Top Outdoor Activities in Santa Cruz

For those craving fresh air and the chance to soak in some vitamin D, a visit to Santa Cruz can be a great option. For more of a thrill, there’s excursions on the water, or for something more relaxing, lounge on the beach or take a hike through the forested coastline. Read on to see what the top outdoor activity options are for all types of adventure-seekers.

Featured photo: Courtesy of @nellysmagicmoments on Instagram

Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz

Cowell College

With a tour script written by a local, this experience is a great way to leave Santa Cruz feeling well acquainted with its history and beauty. Stop along the way as much as you’d like.

Two suit instructors wearing matching gray shirts each sit on a blue surfboard on the water.
Photo: by @nellysmagicmoments on Instagram

Private Surf Lesson

Pleasure Point

Embrace the Californian surfer stereotype with two hours of surfing lessons along the beautiful Santa Cruz coastline. Wetsuits and surfboards included.

Introduction to Wilderness Survival Clinic in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Redwood Forest

Enjoy Santa Cruz’s redwood forest in a different way through this survival clinic, meant to teach basics like starting/maintaining a fire, building shelter and identifying edible plants.

Four people stand on standup paddleboards holding oars near a dock and with boats in the background.
Photo: Courtesy of SUP Shack on Facebook

Beginning Stand Up Paddle Lesson

Santa Cruz Harbor

Stand-up paddleboarding can be notoriously tricky, but these lessons help beginners navigate the learning process while soaking in the salty Santa Cruz air.

Full Day Kayak Rental

Santa Cruz Harbor

What better way to enjoy an oceanfront town than by being on the water? A full day kayak rental ensures the chance to explore as much or as little as you want. 

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