Destination guides > North America > USA > West Coast > California > Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz
This beachside city south of San Francisco is a popular spot on the coastal drive between San Francisco and LA. It is a popular surfing spot with an alternative vibe that is fuelled by over 10,000 UCSC students.
Practical information
Santa Cruz County Visitors Information Centre
1211 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz
Tel (831) 425 1234 or 800 833 3494
Website www.santacruz.org
Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Coming & going
Greyhound buses stop at 425 Front Street.
Hostel accommodation
HI - Santa Cruz (Carmelita Cottages)
321 Main Street (Beach Hill), Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Tel (831) 423 8304
Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions
The Boardwalk
Dating from 1906, Santa Cruz’s boardwalk is the oldest beachfront amusement park on the West Coast. It features historic rides including a wooden roller coaster that was built in 1924.
Boardwalk, Santa Cruz
Tel (831) 423 5590
Website www.beachboardwalk.com
Admission all day pass $25; rides $2-4
Open Jan-May Sat-Sun; Jun-Aug daily; Sep-Dec Sat-Sun
Museum of Art & History
This small museum has exhibits of local history plus some contemporary art displays.
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
Tel (831) 429 1964
Admission $4
Open Tue-Sun 11am-5pm
Santa Cruz City Museum of Natural History
This small museum has displays of fossils found in the region.
1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
Tel (831) 420 6115
Admission by donation
Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm
