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13 Things to do in Santa Cruz: Beaches, Parks, Chocolate & Roller Coasters

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  • Santa Cruz Boardwalk

    California's oldest amusement park, opened in 1907, featuring the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and various arcade games and activities.

  • Santa Cruz Wharf

    A large pier built in 1914 with multiple restaurants and good views of the boardwalk and Lighthouse Point.

  • West Cliff Drive

    A scenic drive along the western portion of the city, offering coastal views and access to Lighthouse Point and surfing spots.

  • Natural Bridges State Beach

    A picturesque beach with a natural rock arch, ideal for photographers and beachgoers.

  • Wilder Ranch State Park

    A state park preserving a historic ranch with coastal trails and bluff views.

  • Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

    A park preserving a historic adobe that was built as a dormitory for the Santa Cruz Mission, featuring displays about life during that time.

  • Downtown Santa Cruz

    An area with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, including pizza and ice cream.

  • The Mystery Spot

    A mystical area with optical illusions, offering tours that are fun for the whole family.

  • Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

    A park preserving old-growth redwoods, featuring a one-mile loop trail that is wheelchair accessible.

  • Roaring Camp Railroad

    Offers a one-hour steam train ride into the redwoods, using switchbacks to gain elevation.

  • UC Santa Cruz Arboretum

    A fantastic arboretum with over 2,000 different plant species and miles of trails overlooking the ocean.

  • Donnelly Chocolates

    A chocolate shop that has been voted one of the best in the world, known for its ice cream bars.

  • Walton Lighthouse

    A lighthouse built in 2002, located on the edge of the jetty and a great spot for sunset photography.

  • Lighthouse Point

    Located on West Cliff Drive, it's a spot to check out the surfing museum and watch the surfers.

  • Stegnero Brothers

    A restaurant on the Santa Cruz Wharf where the speaker recommends the clam chowder or the fish tacos; it also has a fish market.

  • Pacific Avenue

    A street in Downtown Santa Cruz where you'll find shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.

  • Pizza My Heart

    A chain that sells pizza by the slice, located in downtown Santa Cruz.

  • Penny Ice Creamery

    An ice cream shop in downtown Santa Cruz known for its delicious ice cream and burnt marshmallow topping.

  • Seabright State Beach

    A good beach to spend the day at, especially for watching the sunset and exploring the historic Walton Lighthouse.

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