Santa Cruz, CA Tourist Attractions
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Location and importanceSanta Cruz, lying about 70mi/115km south of San Francisco (on the CA 1), between Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains, is very popular because of its 30mi/46km of beautiful beaches.
Mission Santa Cruz
HistoryPractically nothing is left of this mission, and no attempt has been made to restore it. In 1825 an earthquake demolished the building, and scarcely had makeshift repairs been carried out when the foundations were weakened by the spring tide of the Santa Cruz river. In 1857 another earthquake destroyed what was left and looting added to the devastation. Near the original site can be seen a smaller reproduction of the church, and a little museum in a wing of the monastery is open to visitors.LocationCorner of Emmet and High Streets, Santa Cruz. The reproduction stands on Mission Hill.
Mystery Spot
About 3mi/5km north of Santa Cruz on Branciforte Drive there is a most unusual spot, now privately owned, where an optical illusion gives the impression that the laws of gravity are being defied. The phenomenon was apparently first "discovered" in 1939. The eerie effect is heightened by disorientating architecture, conspicuously lacking in right angles.
Seacliff Beach
Seacliff State Beach is located south of Santa Cruz on the north end of Monterey Bay. Noted for its fishing pier and the concrete freighter, the Palo Alto, currently closed to the public. The two miles of sandy beaches under sandstone cliffs with camping and picnicking facilities next to the beach make it a popular destination.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features 30 amusement rides, including a 1911 carousel and the 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster. Also on the boardwalk are shops, a mile-long beach, and a large arcade filled with classic video games. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the only major seaside amusement park on the West Coast.
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse. As well as views of the city and Monterey Bay the museum has photos and videos of the sport tracing its history back to the 1930's. There are plenty of boards on display including redwood planks.
University of California at Santa Cruz
The Californian Central University's most recent campus lies in the northwest of the town. It was opened in 1965 and already has 9,000 students. From the 2,000 acre/800 hectare campus there is a splendid view over Monterey Bay. The Joseph M. Long Marine Laboratory is here, with aquaria and a skeleton of a blue whale.
Arboretum
The Arboretum at the University of California at Santa Cruz has collections of rare plants from various countries including Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and the state of California. Located west of the main entrance, the Arboretum also has hummingbirds and butterflies.
Agroecology Program Farm
The Agroecology Program Farm at the University of California at Santa Cruz is a 25 acre complex used for teaching and research in the food and agriculture system.
Cook House
The Cowell Ranch Cookhouse is now used as the admissions building at the University of California at Santa Cruz.
Theater Arts Center
The Performing Arts Center on Meyer Drive in Santa Cruz is an open-air complex with a theater, concert hall and outdoor glen.
Long Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
The Long Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Santa Cruz is located at the end of Delaware Avenue. This division of the University of California is a marine research facility with an aquarium and touch tank as well as interactive exhibits.
McPherson Center for Art and History
The McPherson Center for Art and History in Santa Cruz was opened in 1992. The center is located in a 20,000 square foot building which is joined to the Front Street Jail building by a glass atrium.
Octagon Gallery
The Octagon Gallery was originally the 1882 Hall of Records. It is used by the Museum of Art and History of Santa Cruz County to present changing exhibitions.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach offers 65 acres with beaches, tide pools and a boardwalk on West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. The migration of monarch butterflies can be seen from mid-October through February.
Pasatiempo Golf Club
The Pasatiempo Golf Club in Santa Cruz gets its name from the Spanish word for "passing of time". The course was designed by Marion Hollins in the 1920s.
Santa Cruz Art League Galleries
The Santa Cruz Art League Galleries is a community center that presents exhibits of the performing arts as well as art exhibits and classes.
Santa Cruz City Museum of Natural History
The City Museum of Natural History in Santa Cruz contains evidence of the history of northern Monterey Bay, Indian artifacts and an aquarium.
