- Our list of the best things to do in Santa Cruz, California, features the top 261 nearby activities — including 100 great attractions with user approval ratings of 90% or more!
- Santa Cruz, CA has a variety of great sights and experiences nearby. Top categories include: Outdoor Places, Food & Drink, Entertainment & Shows, and Amusement.
- The results below include the top 40 things to do within the city of Santa Cruz, CA , followed by 221 popular activities in nearby cities, including Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Watsonville, Capitola, Morgan Hill, Aptos, Gilroy, Campbell, Pacific Grove, San Jose, Marina, Los Altos, Big Sur, Half Moon Bay and Marina del Rey
Showing 121-130 of
934
0.0 Miles
Dive into Santa Cruz’s natural and cultural history at this museum; membership includes free admission and shop discounts.
18.3 Miles
Vasona Lake County Park contains a 45 acre lawn that is suitable for Frisbee, softball, and soccer activities. Visitors can also take paddle and row boats onto the water and go fishing for black bass and catfish.
18.3 Miles
94%
32 votes
233 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032
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Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad & Bill Mason Carousel was founded in 1968 and exists as a means to preserve and maintain the history of railroads while educating persons entering the work force on what it takes to succeed.
18.4 Miles
57%
111 votes
Vasona Lake County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032
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Sponsored by Santa Clara County Parks, the Fantasy of Lights is a seasonal light display that goes up each Christmas season. The display features a wide array of elaborate light displays, and visitors can drive through.
18.5 Miles
90%
244 votes
At the corner of McAbee Road and Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95120
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Almaden Quicksilver Country Park is a great place for a day out with family and friends. Admission is free with multiple entrances. There are many hiking trails, well-maintained picnic grounds and some old mines and mining equipment to explore. Pets are allowed inside.
18.5 Miles
A heavily forested area located on 3,688 acres, Sanborn County Park can be used for tent and RV camping, hiking and picnics. The facility provides trails spanning over 15 miles that provide visitors a look at native plants and wildlife.
18.6 Miles
80%
5 votes
15000 Skyline Boulevard, Los Gatos, CA 95033
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Aspiring climbers can learn the ropes at Treks and Tracks Rock Climbing Castle Rock State Park. Certified instructors teach beginning and advanced rock climbing as well as backpacking, horse packing and navigation.
18.6 Miles
At Castle Rock State Park, visitors can go horseback riding, hiking, and geocaching. The location, which is located near the Santa Cruz Mountains, features campsites for backpackers who wish to stay at the site.
18.7 Miles
85%
220 votes
15400 Montalvo Rd, (near Lira Dr), Saratoga, CA 95070
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The Montalvo Arts Center is a gorgeous Italian-style building that hosts concerts, art showings and private events. The building, and its spacious gardens, are known for their lively concerts in the outdoor Greek-style amphitheater.
18.7 Miles
With 17 acres of nature to explore, Belgatos Park offers a playground and trails for their visitors. There is a creek that runs near the trail, and there are often wild berries growing nearby.
19.0 Miles
A vineyard with a history that goes back to the turn of the century, the Savannah-Chanelle Winery makes and bottles a variety of wines, including chardonnays, pinot noirs, and syrahs. It hosts winery tours, and offers a tasting room.