Family-Friendly Things to do in Santa Cruz
Looking for the perfect family getaway filled with sunshine, ocean breezes and endless fun for the kids? Santa Cruz, California, offers a vibrant mix of outdoor adventures, hands-on learning, and classic coastal charm that’s sure to keep the whole family entertained. From sandy beaches and scenic train rides to interactive museums and thrilling amusement park rides, this laid-back and quirky beach town is packed with activities that cater to kids of all ages. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer vacation, here’s your guide to the best family-friendly things to do in Santa Cruz.
BEACHES TO PLAY AT:
Natural Bridges State Beach
1. Natural Bridges State Beach – Located 15 minutes north of the boardwalk, less crowded & secluded. Tide pools along the cliffs. Parking lot fee $10 or FREE parking off Delaware and you can walk in.
2. Seabright State Beach – Located between the boardwalk and Walton Lighthouse. There is a cliff separating Main Beach (the boardwalk beach) and Seabright Beach. You can walk along the beach to each one. The main entrance is located off Cypress Ave and E Cliff Drive. There is a small parking lot above the stairs along 3rd Ave. My kids love exploring the cement x’s that surround the base of the lighthouse.
3. Twin Lakes State Beach – Located on the other side of Walton Lighthouse, separated by the harbor. Park along 8th Ave.
4. Main Beach – located steps away from the boardwalk!
5. Capitola Beach – Located 20 minutes south of the boardwalk and is a separate unique & quirky town, home to the colorful beach condos.
6. Shark Fin Cove Beach – Located north of Natural Bridges State Beach in Davenport. Fun stop if you are coming from San Francisco along Hwy 1.
Shark Fin Cove
THINGS TO DO:
1. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – Huge amusement park right on the beach (Here is the link to their Boardwalk on a Budget or scroll down to read them)
2. Roaring Camp Railroads – There are several different train routes you can take; one of them you can take from the boardwalk and head up into the redwoods. The camp is modeled after an old town train depot with lots of fun activities for families to explore.
3. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Lots of great hiking.
4. The Mystery Spot – A gravitational anomaly located in the redwood forest just outside of Santa Cruz. Be prepared to laugh at the corny jokes your tour guide will share and join the yellow bumper sticker craze for yourself.
5. West Cliff Drive/Santa Cruz Surfing Museum – Located at Lighthouse Point off of West Cliff Drive and Streamer Lane where you can watch surfers scale the cliffs and jump into the ocean and catch some sweet waves. West Cliff Drive has the epitome oceanside views. I never leave Santa Cruz without a quick drive or stroll along West Cliff Drive.
6. Seymour Marine Discovery Center – Fun hands-on learning experience for children. They have tours (free with admission), which include two whale skeletons, dolphins and seals. They have aquariums filled with different sea creatures as well as pools where you can touch starfish, sea urchins, hermit crabs and swell sharks.
7. Downtown Santa Cruz – Great nightlife and restaurant scene
8. Ocean View Park – Close to the boardwalk and a great park with fun slides for the kiddos. Perfect for those foggy or colder days.
Where to EAT:
1. Taqueria Santa Cruz on Mission Street – Close to Natural Bridges State Beach.
2. Penny Ice Creamery – Known for its unique gourmet ice cream flavors. Be sure to ask them to top it with their marshmallow fluff which they torch to toasty perfection.
3. Marianne’s Ice cream – Perfect on your way out of town with endless ice cream flavors and the cutest cow mascot and wallpaper.
4. The Picnic Basket – Breakfast spot right by the wharf.
5. Pizza My Heart – Pizza by the (large) slice & a Santa Cruz staple.
6. Surf City Sandwich – Near Capitola, get the pastrami!
7. Las Palmas Taco Bar – Located between the boardwalk and the surfing museum.
8. Betty’s Burgers – Yummy sweet potato fries!
9. Trader Joe’s – Great to grab groceries and picnic down at the beach.
10. Make sure not to leave without getting a sweet treat from the Boardwalk!
11. Terra Superfoods - AMAZING acia bowls
Places to STAY:
Dream Inn is the only beachfront hotel on iconic Cowell’s beach, just steps away from the sand, surf and the lively Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Super Dreamy!!
Budget Friendly Ways to Enjoy the Boardwalk this summer!
ADMISSION IS FREE! You can walk around the Boardwalk or go for a stroll along the beach.
Enjoy FREE Entertainment. Enjoy entertainment seven nights a week through August 8! Magicians and acrobats Mon-Wed, live music on Thursday, Movies on the Beach on Fridays and DJ Dance Parties Sat & Sun.
Summer Discount Nights. Right now you can get 65% off Ride Wristbands! Enjoy unlimited rides for only $24.95 after 5pm Monday–Thursday.
Buy Online in Advance. Save up to $15 on ride wristbands by booking online. This savings can really add up if you are bringing the whole family!
Buy a MyBoardwalk Card. Enjoy the Boardwalk at your own pace and simply pay as you go–one ride or game at a time! MyBoardwalk Cards are rechargeable, can be shared and never expire.
Mornings at the Arcade. Play 1/2 priced arcade games in the Casino Arcade and Neptune’s Kingdom every morning from 9–11am!
