Santa Cruz Travel Forum

Well, next month we'll be taking a daytrip from Fremont to Santa Cruz.

We are looking for free or cheap uniquely Santa Cruz things to do. Some things we are thinking about are the boardwalk, mystery spot, natural bridge state park, saturn cafe. Any other suggestions?


Also, for the boardwalk and some state parks, is there any free/cheap parking anywhere? Or even a free parking place and then take the bus to the boardwalk/beach? The boardwalk website said parking was $10, and that is a bit pricy.

Beaches are free. Pack a lunch,have picnic on one of them, and enjoy the view. You can also look at the following website: www.santacruzca.org. You also might wish to look at the Santa Cruz travel guide here on VT. Gary

About 10-15 miles north of Santa Cruz are the Big Basin redwoods.

We did a day trip to Santa Cruz in July. We had a picnic at New Brighton Beach which was very pretty, Manresa State Beach is also really pretty, my husband and daughter had a great time surfing here. You may also want to check out Capitola, a very pretty little town with a nice beach, Capitola City Beach and quaint downtown area.

If you're looking for a nice place for dinner or just want to go somewhere in the area for drinks and appetizers, check out the Shadowbrook Inn in Capitola, a destination restaurant complete with a little trolley car that takes you down to the dining room. Walking on the pier is also fun and free of charge. Have fun in Santa Cruz! :)

Having lived in Santa Cruz area for about 10 years, I know there are a lot of great things to do for cheap or free. At the risk of letting out a locals' secret, park in the Seabright neighborhood for free, just blocks from the beach, and enjoy a scene much quieter than the main beach, which you can walk to, either through the rock tunnel and across the river (if it isn't running too strong) or around the point (if the tide is low).
Wilder Ranch, north of SC, has awesome cliff walks, and if you want to bike there, take the paved bike trail from near Western Drive.
Pleasure Point by Capitola is a locals' favorite area also, especially for surfers. Good pizza at - guess this - Pleasure Point Pizza.
There is free parking near Niscene State Park also.