What to do in Santa Cruz During Fall and Winter
Winter is an incredible time to explore Santa Cruz. The crowds have died down and the pace is slower. All attractions and tourist sites remain open year-round there are a few that are open weekends only and can be experienced at a less expensive rate than in the summer months.
Is admission-free and great family fun. Enjoy a free walking tour of this famous seaside beauty or have fun at Neptune’s Kingdom, with the latest arcade games and a miniature golf course to test your skills.
There are a variety of eateries and games. Taste the best of the best at the 41st Annual Chowder Cook off on February 25 & 26, 2023.
Enjoy our Beautiful Beaches
Santa Cruz has miles of coastline and mild winter temperatures. Enjoy Santa Cruz Main Beach, Twin Lakes Beach, Seabright Beach, Capitola Beach, Rio Del Mar Beach, Manresa and many more!
Discover Museums
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
We are a nonprofit educational institution and museum founded in 1996 and located at 705 Front St. in Santa Cruz at the downtown McPherson Center. For more information call 831.429.1964 or visit www.santacruzmah.org.
The Capitola Historical Museum
We offer a new, major annual exhibition on the history and art of the area. The museum also provides rotating exhibitions at the Capitola Library and maintains extensive collections of Capitola related photographs and artifacts. The museum grounds include a furnished 1907 Beach Cottage and an early 20th century Bath House. Located at 410 Capitola Ave. in Capitola. For more info. call 831.464.0322 or visit www.cityofcapitola.org/capitola-museum.
The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
The museum has connected people to the wonders of nature for over 100 years. Located above Seabright Beach at 135 E. Cliff Dr., the Museum highlights the region’s diverse plant, animal, and human communities from the shoreline of Monterey Bay to the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains. For more information call 831.420.6115 or visit www.santacruzmuseum.org.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Water’s Extreme Journey takes you on a quest for clean water. Experience the watershed as a water drop, exploring firsthand the science behind the water cycle. Learn how your daily decisions can immediately improve the watershed in Santa Cruz County. Maze included with admission. The Discovery Center is located at 100 McAllister Way in Santa Cruz. Call 831.459.2800 for more information or visit www.seymourcenter.ucsc.edu.
Monterey Bay Sanctuary Exploration Center
Located just steps away from the ocean and Santa Cruz Wharf, the center features state-of-the art exhibits and interactive displays highlighting the sanctuary and its incredible underwater environment. Visitors can explore the sanctuary’s remarkable marine environment as well as their personal role in protecting one of our nation’s underwater treasures. Call 831.421.9993 of visit montereybay.noaa.gov/ for more information.
Agricultural History Project Center & Museum
Located in Watsonville at the SCD County Fairgrounds, we are open every 2nd Saturday 11am – 3pm for Second Saturday on the Farm. Group tours may be arranged in advance by appointment. What is a Living History Farm? A living history farm is an interactive outdoor museum which educates, entertains, and connects people to real life experiences on a farm or ranch during a particular time in history. Docents demonstrate everyday chores, household tasks, and how a family was fed without a grocery store around the corner. Docents also assist visitors with “hands-on” activities. Facilities are handicapped accessible. Call 831.724.5898 or visit www.aghistoryproject.org for more information.
San Lorenzo Valley Museum
The San Lorenzo Valley Museum operates two galleries, one in Boulder Creek, and one in Felton. Both are housed in former church buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Both galleries house permanent and temporary exhibitions. Entrance is FREE, donations are appreciated. Call 831.338.8382 or visit www.slvmuseum.com for more information.
Capitola Village
Ghosts, goblins, boys and ghouls…join us for the annual Capitola Village Halloween Parade on October 30 from 2-3pm! Line up begins at 1:30pm in the Beach & Village Parking Lot. Parade begins promptly at 2pm. Call the Capitola/Soquel Chamber at 831.475.6522 for more information. Capitola offers it’s popular Plein Air Festival Oct. 31 – Nov. 6. And on Nov. 12 come down to the village and enjoy our annual Sip n’ Stroll. Visit capitolavillagebia.com for more information. Surfing Santa rides the wave onto Capitola Beach for free visits with families. Accompanied by wet suited “reindeer”, Surfin’ Santa then sets in his beach chair to greet families with candy canes and an ear for children’s wish list.
Hiking the Towering Redwoods
A number of Santa Cruz County parks have great hiking trails and are admission-free, including DeLaveaga Park, Quail Hollow Ranch, Nisene Marks. Visit www.scparks.com for more details.
Explore Magical Gardens
Explore the bamboo gardens, enjoy the rare roses, and see exotic plants from around the world. Bamboo Giant Nursery, Roses of Yesterday and Today, Sierra Azul Nursery and many other gardens are free to explore. The UCSC Arboretum offers free admission the first Tuesday of each month.
•••
Explore the Beautiful Redwoods and Beaches at these State Parks:
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Castle Rock State Park
- Castro Adobe State Historic Park
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Lighthouse Field State Park
- Manresa State Beach
- Moran State Park
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- New Brighton State Beach
- Santa Cruz Mission Adobe State Historic Park
- The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
- Wilder Ranch State Park
- Capitola State Beach
- Lighthouse Field State Beach
- Manresa Uplands State Beach & Campground
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Palm Beach State Park
- Seacliff State Beach
- Sunset State Beach
- Twin Lakes State Beach
