City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Santa Cruz, California

Sandy Allen

15 Sep 2025 — 3 min read

Photo: Wikimedia/Robert Campbell/CC by SA 3.0

Known for its laid-back surf culture, natural beauty and family-friendly attractions, Santa Cruz, California, is a vibrant coastal city where redwood forests meet the Pacific Ocean. Situated between Monterey and San Francisco, it’s the perfect destination for boaters and travelers seeking beaches, history and outdoor adventure.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The heart of Santa Cruz’s entertainment scene, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been delighting visitors since 1907. With its vintage rides (like the Giant Dipper roller coaster), arcade games and lively atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for families and thrill-seekers looking for adventure from private boat lifts for rent.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Famous for its striking natural rock arch, Natural Bridges State Beach is also a prime spot for tidepooling and seasonal monarch butterfly migrations. It’s a great place to relax, photograph coastal scenery or explore marine life.

Santa Cruz Wharf

Photo: Wikimedia/Runner1928/CC by SA 3.0

The Santa Cruz Wharf stretches into Monterey Bay and makes a terrific spot to visit from a marina, resort or private boat dock rental. It’s lined with seafood restaurants, gift shops and opportunities to spot sea lions lounging below the pier. Visitors can rent kayaks, book whale-watching tours or simply enjoy ocean views.

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

Located in the historic Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum shares the rich surfing heritage of Santa Cruz, which is recognized as one of the sport’s birthplaces in the United States. Opened in 1986, the museum overlooks Steamer Lane, a world-famous surf break. Exhibits include vintage surfboards, photographs and memorabilia documenting more than a century of wave-riding history.

Roaring Camp Railroads

Photo: Wikimedia/Grandelkhan/CC by SA 4.0

Just a short drive from downtown, Roaring Camp offers a step back in time with steam train rides through towering redwoods or up to Bear Mountain. It’s a fun and unique way to experience the area’s natural beauty. Explore scenery on the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train.

University of California, Santa Cruz Arboretum and Botanic Garden

The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a sprawling garden complex showcasing plants from Mediterranean climates around the world. It’s a peaceful spot for a stroll and features colorful blooms and sweeping views of Monterey Bay. Check it out when you’re searching for an activity while at a private boat slip rental.

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