Looking for the perfect experience gift in Santa Cruz, California? Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or just-because moment, nothing beats giving someone a real experience. We've curated the best local activities and adventures in Santa Cruz — from adrenaline-pumping track days to relaxing food tours and everything in between. Every experience listed here can be booked directly through the original operator, so you're always getting the real deal.
Things to Do in Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz Ice Cream Tour 4 Stops Samples Full Scoops - 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 (from $0.00)
- Private transfer from Santa Cruz to SFO - 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 (from $0.00)
- Santa Cruz Scavenger Hunt Walking Activity - 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 Calif (from $0.00)
- Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour - 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 vi (from $0.00)
- Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike) - 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 (from $0.00)
- Santa Cruz Beach Hill to Mission Hill Loop Via Downtown - 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 — (from $0.00)
- Ecological Mushroom Foraging Workshop - 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 (from $0.00)
- Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz - 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 (from $0.00)
- UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour - 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 fasci (from $0.00)
- Great White Sharks Topside in Monterey Bay - 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, (from $0.00)
- Capitola Private Personalized Self-Guided App 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 C (from $0.00)
- Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt - 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 p (from $0.00)
- Santa Cruz 2Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups - 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 (from $0.00)
- Tea By The Sea - 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 (from $0.00)
- Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz - 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 (from $0.00)
- Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour - 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 (from $0.00)
- Capitola Friday Night Food Tour - 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 (from $0.00)
- Blue Lagoon Snorkling activities - 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, (from $0.00)
- Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill - Explore the vibrant heart of Santa Cruz on this engaging 90-minute walking tour. Discover hidden gems and captivating tales as local guides share their knowledge of the area's rich history and culture (from $0.00)
- Capitola Watercolor Journaling Experience - 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 s (from $0.00)
- Alpaca Walking Adventure in Scenic Carmel Valley - 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 (from $0.00)
- Introduction to Wilderness Survival Clinic in Santa Cruz - 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 back (from $0.00)
- Whale Watching Monterey Bay semi-private limited to 6 people max - 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 (from $0.00)
- Mermaid Experience & Photoshoot - 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. (from $0.00)