Bigfoot Discovery Museum
Will we ever confirm that Bigfoot is an urban legend or a fact? Decide for yourself and visit the Bigfoot Discovery Museum to find answers. The museum has local sighing maps, hominid skulls, footprint casts, and tons of evidence on display that could possibly change your mind if you’ve doubted the mysterious creature’s existence. Let your friends tag along to help clear things out for them at this strange museum in the Golden State.
West Cliff Drive Trail
Hiking may not exactly be your thing, but when we’re talking about the West Cliff Drive Trail, you just might change your mind. This four-mile oceanside trail is a dreamlike Pacific Coast journey—it takes you through striking cliffs that make the ocean views look extra magical combined with the mist. Take your time enjoying the vistas and basking in the coastal air as you make your way through this top Santa Cruz tourist attraction.
The Penny Ice Creamery
We all know someone who would drive all the way to Santa Cruz for the sole purpose of enjoying mouth-watering frozen bites at the Penny Ice Creamery. With two locations in Santa Cruz, the shop sells homemade and organic ice cream that’s extremely delicious—no wonder they’re considered one of the best ice cream brands in the Golden State. Give their plain vanilla and bergamot sorbet ice creams a go, and you too will be heading here more times than you'll ever admit.
DeLaveaga Park
DeLaveaga Park is the definition of a day well spent in the great outdoors. With bicycle paths, hiking trails, a golf course, sand volleyball court, and softball fields, you’ll be spending a super active day without even getting tired. And if you’d rather relax with your family, this park offers plenty of shaded areas. Kids can run around in the playgrounds, while dogs run freely in the designated areas.
UC Santa Cruz Arboretum and Botanic Garden
UC Santa Cruz has the most beautiful and diverse Arboretum and Botanic Garden you’ll ever visit. Rare plants from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and California grow on 135 acres of land, many of which can only be found in their country of origin. The 300-plus plant families represent thousands of species. Hurry up and visit this place—it’s one of California’s botanical gardens that are too beautiful to miss.