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SightseeingLocal Gem

Downtown Santa Cruz

Pacific Avenue · Santa Cruz, CA

Why you should go…

Downtown Santa Cruz is marketed and maintained by the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz, a business improvement district that provides visitor services through Ambassador and Information Kiosk programs 365 days a year. The district centers on Pacific Avenue and includes shops, restaurants, galleries and entertainment venues in the heart of Santa Cruz. The Association also advocates for downtown businesses and coordinates with local government on district improvements.

  • #shopping
  • #dining
  • #walkable
  • #downtown
  • #family

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Downtown Santa Cruz, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Far West Fungi

    Free

    Mushroom store and cafe selling fresh, dried and cultivated fungi, grow kits, and mushroom snacks.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    Santa Cruz County

    Free

    California coastal county known for its beaches, redwood forests, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

    0.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    UC Santa Cruz Arboretum and Botanic Garden

    Under $25

    A 115-acre botanic garden of Mediterranean-climate plants from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Chile.

    1.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Club Ed Surf School and Camps

    $50+

    A longtime Santa Cruz surf school offering lessons, rentals and camps near Cowell Beach.

    2.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Capitola

    Free

    A pastel-colored Santa Cruz County beach village built around a small wharf and Capitola Village's shops and restaurants.

    3.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Los Gatos

    Free

    A walkable South Bay town at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains with a historic creek trail.

    20 mi awayMore like this