Best Tours & Activities in Santa Cruz

This is a unique opportunity to become the mermaid you've always dreamed of! Santa Cruz is the perfect beach town to fulfill your mermaid dreams.

We offer private and semi-private encounters with wildlife emphasizing on intimate experiences. Once on the boat in Monterey, guests are in a unique position, each guests 1 of the 6 comfortable seats on the boat to view a lot of different wildlife. Everyday is different, expect to have a good time seeing lots of different wildlife. During the trip, we often encounter whales, porpoises, dolphin, seals, Sea Lions, Sea Otters and many other varieties of marine mammals and sea birds. the most common whales we see are Humpback Whales, Gray Whales, Blue Whales and sometimes even Killer Whales. Don't have a group, give us a call for individual trips

The Alpaca Walking Adventure offers a unique opportunity to connect with these charming creatures in the stunning Carmel Valley. Begin your journey with a mini-lecture about alpacas, discovering their origins, biology, and how their fleece is utilized. After meeting your alpaca buddy, embark on a one-mile scenic hike through a tree-lined trail, stopping to interact with the alpacas and enjoy breathtaking views of the neighboring 2,000-acre ranch. Pause to interact with your alpaca, learn some fun tricks, snap plenty of selfies, while enjoying provided snacks and water. We then continue on to complete the trek in the pastures with alpacas, goats, and horses, ensuring a memorable day filled with knowledge and delightful moments.

Learn the ancient skills of survival in the woods, including how to build a shelter, gather water, make a fire, and forage edible plants or set up traps for food. Both novice campers and seasoned backpackers will benefit from hands-on activities during this 5-hour class with a naturalist instructor. The session takes place in a redwood forest in Boulder Creek, located just north of Santa Cruz.

As a professional artist and teacher, it is one of my passions to teach others the joy of art making. I love watercolor sketch journaling and would love to share with you my years of tips and tricks so that you can learn how to easily draw and paint...even if you are a total beginner! This art class is special because it is specifically designed for vacation travelers. I will show you the essential supplies you need to have a small, portable "art studio" that you can take traveling. You will be able to easily draw and paint anytime, anywhere and capture your vacation memories in your own watercolor journal!

Join us for a Coast-to-Mission loop through Santa Cruz. Explore the beachside roots of local surf culture, wander downtown’s lively streets, and uncover the history and architecture of Mission Hill — revealing a hidden side of the city’s past and present. Fun & Informative Our local guides share fascinating stories and little-known facts about Santa Cruz Easy Walking Comfortable pace with some stairs. No special equipment needed. Small Groups Limited group sizes ensure a personalized experience with plenty of time for questions. Alternative route available for those who wish to avoid stairs.

When you book snorkling trip with us you will be experience fish interaction, fish feeding. snorkling to bluelagoon and tanjung jepun is a great one day escape to enjoy and relax at the beach,

Most fun individual guided ebike tour here in Santa Cruz. This tour is perfect for individuals, couples, and groups. See Santa Cruz's majestic coastline, Wharf, Beach Boardwalk, and historic downtown tour. All the breathtaking sights, both scenic and historic. See and enjoy Santa Cruz's natural beauty, including all the attractions riding our pedal-assist electric bike. Go, ride with us, here in California!

Learn to surf in Santa Cruz during a 2.5-hour clinic designed with the beginner in mind. Novices are welcome, as well as anyone who has tried surfing but could use some tips for balancing on the board and catching a wave. You'll get plenty of practice with paddling and pop-up techniques while learning about wave breaks, ocean conditions, and safety in and out of the water, including surf etiquette. Includes all necessary equipment.

Imagine sipping tea by the sea and savoring local treats where the stunning ocean view and soothing sound of waves create a tranquil backdrop. The salty breeze and warm sunlight enhance the experience, making each sip of tea more refreshing. This peaceful setting offers a perfect escape from everyday life, inviting relaxation and mindfulness. The natural beauty and serene atmosphere of the sea elevate the simple act of enjoying tea into a beautiful and memorable moment. find us on Instagram by @teabytheseasantacruz

This fun small group guided e-bike tour is a perfect tour for an adult group to experience. A 2-hour ride to Santa Cruz's majestic coastline, Wharf, Beach Boardwalk, and historic downtown. Enjoy the scenic and historic breathtaking sights here in Santa Cruz's seeing the natural beauty of this place, An unforgettable experience you’ll enjoy and won’t wanna miss! Ride with us here in Santa Cruz!

Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!

This Fully (Human) Hosted and Guided Food & History Tour is great way to experience Capitola, CA. Capitola is a gem! Located just 4 miles from Santa Cruz, CA. Let us guide you through this small beach town loaded with history, restaurants and shopping. Perfect for Locals, Visitors, Corporate Mixers, Team Bonding, Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Anniversaries, or any one looking for a Fun Evening! Includes the equivalent of a 5 course meal. Learn the best of Capitola all in one night! During this Foodie Friday experience you will learn how to make the most of your time in Capitola, CA - Voted Best Beach-Town! Private tours available, inquire on our web site. Make today memorable, fun and inspiring with group experiences. Our foodie tour is for all ages, line up of vendors changes and includes locals favorites and our favorite restaurants, BEST Spots & Stories, learn the area and culture better than a local while you eat and drink. Additional drinks available on tour.

Come and discover all the secrets that Capitola has to offer. Tour and Commentary designed by Laura Junod. We will walk all over the beautiful village, and see some beautiful sites like the Heart Of Capitola Village, Capitola Wharf the Shadowbrook, and many other sites!. We are very excited to take you on this journey! Don't worry about other people, this tour is completely tailored to you with the Pintours App! With our app, you can pause the tour, and check out the locations as long as you want! You can skip a stop you don't like, and you have all the best information about each stop at your fingertips.

Unleash your inner explorer on a captivating scavenger hunt through Santa Cruz, where history and fun collide. Navigate through the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the scenic University of California, Santa Cruz, while piecing together clues that unfold the city’s vibrant stories. This interactive adventure allows teams to discover historical landmarks and local culture at your own pace, creating a memorable outing for families, friends, or couples. With no time limits and an easy-to-use app, each group can choose their path and enjoy the sights of this beautiful coastal town.

We offer private and semi-private encounters with wildlife emphasizing on intimate experiences. During the trip, we will be looking for the Great White Shark, but we often encounter whales, porpoises, dolphin, seals, Sea Lions, Sea Otters and sometimes even Killer Whales. Once on the boat in Monterey, guests are in a unique position, each guests 1 of the 6 comfortable seats on the boat to view a lot of different wildlife. Everyday is different, expect to have a good time seeing lots of different wildlife. Don't have a group, give us a call for individual trips

Join us for a journey into the world of fungi with this comprehensive mushroom foraging workshop. Participants will gain essential skills in safe mushroom identification and ecological awareness under the guidance of expert Maya Elson. The experience begins with an informative presentation covering mushrooming basics, followed by an exciting outdoor foraging expedition. Together, you’ll gather and identify various fungi, discussing their ecological significance and culinary potential. Maya’s regenerative practices ensure that your foraging habits promote sustainability and community resilience, enriching your connection with nature and the vital role of mushrooms in our ecosystem.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting redwood forests and scenic landscapes of UC Santa Cruz with our exclusive Private Walking Tour! Immerse yourself in the rich history and fascinating culture of this iconic university as our expert guide leads you on an adventure like no other. Walk in the shadows of towering redwoods, explore peaceful meadows, and breathe in the crisp, invigorating mountain air. Discover hidden spots and secret viewpoints that only locals know, Whether you're a prospective student, an alumni longing for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, or simply a spirited explorer, this tour will leave you awe-inspired and with a deeper connection to the delightful spirit of UC Santa Cruz! This tour is completely tailored to you with the App! With our app, you can pause the tour, and check out the locations as long as you want! You can skip a stop you don't like, and you have all the best information about each stop at your fingertips.

Explore the birthplace of surfing on the Santa Cruz Surf Walk, where you'll learn about the evolution of surf culture from its Hawaiian roots to modern innovations. This 2-hour guided tour includes visits to iconic surf spots like Cowell Beach and Steamer Lane, alongside opportunities to observe local marine wildlife such as sea lions and otters. Gain insights from an expert guide about surf breaks and the town’s vibrant coastal community, while enjoying stunning ocean views along West Cliff Drive. - Guided tour of Santa Cruz's surfing history and culture - Visit key surf locations, including Cowell Beach and Steamer Lane - Small group size (maximum 10) for personalized attention - Opportunities to observe marine wildlife and learn about local surf traditions

World class private tour, completely controlled by you! Come see the best sights in the Santa Cruz: Beach Paradise, at your leisure! Commentary by Jackie Woods, a local legend! This tour has been written by a local, who knows the very best spots of Santa Cruz. We have the best beach in all of Northern California, the best views, and best food and drinks available! Don't worry about other people, this tour is completely tailored to you with the Pintours App With our app, you can pause the tour, and check out the locations as long as you want! You can skip a stop you don't like, and you have all the best information about each stop at your fingertips.

We pride ourselves in providing the best service possible with our private airport transfer options at affordable and competitive pricing. We are providing safe, reliable Limousine Transportation from San Francisco International Airport to Santa Cruz, CA or from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). We offer several transfer options as well as vehicle upgrades. Avoid the frustrations of rush hour, SF traffic and relax in luxury while our professional chauffeur navigates the shortest way from SFO or to SFO. Planning your trips in advance will prevent headaches and frustration, leaving you with time to relax or work on your trip.

Come Ride Santa Cruz's most fun, family-friendly guided e-bike tour. See Santa Cruz's majestic coastline, Wharf, Beach Boardwalk, and historic downtown tour. Ride to all the breathtaking sights, both scenic and historic. Enjoy Santa Cruz's natural beaut and see the whole town, including all the attractions on our pedal-assist electric bike ride tour. An experience you won't want to miss! Come Ride Santa Cruz with Ride California!

We pride ourselves in providing the best service possible with our private airport transfer options at affordable and competitive pricing. We are providing safe, reliable Limousine Transportation from Santa Cruz, CA or from Santa Cruz to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). We offer several transfer options as well as vehicle upgrades. Avoid the frustrations of rush hour, SF traffic and relax in luxury while our professional chauffeur navigates the shortest way from to SFO. Planning your trips in advance will prevent headaches and frustration, leaving you with time to relax or work on your trip.

Start your Santa Cruz afternoon the right way with AFK Food Tours. In 2 hours, stroll the coast and hit four of the town’s most crave-worthy dessert spots in one perfectly paced small-group walk. You’ll enjoy samples + full scoops at every stop, so you’re not just tasting — you’re actually getting fed. Skip the guesswork. This route is deliberately built for contrast: refreshing Italian ice, small-batch house-made ice cream, creative cookie sandwiches, and frozen specialties most visitors never find. Each stop earns its place. No filler. The walk stays easy (under 2 miles) with ocean views and beach-town energy between bites. Your guide keeps it smooth with quick local insight, so you finish full, relaxed, and already ahead of the crowd. Group size is intentionally limited to keep it social and never crowded.