From the brain-bending Mystery Spot, to the Santa Cruz Diner to the classic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, there's so much to do in this coastal redwood-forested wonderland. But, if you only have a weekend, here are a few of the best places to find your flow in Santa Cruz.
16637 Runnymede Street, Van Nuys, California
Classic attractions, like the vintage Giant Dipper roller coaster, mini golf, retro carousel, and the arcade, plus laser tag, the water slide, and various thrill rides will keep kids and adults alike entertained. During the summer, they feature events like free live music on Friday nights and movies on the beach on Wednesday nights as well. Snag an all-day rides or rides+attractions wristbands for the family, because everyone is gonna want to stay until they've tried everything at least once!
For a sandier beach experience, head to the Main Beach. Play volleyball, try your hand at surfing, or just go for a walk down the shore. This is also where you'll find the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, with its roller coasters and carnival-like atmosphere. If you've worked up an appetite swimming and building sand castles, grab a hot dog, stroll down the boardwalk, and soak up the California coastal vibes.
Lighthouse Field State Beach is a great place to get a feel for Santa Cruz. The beach is lovely and clean during low tide, and makes for a great place to watch the waves crash against the coast during high tide. The lighthouse, for which the park is named, houses a totally rad surf museum, and it's a great spot for people to watch experienced surfers catch waves at Steamer Lane. Sea lions and monarch butterflies love to hang out here, too!
The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park preserves the site of a Spanish settlement founded all the way back in 1791. A half-sized replica of the first church building stands here for guests to explore, and there's one original building to visit as well, a dormitory for Native American residents of the mission. Plus, the park offers a patio and gardens where you can relax and soak in views of the city.
The Santa Cruz Diner is an experience all its own. Bringing East Coast seaside town vibes to California, this cozy restaurant happens to have a menu that features literally everything; you can enjoy a side of pho with your country fried steak. The late-night hours, friendly service and dessert case featuring pie and cake add to the experience.
If you're looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, then a trip to Marianne's Ice Cream is a must. Now with an Aptos, CA location, they've been serving up huge scoops of old-fashioned, homemade ice cream from the old-school red building since the 1940s, and it's a local institution. From vanilla and chocolate to lavender, horchata, and green tea, they can have up to 70 flavors available at once! Sample a few to choose one you like (and definitely ask to try their 10-20 flavor, which is caramel, chocolate, and Oreos.)
The Mystery Spot is a classic, retro roadside attraction that'll entertain and mystify kids and curious adults alike. The building seems to defy the very laws of physics, and the $6 entrance fee is worth it for the wacky pictures you'll get to take here! Don't leave without grabbing one of their iconic bumper stickers (which are free after the tour); it's the perfect proof that you've experienced the strangeness that is The Mystery Spot.
16637 Runnymede Street, Van Nuys, California
Two days might not seem like a lot of time, but it's enough to get a taste of Santa Cruz's beachside beauty, distinctive California culture, and quirky attractions. No matter what you do during your trip, a weekend in Santa Cruz will definitely leave you wanting more!