There are many reasons why Santa Cruz, California, situated on the coast of central California and stretching to the northernmost edge of Monterey Bay, is a famous tourist destination. The mild, dry weather prevails throughout the summer months of June, July, and August, with temperatures ranging from the low 50s at night to the upper 70s during the day.
Weather-wise, it's the best time of year to visit Santa Cruz since it's not too hot and not too cold. You can do and see so much in this city, it's unbelievable! If you like the beach, the Santa Cruz coastline is home to some of the finest in the United States.
In Santa Cruz, California, there is never a shortage of things to do. Here are the top 5 things:
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1. The Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Make plans to take the family on a day excursion to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Wear your walking shoes. The tourist center in Santa Cruz is 20,000 square feet in size and has a variety of exhibits. The intriguing exhibits and displays will instill in you a newfound respect for the sea and sea-life animals, as well as an understanding of their critical role in the environment.
Their interactive structure enables you to participate in activities you would never have imagined, such as petting a shark. If you've always wanted to scuba dive in order to see the incredible beauty of the ocean's depths but haven't had the courage to do so, you can do it right here at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center without ever getting wet! A large number of aquariums are devoted to displaying the magnificent life that may be found in the ocean's depths.
Families with toddlers and young children may take advantage of pleasant, shore excursions that run about 30 minutes and begin at 11 a.m. During the summer months, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center is particularly geared toward families who wish to spend time together participating in activities such as arts and crafts projects. During the months of July and August, they are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Mondays are closed throughout the remainder of the year, except during the holidays.
If you're thinking about taking a vacation to Santa Cruz, this is one of the attractions you won't want to miss out on. In Santa Cruz, California, it's one of the most enjoyable things to do.
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2. The Boardwalk at Santa Cruz Beach
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the most well-known attraction in the city, and it is nothing but pure entertainment. In 1907, the amusement park opened its doors to the public and became known as the "Coney Island of the West." National monuments include the Carousel and the Giant Dipper, a wooden roller coaster built in the style of a giant dipper.
It is true that the Giant Dipper, which was constructed in 1924, is commemorating its 95th anniversary this year. It is the country's longest roller coaster, measuring more than a mile in length. It's probably better not to go on the ride with a full stomach since the ride climbs to 70 feet and then down to 65 feet at a pace of 55 mph at one point!
The Carousel is the most historic ride on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The 73 beautifully carved horses, each one a one-of-a-kind creation, are equipped with genuine horsehair tails. The organ, which was constructed in 1894, provides musical accompaniment. It's a delightful combination of whimsy and sophistication. It's unlikely that one enjoyable journey will be enough. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers a variety of activities in addition to rides. There are two arcades, an 18-hole miniature golf course on two levels, and even a family bowling facility on the premises.
On Friday nights, there are free concerts on the beach that you may attend. At night, you may wish to take a stroll down the mile-long boardwalk for a romantic experience. Check the calendar for information on opening and closing hours, as well as upcoming events. When visiting Santa Cruz, California, a trip to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of the best things to do.
3. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, located in northern California
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a great place to go hiking and camping if they are your interests. The redwoods, some of which are over a thousand years old, tower above us like living skyscrapers, the tallest of which is about 280 feet tall. There are 30 kilometers of hiking routes, ranging from simple to difficult in difficulty.
The beautiful routes in this area may be completed in an hour or over a whole day, depending on your ability and availability. Without a doubt, the weekend will be busier than the weekdays. The campsites are nestled amid towering oaks and towering pine trees. You may set up a tent, camp in your vehicle, or bring your RV, but since there are no hookups, it may be best to plan on tenting instead of driving.
There are facilities such as flush toilets and coin-operated showers available to visitors. The highest point, the Observation Deck, is reached after a half-mile hike. From here, you can view all the way to Monterey and the Pacific Ocean. Travelers should be aware that since the campsites are so near to the beach, the mornings and nights may be cold in the mornings and evenings.
It's also important to remember that this state park prefers to maintain the ecosystem in its natural form, which means they don't pick out poison oak, which grows in abundance, so proceed with care.
4. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, located in northern California
A hiker's paradise, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is another of California's tourist attractions worth checking out.
This is California's first state park, and it is also one of the most beautiful locations in the United States. The redwoods in this area are over 2000 years old, according to the locals. Hikers will be in their element with a total of 80 kilometers of paths to explore. If you're a serious hiker who wants to camp along the route, the Skyline to the Sea Trail for hikers, which is very popular, will undoubtedly be one of the areas of attraction in this area.
It is 25-30 miles long and takes about 3 days to complete the journey. A visit to Big Basin Redwoods State Park is one of the most popular things to do in Santa Cruz, California. On weekends, it is possible that it may be packed. The Berry Creek Loop is a shorter route of approximately 10 miles in length, where your eyes and ears will be captivated by the sights and sounds of a succession of waterfalls along the way.
The altitude is about 1800 feet. If you wish to go on a longer walk, you may connect to the Skyline to the Sea Trail from this trailhead. The same facilities of Redwoods State Park are also accessible in the campgrounds at Redwoods State Park. For mountain bike enthusiasts, this is the spot to have a good time. The Skyline to the Sea Trail has dirt lanes that are suitable for bicyclists.
5. The Penny Ice Creamery is a small ice cream shop in Penny, Pennsylvania
If you're looking for some old-fashioned frozen fun, you won't want to miss The Penny Ice Creamery, which has two locations in Santa Cruz, one of which is in the downtown area, and serves the finest organic ice cream you've ever tasted. When it comes to making their vanilla ice cream, they follow Thomas Jefferson's original recipe.
What do you think of it for being old-fashioned?
They have forgone the use of contemporary technology in order to create their artisan-crafted, handmade frozen treats. Some travel hacks who have a penchant for marshmallows and ice cream may fly out to Santa Cruz, California only to get their hands on some of their delectable varieties, which can be topped with torched marshmallow fluff (which is also handmade and organic) if they so want.
Depending on the time of year, you may have to wait in line for your turn (particularly on a hot Saturday), but the wait is well worth it. Are you planning a trip to another part of California? Your family and friends will enjoy our fantastic lists of the finest things to do in Orange County and the greatest locations to visit in San Francisco!
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