🌴 Local’s Guide: The Best Things to Do in Santa Cruz (Hidden Gems + Must-Sees)

Welcome to Santa Cruz — a coastal gem where surf culture, redwoods, and quirky local flavor come together in the most unforgettable way. Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend, or lucky enough to call it home, I’m sharing my favorite places that go beyond the tourist brochure — spots I truly love and return to again and again.

🏄‍♂️ 1. Steamer Lane + The Surfing Museum

Santa Cruz is the birthplace of mainland surfing — and nowhere shows off that surf legacy better than Steamer Lane. You can watch some of the best surfers ride massive waves just steps from the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, which sits inside a picturesque lighthouse. The museum is small but rich with history, and the views from this cliffside walk are stunning.

🎡 2. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Yes, it’s touristy — but for good reason! The Boardwalk is California’s oldest seaside amusement park and a total throwback. Ride the Giant Dipper, grab some saltwater taffy, or just enjoy the nostalgic vibes. If you’re into kitschy fun, don’t miss Neptune’s Kingdom for some pirate-themed mini golf and retro arcade games.

📚 3. Bad Animal (Books, Wine, Thai Food = Heaven)

One of the coolest, most unique spots in town: Bad Animal is a used bookstore, natural wine bar, and home to the Thai food pop-up Hanloh — and yes, it’s just as amazing as it sounds. You can sip wine, browse books, and eat chef-driven Thai food in one cozy, creative space. It’s a local favorite for a reason.

🍵 4. Hidden Peak Teahouse

If you need a moment of zen, Hidden Peak Teahouse is a peaceful, tucked-away spot downtown where you can experience traditional tea service. Think floor seating, dim lighting, and a quiet ambiance that makes you want to put your phone away and breathe.

🌲 5. Henry Cowell Redwoods & The Garden of Eden

For a nature fix, head to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and walk the flat, accessible Redwood Grove Loop Trail. Want something a little more adventurous? Pack your swimsuit and hike to the Garden of Eden, a hidden swimming hole along the San Lorenzo River surrounded by lush forest.

🌀 6. The Mystery Spot

It’s weird, it’s classic, and yes — it’s actually really fun. The Mystery Spot is one of those places that defies explanation. Things roll uphill, people appear to shrink and grow — and while it’s all a little cheesy, it’s also kind of delightful. Plus, the redwood forest surrounding it is worth the visit alone.

🌿 7. New Adventures Coming Soon: Cotoni-Coast Dairies

One of the most exciting new additions to the Santa Cruz outdoor scene is the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument. Set to open trails in August 2025, this massive coastal preserve will offer sweeping views, redwood groves, and cliffside hikes — a must-visit once it opens to the public.

🗺️ Planning Your Visit? Here’s a Sample Day Itinerary

Morning

☕ Coffee & coastal walk at Steamer Lane

🏄‍♂️ Surf museum + people-watching

Midday

📚 Lunch + browsing at Bad Animal

🛍 Quick walk through downtown shops

Afternoon

🌲 Redwoods hike at Henry Cowell

🏊‍♀️ Dip in the Garden of Eden (bring water shoes!)

Evening

🎡 Sunset rides and snacks at the Boardwalk

🍵 Wind down at Hidden Peak or glass of wine back at Bad Animal

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re chasing waves, sipping tea, or hunting for hidden gems, Santa Cruz is a place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a slower, more magical rhythm of life. These are the places that make me fall in love with this town all over again — and I hope they do the same for you.

Have a favorite Santa Cruz spot I should check out? Drop it in the comments on the video or send me a message — I’d love to hear about it.