Top 5 adventure things to do in Santa Cruz

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 90-minute walking tour of downtown Santa Cruz and Mission Hill

Ninety-minute guided stroll through downtown Santa Cruz and Mission Hill, led by local guides sharing historical insights and stories at a comfortable pace.

“This tour provided a fascinating and informative view of Santa Cruz. Matt was friendly, making the walk from the Boardwalk to downtown enjoyable. As a local, I believed I knew the area's history, but I discovered there is so much more to learn. It was a fun experience.”— tamraa2026

5. Santa Cruz scavenger hunt with interactive host

Two to three hours of exploring Santa Cruz — a scavenger hunt guided by a remote host, complete with art, history clues, and a chance to compete on an international leaderboard.

“This is not so much a scavenger hunt as it is an improv session. It involves more acting and taking selfies than actually searching for items. I find it quite misleading.”— L9366SWmelissap