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Santa Cruz - Beaches, water sports, lakes & rivers


Find Cheap Flights from Seattle to San Jose

Things to Do: Beaches, water sports, lakes & rivers

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #2 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz

A refuge for wintering Monarch Butterflies, this park boasts a sandy cove, tidepools, a nature trail through the Butterfly Preserve, and several hiking trails. There is also a bicycle path around the perimeter of the park.

Attraction type: Geological formation; State park; Beach
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #5 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz

This popular beach, with killer waves, is known as one of the top surfing spots in the world.

Attraction type: Beach; Wharf/pier/boardwalk; Amusement/theme park
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TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #16 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz

One of the best and most popular beaches in the United States for learning to surf.

Attraction type: Beach
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #18 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz

This historic lighthouse, rebuilt in the 1960s, is a great place from which to check out the local surfing culture.

Attraction type: Lighthouse
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A popular Santa Cruz surf spot.

Attraction type: Beach
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Adjacent to Santa Cruz harbor, this beach has beach volley ball as well as nearby shops and restaurants.

Attraction type: Beach
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This windy beach is good for hang-gliding and wind-surfing.

Attraction type: Beach
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