Essential Santa Cruz Travel Guide: What to See & Do

Santa Cruz combines coastal energy with a surprisingly rich history. Best known as a surfing destination and the home of the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the city also preserves traces of its Spanish mission past, Victorian architecture, and early 20th-century entertainment culture.

A Brief History of Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz’s story began with the founding of Mission Santa Cruz in 1791. The city later developed through agriculture, lumber, lime mining, and manufacturing. Today, it is also known for progressive activism, organic farming, creative communities, and a relaxed lifestyle shaped by the ocean.

Santa Cruz is widely considered the birthplace of surfing in the United States. This reputation dates to 1885, when three Hawaiian princes surfed near the San Lorenzo River.

Historic Places to Visit in Santa Cruz

For travelers wondering what to see in Santa Cruz, downtown offers an appealing combination of heritage and culture. Mission Santa Cruz State Historic Park, the Neary-Rodriguez Adobe, and the Spanish garden at Holy Cross Church highlight the area’s early foundations.

Victorian landmarks, including the Hinds House and Golden Gate Villa, add architectural variety. The Octagon Building and the Art Deco Del Mar Theater reflect later chapters in the city’s development.

The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake destroyed or damaged many historic structures, making the surviving buildings especially meaningful.

Santa Cruz Waterfront Attractions

The best places to visit in Santa Cruz also include the waterfront. The Santa Cruz Wharf offers seafood and harbor views, while the century-old Beach Boardwalk combines carnival rides, games, live entertainment, and the historic Giant Dipper wooden coaster, which opened in 1924.

Why Visit Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz brings together surf traditions, historic neighborhoods, cultural diversity, and classic seaside amusement. From its mission-era landmarks and Victorian architecture to its waterfront attractions and enduring connection to surfing, the city offers a distinctive blend of history, culture, and California coastal life.