Why Winter's Better In Santa Cruz: Beat The Blues With These Local Picks

Winter may be here, but the fun doesn’t slow down in Santa Cruz. From family outings to seasonal events and easy day trips, there’s plenty around town to keep your calendar full. Just remember to double-check hours, weather updates and ticket details before heading out. And if you want even more local winter ideas, keep scrolling — you’ll find a way to get personalized suggestions based on what you love to do.

Cupertino Ice Center

Address: 10123 N Wolfe Rd #1020, Cupertino, CA 95014
Phone: (408) 446-2906
Details: Just a 35-minute drive to Cupertino offers public skating opportunities at Cupertino Ice Center. Public skating sessions are open Friday through Sunday at select times. Check the website for hours, as well as admission prices and skate rental information.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Address: 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA 95018
Phone: (831) 335-4598
Details: About 15 minutes away in Felton is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, where miles of trails wind through towering redwoods and diverse forest landscapes. Visitors can walk the self-guided nature loop, hike or ride through historic terrain and more, daily from sunrise to sunset. Visit the website for day use and entry fees.

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Address: 35 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 421-9993
Details: The Sanctuary Exploration Center is an admission-free museum overlooking Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, watch short ocean films and learn about local marine life and conservation efforts in an easy, self-guided setting. The exploration center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. See website for more information on planning your visit.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Address: 2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 423-4609
Details: Natural Bridges State Beach is a scenic coastal park known for wildlife viewing and tidepool exploration. Visitors can walk the shoreline, observe seabirds and marine life, explore public tidepools at low tide and enjoy views of coastal habitats and wetlands. The park is open from 8 a.m. until sunset each day. Click here for information about entry fees.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Address: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 423-5590
Details: Visit California’s largest admission-free park, a classic seaside amusement park with a wide mix of rides, games and attractions. Visitors can enjoy historic rides like the Giant Dipper, indoor arcades, mini golf, beachside food favorites and ocean views along Monterey Bay. Tickets are required to enjoy amusement rides. Check the calendar for daily hours and operations.

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Address: 1305 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone: (831) 420-6115
Details: Visit the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, where exhibits focus on local wildlife, ecosystems and environmental science. Guests can explore hands-on displays and learn about the region’s natural history Tuesday through Sunday at the museum. Check the website for daily hours and admission prices.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center

Address: 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 459-3800
Details: Interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits allow guests to see live sea creatures, explore touch tables and walk the coastal grounds featuring whale skeletons and ocean views. The center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online and start at $9.

West Cliff Drive

Address: West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: N/A
Details: Walk or ride along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, a scenic coastal path stretching between Natural Bridges State Beach and the Santa Cruz Wharf. Visitors can watch surfers at Steamer Lane, stop at the Surfers Museum, enjoy ocean views and share the paved path with walkers, bikers and skaters along the way. See website for more details.

Want ideas that fit your family and your budget? Enter your ZIP code and preferences — kid-friendly, outdoor, educational and more — for winter getaway recommendations made for you.

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