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Top Things to Do in Santa Cruz

We compared all 10 experiences in Santa Cruz so you can choose in minutes: real prices, verified reviews and our editorial picks.

★4.8 10 experiences from US$ 85 ✓Free cancellation on most experiences

Must-do experiences

Alpaca Walking Adventure in Carmel Valley: One-Mile Hike
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Most booked
Alpaca Walking Adventure in Carmel Valley: One-Mile HikeWalk a halter-trained alpaca through tree-lined trails in Carmel Valley with a live guide, learning about the animals and the 2,000-acre ranch.
53 reviews
5.00★
Duration
2h 15m
Mon, Fri and Sat
10:00
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 85per person
Monterey whale watching tour: Semi-private boat, 6 guests max
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★Top rated
Monterey whale watching tour: Semi-private boat, 6 guests maxWhale watching tour in Monterey Bay with a licensed captain and naturalist on a small boat limited to 6 people. See humpback, gray and blue whales.
26 reviews
5.00★
Duration
3h
Mon, Tue and Sun
09:00
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 205per person
Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz: Learn to Catch Waves
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Best value
Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz: Learn to Catch WavesLearn to surf in Santa Cruz with a 2.5-hour beginner clinic that covers paddling, pop-ups and wave-reading, plus all gear and a certified instructor.
43 reviews
4.93★
Duration
2h 30m
start times · Every day
19
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 139per person

Recommended (7)

Wilderness Survival Class in Boulder Creek near Santa Cruz
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Wilderness Survival Class in Boulder Creek near Santa Cruz
5 reviews
5.00★
Duration
5h
fromUS$ 145per person
Santa Cruz eBike Tour: Coastline, Wharf & Boardwalk
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Santa Cruz eBike Tour: Coastline, Wharf & Boardwalk
1 review
4.00★
Duration
2h
fromUS$ 110per person
Private Santa Cruz Beachfront and Downtown Walking Tour
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Private Santa Cruz Beachfront and Downtown Walking Tour
Duration
2h
start times · Wed–Sun
6
fromUS$ 461per person
Private Santa Cruz Art and Culture Walking Tour
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Private Santa Cruz Art and Culture Walking Tour
Duration
2h
start times · Every day
10
fromUS$ 461per person
Santa Cruz Coast E-Bike Tour: Steamer Lane & Bridges
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Santa Cruz Coast E-Bike Tour: Steamer Lane & Bridges
Duration
2h 30m
start times · Every day
8
fromUS$ 1,037per person
Mushroom Foraging Workshop Santa Cruz: Learn Safe Identification
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Monterey Bay Great White Shark Small-Group Boat Tour
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Monterey Bay Great White Shark Small-Group Boat Tour
Duration
2h 30m
fromUS$ 250per person

Santa Cruz at a glance ✓ 2026-11-03

  • Most booked: Alpaca Walking Adventure in Carmel Valley: One-Mile Hike, US$ 85 (2h 15m, 5.00★ · 53).
  • Top rated: Monterey whale watching tour: Semi-private boat, 6 guests max, US$ 205 (3h, 5.00★ · 26).
  • Best value: Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz: Learn to Catch Waves, US$ 139 (2h 30m, 4.93★ · 43).

Of the 10 experiences: 10 with free cancellation, 9 with instant confirmation and 6 bookable last-minute.

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