Few places in North America have the natural and recreational diversity of Santa Cruz. With just a short scenic drive, you are transported to the foot of towering Redwood forests to the frothy waves of world-famous surf spots before retiring to the spacious deck of our beachfront rentals.

Santa Cruz offers a vacation celebrating the great outdoors…in every possible way. Whether sport or leisure, Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay Area, quite literally, have something for everyone. Even if your idea of “outdoor activities” involves an Arboretum or a hefty pour of wine, with its central proximity to both land and sea, you are at the doorstep of adventure.

Here are the eight best outdoor activities that Santa Cruz has to offer.

1. Surfing

• Cowell Beach is great for beginners, and Steamer Lane is iconic for those who want to watch the pros
• Highly recommended to take lessons at Santa Cruz Surf School for first-timers

Santa Cruz was founded in surfing, so naturally, partaking in its famed pastime is the best way to dive board-first into the local culture. While Cowell Beach is uncontested as the best place for beginners to learn, pros will head out to Steamer Lane.

Even if you have no intention of joining them in the waves, you should pay a visit to Steamer Lane to see the surfers in action. You should take a day or two of lessons to learn proper water safety techniques.

There is no shortage of board rentals or surf instructors, but the most renowned and locally operated has to be Surf School Santa Cruz. Expertly trained, qualified, and guaranteed to have you catching a wave after your first lesson, the instructors here mix guidance with fun. They provide boards, wetsuits, and all of the training you’ll need to be hanging ten in no time.

Browse the best beaches in Santa Cruz before you go.

2. Kayaking & Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)

• Santa Cruz Harbor
• Perfect for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers
• Tours, private rentals, and lessons are available

Take to the seas by exploring the tranquil waters of nearby Monterey Bay and local Santa Cruz Harbor by renting a kayak. Paddle along the shoreline and wade through kelp forests as you get up close to seals, otters, and other endemic sea life. There is no better way to explore the coast than with Kayak Connection. Highly acclaimed by publications such as BBC Travel and Lonely Planet, they offer rentals and tours straight from their private docks right in the heart of the harbor.

If the open water isn’t for you, they also have half-day rentals to cruise around the shores and guided tours available in the Elkhorn Slough at Moss Landing. This is a top-ranking wildlife excursion for North America, as you can see the largest raft of endangered sea otters, rare birds, and basking elephant seals.

If you enjoy a challenge, Kayak Connection also rents Stand Up Paddle Boards and offers lessons for newcomers. The perfect combination of physical strength, balance, and the closest proximity to the sea as possible. From here, you can paddle by wildlife, explore coves, and glide through the clear shallows in search of all sorts of sea life along the rocky shores.

3. West Coast Scorpion 

• From the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to the Redwood Forests
• Best for travelers looking to relish the varied landscapes of Santa Cruz with unmatched panoramic seaside scenery and wildlife.

Nestled between the sea and some of the largest old-growth forests in the world, there is no shortage of hiking trails near Santa Cruz.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is the perfect place to start for first-time visitors and families. A relatively flat 0.8-mile loop takes you through some of California’s last remaining old-growth forests. Meander among the giants with the largest tree, aply called ‘The Giant’, towering at over 270 feet tall! Since Big Basin has had extensive fire damage over the years, this trail is one of the most accessible ways to explore the legendary Redwoods.

Wilder Ranch State Park is the most diverse hiking in the Bay Area. Old Cove Landing to Ohlone Bluff trail is a great low-intensity 2.2-mile walk through wildflowers, restored Victorian homes, and, if you’re lucky, barking sea lions and migrating whales.

While technically not a ‘hike,’ West Cliff Drive might offer the most beautiful cliffside scenery in Santa Cruz. Beginning at Santa Cruz Dream Inn, this 6-mile round trip trek along the Monterey Bay will have you passing by legendary surf spots like Steamers Lane, a lighthouse that serves as the Surfing Museum, beautiful coves, and ending with spectacular views of Natural Bridges State Beach within Natural Bridges State Park.

4. Mountain Biking

• Santa Cruz Mountains with Ride Guides
• Best for adventurous travelers & families

The Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Area may be renowned for its world-class surfing, but another extreme sport is gaining traction in the mountain areas. Mountain biking.

First-timers can enjoy the views and breeze without intense climbs or technical tracks along the Old Cove Landing Trail or the Wilder Ridge Loop in Wilder Ranch State Park. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific and wildflowers aplenty.

Looking to rent or take a guided ride with professional riders? The Ride Guides have over 20 years of experience in the trails around Santa Cruz. Whether you’re looking for group or private tours, they can tailor their tours to your needs.

Experienced riders looking for a challenge, look no further than Soquel Demonstration Forest. Located in Nisene Marks State Park, this is where bikers dominate the trails. Filled with dirt-packed, adrenaline-pumping single tracks, it’s easy to see why this is the local favorite.

5. Whale Watching

• Santa Cruz Bay
• Best for wildlife lovers

It is one of the few places worldwide where the whale-watching season is year-long! There is never a shortage of whale watching near Santa Cruz. Migrating Humpbacks in the summer, Gray Whales in the winter months, or the iconic Orcas from spring to summer, there’s always a chance to spot these gentle giants.

Be sure to book with Santa Cruz Whale Watchers, a Stagnaro family charter that has the most expertise and highly rated tours. With over seven species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, there is rarely a day without a sighting marine life.

6. Golfing

• Pebble Beach, Pasatiempo Golf Club, or Seascape Golf Club
• Best for “outdoorsy” people and large groups

While surfing dominates the sea in Santa Cruz, golfing dominates the land. There are courses for all skills and budget levels. With stunning sea views, superb greens, and world-class courses like Pebble Beach, this Bay Area is a golfer’s paradise.

Pasatiempo Golf Club is designed by renowned golf Architect Alister Mackenzie and has hosted two USGA tournaments. Known for its world-class greens and a challenging back nine with spectacular views of Monterey Bay to sweeten the deal. It is easy to see why this site makes Golf Digest’s top three golf courses, and it’s only an hour’s drive from San Francisco and Santa Cruz; this course is the perfect world-class getaway for golfers.

Seascape Golf Club in Aptos is another local Santa Cruz favorite. With its immaculate fairways and challenging greens, this course is the most accessible, located only half a mile from the ocean at Hidden Beach and right off Highway 1 in the heart of Aptos.

7. Ride a Steamer Train through the Redwoods

• Best for families and those who aren’t interested in long hikes

All aboard! Explore California’s redwoods in an old-fashioned way aboard the Roaring Camp Steam Train. This authentic steamer from the 1890s is a unique way to view the towering trees and old-growth forests for those who don’t wish to hike and is perfect for train lovers and families alike!

8. Wine Tasting

• MJA Vineyards & Beauregard Vineyards
• Best for people who want some fresh air

What better way to enjoy the outdoors than by sampling some of Central California’s robust wine from a plethora of local wineries? Take full advantage of Santa Cruz’s proximity to an award-winning wine region. Explore your inner sommelier at MJA Vineyards Westside Tasting Room without having to leave downtown!

If scenery pairs with your wine-sipping experience, then Beauregard Vineyards is the place for you. It is family-owned and has a creekside patio among the surrounding forest because wine always goes better with the great outdoors.

Come Explore Santa Cruz With Us!

Our lovely vacation rentals near the wharf are ready to welcome you to California’s premiere beach destination. But Santa Cruz is so much more than that. You can explore Redwood groves, admire Rancho-style homes, head to the nearby National Parks, or enjoy our top-notch beaches for surfing or swimming.

Book your stay with us in Santa Cruz County within Aptos, Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz, or Capitola today!