Things to do in Santa Cruz

Planning questions about Santa Cruz

What are the best things to do in Santa Cruz?

Alpaca Walking Adventure in Scenic Carmel Valley is the highest ranked experience in Santa Cruz, scoring 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking from 42 traveler reviews. Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour, Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz, Ocean Safaris Whale Watching semi-private limited to 6 people max, Tea By The Sea round out the top five. Outty ranks 25 bookable experiences in Santa Cruz, United States, and 0 of them score 90 or above.

How much do activities in Santa Cruz cost?

The median price across everything we rank in Santa Cruz is $129 per person, and the cheapest starting price is $29 on Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt. Guided, small-group and skip-the-line versions sit above the median, and peak weekends price higher than midweek mornings.

Can I book something in Santa Cruz for today?

Yes. 25 of the 25 experiences we rank in Santa Cruz currently show same-day availability. Same-day slots are limited, so book early in the day where you can.

Is Santa Cruz good for families?

Yes. 1 of the experiences we rank in Santa Cruz are family friendly, covering short, low-cost activities as well as full-day outings. Check the minimum age on each experience page before booking.

How many days do you need in Santa Cruz?

Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting: one anchor experience each morning, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?

Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Santa Cruz, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. Prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

Can I cancel a booking in Santa Cruz?

22 of the 25 experiences we rank in Santa Cruz offer free cancellation, usually up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact window is shown on each experience page before you book.

How does the Outty Ranking work?

Every experience in Santa Cruz gets a single 0 to 100 score built from traveler sentiment, the depth of review evidence, recent booking momentum, price fairness against comparable options in the same city, operator standing and cancellation flexibility. Scores are benchmarked within Santa Cruz so a strong local option is not buried by global volume, and anything at 90 or above joins the Outty 90+ Club.