Things to do in Santa Cruz

1. Santa Cruz ice cream tasting tour with four stops

Two hours, small-group walk under two miles — enjoy samples and full scoops at four popular ice cream spots along the Santa Cruz coast.

2. Private transfer from San Francisco International Airport to Santa Cruz

Direct transfer by private vehicle from SFO to Santa Cruz, avoiding traffic hassles with a professional chauffeur.

3. Great White Shark and marine wildlife boat tour in Monterey Bay

Three hours on a boat — look for Great White Sharks, dolphins, and whales with a maximum of six guests for an intimate wildlife experience.

4. Family-friendly guided electric bike tour in Santa Cruz

Two hours on pedal-assist e-bikes — explore Santa Cruz’s coastline, Wharf, Beach Boardwalk, and historic downtown with a guided tour.

5. Self-guided walking tour of UC Santa Cruz

Flexible walking tour through UC Santa Cruz's redwoods and landscapes, guided by an app for tailored exploration.

6. Half-day private beach tour in Santa Cruz

Four hours of personalized exploration — visit Santa Cruz beaches at your own pace, guided by local insights via the Pintours App.

7. Private transfer from Santa Cruz to San Francisco International Airport

Approximately one hour of private limousine transport from Santa Cruz to SFO, with a professional chauffeur handling the driving and route navigation.

8. Mushroom foraging workshop in Santa Cruz

Half-day workshop — mushroom identification presentation followed by a guided foraging expedition with an expert.

9. Santa Cruz scavenger hunt walking tour

Explore Santa Cruz on a self-guided scavenger hunt—navigate the Beach Boardwalk and UC Santa Cruz at your own pace using an interactive app.

10. Mermaid photoshoot experience in Santa Cruz

A beach photoshoot session where you transform into a mermaid and capture the moment amid Santa Cruz's coastal backdrop.

“During my visit last month, my friend arranged this experience for us, and I admit I was a bit uncertain. However, it turned out to be one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Jules has a remarkable ability to make you feel comfortable and ensures you enjoy yourself completely. I found myself laughing and smiling the whole time, and it was a wonderful way to bond with my friend. Even without the photos, the memories created are priceless. When the photos came, I had a hard time narrowing it down; from over 200 images, I chose 61 that I loved. Jules captured my joy beautifully, and I had no idea how much I wanted to be a mermaid until that moment! Now that I’m back in the chilly UK, I can’t wait to return to Santa Cruz and put on that mermaid tail again. Thank you for the unforgettable memories, Jules—you’re truly amazing.”— sarahm650

11. Semi-private whale watching tour in Monterey Bay

Three-hour boat trip limited to six guests — view Humpback and Gray Whales, dolphins, seals, and more in comfort.

“The whale watching experience was incredible, the best we’ve had! Chris's Whale Watching at Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey provided an exciting three-hour tour. We observed three whales playing near the boat, surrounded by over 100 sea lions and birds enjoying anchovies. On our return, we even spotted dolphins! The crew was very helpful. Arrive early, as parking is challenging, but the experience makes it worthwhile.”— sgdevries

12. Alpaca walking adventure in Carmel Valley

Two-hour guided experience — a one-mile hike with alpacas, snacks, and scenic views of a 2,000-acre ranch.

“What an amazing experience! The scenery was stunning, the trail was lovely, and having my own adorable alpaca made it all the more special. Bonnie is an excellent guide, clearly passionate about what she does, which made the atmosphere feel intimate and easy-going. Being in small groups is a plus as well. I left feeling more enchanted than I had anticipated. I highly recommend it.”— minat608