S.
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.
Vanliga frågor.
What are some fun Outdoor Activities in Santa Cruz?
Are scavenger hunts good for groups in Santa Cruz?
I am new to Santa Cruz what do you recommend?
I am a Santa Cruz local would this be fun for me?
Vilken är den kompletta listan över alla skattjakter och aktiviteter som jag kan göra i Santa Cruz
Fun Santa Cruz Facts and Hidden Gems
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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