Best places in Santa Cruz

Discover the best places in Santa Cruz, curated using our unique algorithm blending 'Top Rated' and 'Most Reviewed' establishments. Uncover the city's gems and must-visit locales for an unforgettable experience. Please note that certain places categories are intentionally excluded to ensure a refined selection. Ratings are based from 445 places in the city.

Sort results by

Best  
🔥
Top rated  
🏆
Most reviewed  
🤩
Hidden gems  
💎
Worst rated  
🤬
Recently discovered  
🆕

Search radius



Marianne's Ice Cream image
1
Marianne's Ice Cream
Ice cream shop
$ $$$
4.80 (2.6K reviews)
Bookshop Santa Cruz image
2
Bookshop Santa Cruz
Book store
4.80 (2K reviews)
Anytime Fitness image
3
Anytime Fitness
Gym
🫤 I have been to 200+ locations and this was by far one of the dirtiest. The bathrooms and showers are soooo gross. Bathrooms always have a pool of water over the whole floor, the showers have mold and black smudge all over the floor, and there is hair everywhere. I get a lot of this is due to members...
4.90 (478 reviews)
Lighthouse Field State Beach image
4
Lighthouse Field State Beach
State park
Iconic spot with a lighthouse offers a variety of vistas & pathways for dog walking & strolling.
4.70 (3.5K reviews)
Wilder Ranch State Park image
5
Wilder Ranch State Park
State park
Natural landscape with diverse activities including hiking trails, picnic areas & horseback riding.
4.70 (2.3K reviews)
Natural Bridges State Beach image
6
Natural Bridges State Beach
Park
Compact sandy patch with rock bridges & tidepools, popular for spotting seabirds, whales & seals.
4.70 (1.7K reviews)
Giant Dipper image
7
Giant Dipper
Roller coaster
Iconic red & white wooden roller coaster dating to 1924 overlooking the beach & wharf.
4.80 (542 reviews)
Seymour Marine Discovery Center image
8
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Science museum
Interactive marine science museum & aquarium, with hands-on exhibits, a touch pool & a gift shop.
4.70 (1K reviews)
Linda’s Seabreeze Café image
9
Linda’s Seabreeze Café
Cafe
Quick-order kitchen cooks up omelets & burgers to order in a relaxed atmosphere.
$$ $$
4.70 (1K reviews)
Santa Cruz Harbor image
10
Santa Cruz Harbor
Marina
Beachside harbor with seafood restaurants, deep-sea fishing excursions & yacht charters.
4.70 (1K reviews)
Lighthouse Point image
11
Lighthouse Point
Tourist attraction
👍👍 As you stand atop the towering lighthouse, the salty sea breeze whips around you, carrying with it the sweet tang of seaweed and brine. You take a deep breath, feeling your lungs fill with the crisp, refreshing air. Looking out towards the horizon, you see an endless expanse of deep blue water stre...
4.70 (966 reviews)
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk image
12
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Amusement park
Amusement park offers a variety of games & rides right on a mile-long stretch of sandy beach.
4.60 (43.4K reviews)
Santa Cruz Wharf image
13
Santa Cruz Wharf
Fishing pier
Beach shops, seafood restaurants, sea lions & fishing draw crowds to this landmark bayside pier.
4.60 (14.8K reviews)
UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden image
14
UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Arboretum
Vast collection of rare plants with a succulent garden, a butterfly area & a eucalyptus grove.
4.70 (715 reviews)
Costco Wholesale image
15
Costco Wholesale
Warehouse store
Members-only warehouse selling a huge variety of items including bulk groceries, electronics & more.
$$ $$
4.60 (3.4K reviews)
Atlantis Fantasyworld image
16
Atlantis Fantasyworld
Comic book store
4.80 (348 reviews)
Taqueria Los Pericos image
17
Taqueria Los Pericos
Mexican restaurant
Laid-back counter-serve spot featuring a menu of tacos, burritos & other Mexican staples.
$ $$$
4.60 (2.9K reviews)
Kuumbwa Jazz Center image
18
Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Jazz club
Concert hall dedicated to bringing jazz to the community through performances & education.
$$ $$
4.80 (344 reviews)
Cliff Drive Vista Point image
19
Cliff Drive Vista Point
Vista point
4.80 (341 reviews)
Seabright Beach image
20
Seabright Beach
Beach
Sandy beach offering swimming, surfing & views of the Walton Lighthouse, plus seasonal lifeguards.
4.60 (1.9K reviews)
Tip: Click on the rating to open it on Google Maps




Last updated:
( )