Capitola Wharf 1400 Wharf Rd., Capitola. (831) 462-2208.
Fishing, boat rentals, seasonal moorings, a restaurant, and live music on the weekends are available for your enjoyment at this coastside Wharf established in 1857. Wharf opens daily at sunrise, restaurant opens at 8am.
Lighthouse Point 701 West Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz. (831) 420-5270.
Visit the surfing museum housed within the Mark Abbot Lighthouse on the point above one of the West Coast’s most famed surfing spots, Steamer Lane. Open daily, 12pm-6pm; closed Tuesday.
Mystery Spot 465 Mystery Spot Rd., Santa Cruz. (831) 423-8897. www.mysteryspot.com
Experience mysterious and unusual variations in gravity, perception, velocity, light, and height in this unique area that has intrigued and astonished visitors since the 1940s. Open daily 9am. Last tour at 7pm during the summer and 5pm in the winter. $5 general admission; children under 3 years go free.
The Palo Alto Ship Seacliff State Beach, Aptos. (831) 685-6444.
The cement hull of this sunken tanker was once used as an amusement center, but now serves as a fishing pier. Open sunrise to sunset.
Roaring Camp and Big Tree Railroad Graham Hill Rd., Felton. (831) 335-4484. www.roaringcamp.com
Ride authentic late-1800s narrow-gauge steam trains through magnificent redwood forests. Picnic atop Bear Mountain, or travel down the scenic San Lorenzo River Canyon to the beach in Santa Cruz. Upon returning, enjoy a western-style barbecue, browse in the historic general store or explore a California logging camp set in the 1880s. Call for admission fees and operating times.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. (831) 423-5590. www.beachboardwalk.com
This ocean side amusement park features 27 full size and children’s rides, including the Giant Dipper roller coaster, Merry-Go-Round, Haunted House, Wave Jammer and Hurricane. Additional entertainment can be found at the Casino Fun Center and Neptune’s Kingdom. Rides open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, weekends only during spring and fall; Casino Fun Center and Neptune’s Kingdom open year round.
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville. (831) 724-5671. www.santacruzcountyfair.com
Features the Santa Cruz County Fair each year in September, as well as weekend Horse Shows during the summer, and Auto Racing every Friday April-October.
Santa Cruz Harbor 135 5th Ave., Santa Cruz. (831) 475-6161. www.santacruzharbor.org
Charter boats, launch ramp, fishing, whale watching, restaurants, the beach, and RV spaces are available at this fully operational marina and harbor. Office open seven days a week, 8:30am-5pm.
Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf Beach St., Santa Cruz. (831) 420-5270.
Offers fishing boat charters, kayak rentals, restaurants and gift shops, as well as whale watching during the winter migration.
Seymour Center at the Long Marine Laboratory 100 Shaffer Rd., Santa Cruz. (831) 459-3800.
See a wide variety of marine animals, including sea anemones, star fish, sea lions, and dolphins, at the University’s own research lab, complete with touch-tanks, tide pool aquarium, and 85 foot blue whale skeleton. Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 12pm-5pm. Call for tour info.
