Best time to visit
A coastal gem in Northern California, Santa Cruz welcomes visitors to its balmy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and redwood forests. In the summer, from June to August, the city sees an influx of tourists wanting to enjoy this beachfront destination, the sunny weather, and vibrant events. Rainfall is extremely rare during this time. The downside of the summer high season is the skyrocketing accommodation costs. If you'd like to enjoy a beach vacation with fewer crowds, the best time to visit is from September through November. The beaches are much more quiet with fewer visitors, but the water is still warm enough to swim. The city experiences rain around mid-fall.
To enjoy monarch butterfly and elephant seal migration, visit Santa Cruz during the winter season. The butterflies start arriving in late fall through January, while the seals appear ashore from December through March. The winters are fairly warm in Santa Cruz, with temperatures dropping to 59-62°F (15-17°C). However, beware of heavy rainfall and grab an umbrella. The spring season offers a great opportunity to explore the nearby natural parks and attractions, but the hotel prices start increasing in preparation for summer.
22 things to do in Santa Cruz, CA
Cycling
Picturesque scenery, varied terrain, and gentle weather conditions attract cyclists to the Golden State
Big Sur Road Trip
Beautiful coastline, amazing forests, and gorgeous mountains—Big Sur has it all
Kiteboarding
Just choose the right season and the right spot to enjoy your favourite water activity in the Sunny State
Surfing
Amazing swells, great weather conditions, and various opportunities on dozens of ideal surfing beaches are waiting for you in the Golden State
Monterey Jazz Festival
Top names of jazz gather together in one place to share their talent among real fans. Don't miss one of the greatest jazz events in the world!
Elephant Seals
These seals with elephant noses roam the ocean searching for food, and go ashore to breed and molt
Monkey Puzzle Seeds
Soft starchy seeds have been feeding humans, rodents and birds since Jurassic Period
Oyster Season
Oysters are consumed in San Francisco and other cities on the California's coast in accordance with “R” myth that determines the oyster season
Gilroy Garlic Festival
A three-day celebration of garlic and other delicious foods
Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival
The size of those pumpkins will blow your mind
Lick Observatory
Visit the first permanent mountain top observatory in the world
Calla Lily Valley & Garrapata Beach
One of the most picturesque coastal areas in Big Sur
Whale Watching
From North to South, California observes the giant marine creatures migration every year
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing
Nothing can beat the Windy City in terms of wind sports
California Fall Colors
Admire bronze and amber foliage throughout the Golden State
Monarch Butterfly Migration
Thousands of butterflies spend winter in the Santa Cruz sanctuary
Santa Cruz Christmas Lights
Take a ride on a holiday train or a holiday boat in festive Santa Cruz
