In Santa Cruz County, the fun only begins with over 14 state parks, wineries, museums, farmer’s markets, surfing, shopping, and family fun activities. There are many things to do in Santa Cruz. You can visit the Annieglass, Club Ed International Surf School, Camps & Rentals, Inc., M.K. Contemporary, Bookshop Santa Cruz, Roaring Camp Railroads, and other attractions that are quintessentially Santa Cruz County.
When to visit
The best time to visit Santa Cruz is the end of Sep. to Oct. Most tourists visit here in late summer and before fall, giving more breathing space for beaches, hiking trails, and the pedestrian-friendly downtown, which can be packed on sunny days. Summer offers great beach weather (if you are OK with the crowds) and festivals celebrating surfing, music, harvests, and Shakespeare.
Getting around
Walking routes attach to the main beach, boardwalk, and downtown through Pacific Avenue. Walking from downtown to the beach and West Cliff Drive’s start is approximately fifteen to twenty minutes. From the metro center, Santa Cruz Metro runs bus services throughout the town and to San Jose. Although ride- or sharing bikes are also options, driving is a far easier way to get to Beautiful Bridges State Park, the university campus, and Capitola.
Check out the things to do in Santa Cruz County below!
1. Annieglass
2. Club Ed International Surf School, Camps & Rentals, Inc.
3. M.K. Contemporary
4. Bookshop Santa Cruz
5. Roaring Camp Railroads
1. Annieglass
Address: 310 Harvest Drive
Watsonville CA 95076
Phone No: 831.761.2041 x121
Website: www.annieglass.com
Overview
The Annieglass factory is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Santa Cruz. Making over 200 items a day since 1983, the production studio serves the best stores, resorts, restaurants, and websites in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Our retail store has the most extensive variety of Annieglass pieces along with jewelry, home furnishings, and artwork from nearby artists. Saturdays are commonly when local craftspeople perform trunk shows. We provide our factory seconds, which have small defects, at a steep discount.
We are available from Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are not able to provide factory tours at this time because of COVID-19.
2. Club Ed International Surf School, Camps & Rentals, Inc.
Address: Located on Cowell’s Beach seasonally
Santa Cruz CA 95060
Phone No: 831.464.0177
Website: www.club-ed.com
Overview
Selected as Santa Cruz’s Best Surf School! It is the best place to learn how to surf or get up paddleboard! Daily lessons and rentals are available throughout the year around. Lessons can be provided in semi-private, private, or open groups.
3. M.K. Contemporary
Address: 703 Front Street
Santa Cruz CA 95060
Phone No: (408) 250-2224
Website: www.mkcontemporary.art
Overview
In August 2019, M.K. Contemporary was founded in Capitola Village. We reformed and reorganized to a large, light-filled 4,600 square feet of vacant store in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz during the unique and tumultuous summer of 2020. We now have over thirty local and regional artists present at the gallery, along with a regular schedule of special events and themed shows. We have been renowned for our beautiful, quirky, and eclectic collection of modern art, which takes influence from Santa Cruz’s distinct natural beauty and vibrant culture.
4. Bookshop Santa Cruz
Address: 1520 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz CA 95060
Phone No:831.423.0900
Website: www.bookshopsantacruz.com
Overview
It is the best bookstore in Santa Cruz that independent destination for new & used books, magazines, cards, toys, gifts, and Santa Cruz t-shirts. Free weekly author events and UC Santa Cruz gear.
Bookshop Santa Cruz, located in the heart of Santa Cruz, California’s city, is a large independent bookstore that is unionized. We have been serving our community with a large collection of brand-new, gently used, and discount books along with a large area of magazines, cards, gifts, and toys since 1966. For nearly 25 years running, Santa Cruz County has selected us as the “Best Bookstore.” We may be located in-store at 1520 Pacific Avenue and online at bookshopsantacruz.com.
5. Roaring Camp Railroads
Address: 5401 Graham Hill Road
Felton CA 95018
Phone No: 831.335.4484
Website: www.roaringcamp.com
Overview
Explore the huge redwood trees of California from two old railroads. Ride genuine 19th-century steam engines across Big Trees and up Bear Mountain to its highest point. Also, use an open-air excursion vehicle or a Pullman of the early 1900s and ride via a beautiful river gorge in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to the Santa Cruz coast.
Also Read – 5 Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara
Bottom Line:
Santa Cruz has an amazing combination of natural beauty, rich culture, and more activities for every interest. If you want to explore its scenic outdoors, savoring local cuisine, diving into its vibrant arts scene, or indulging in unique shopping experiences, this coastal gem has something for everyone. Every visit to Santa Cruz promises amazing memories and new experiences.