Santa Cruz Vacation and Trip Information

Santa Cruz is a coastal California city with a laid-back beach town vibe, south of the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s also home to the University of California Santa Cruz, a picturesque campus surrounded by redwood trees with stunning views of Monterey Bay.

Visit the city’s numerous beaches, take a surf lesson, rent a cruiser bike, or head to the marina for a sailing cruise or deep-sea fishing tour. Stroll along Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, where you’ll find funky record shops, second-hand clothing stores, surf shops, and bookstores from Bookshop Santa Cruz to Borders. The downtown area has become more chain store influenced, but it still retains its eccentricity: Street musicians dot the sidewalks and parades are a way of life. Don’t forget to check out a show at The Catalyst, a showcase for local artists and music legends alike.

Catch some thrills at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and ride the Giant Dipper, a classic wooden rollercoaster in operation since 1924.