expedia
One Key

Earn OneKeyCash when you sign in and book an activity

Sign in
A coastal view with a white building with a dome, palm trees, and a pier extending into the water. 1
A tree-lined sidewalk with trimmed hedges, a yellow house with a staircase, and a street in the background. 2
A street lined with buildings, trees with autumn leaves, and parked cars. 3
Santa Cruz, CA, the swimming baths from the pier. 4
A man surfing on a wave in Santa Cruz, California. 5
By Walk Santa Cruz
Free cancellation available
Price is £34 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 1h 30m
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

  • Join us for a scenic Santa Cruz walking tour along the coast and through city centre. Explore the beachside roots of local surf culture, wander lively streets, and uncover the history and architecture that reveal a hidden side of the city. One of the top-rated things to do in Santa Cruz, this guided experience is perfect for visitors looking for fun activities and local insight.

    Fun & Informative
    Our local guides share fascinating stories and little-known facts about Santa Cruz.

    Easy Walking
    Comfortable pace with some stairs. No special equipment needed.

    Small Groups
    Limited group sizes ensure a personalised experience with plenty of time for questions.

    Alternative route available for those who wish to avoid stairs.

Activity location

  • Santa Cruz Main Beach
    • Beach Street,
    • 95060-5413, Santa Cruz, California, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • 300 Beach St
    • 300 Beach Street
    • 95060, Santa Cruz, California, United States

Check availability

Beach Hill to Historic City centre Santa Cruz Loop

  • Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes1h 30m
    1h 30m
  • English

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Language options: English
Starting time: 13:00
Price details
£33.82 x 1 Adult£33.82
Total
Price is £33.82
Until Sun, 1 Nov

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Safe guidance on city pavements/areas
  • Exclusions
    Parking near Abbott square is around 1.25 per hour - can use ParkMobile app. Free parking is available further away from Abbott Square.

Know before you book

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transport options are available nearby
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Transport options are wheelchair accessible
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
    • This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

Activity itinerary

Santa Cruz Main Beach

  • 15m
Here’s a polished version under 1000 characters, aligned with your tone and positioning: ⸻ At the mouth of the San Lorenzo River, just steps from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, surfing first came to mainland America in 1885. Three Hawaiian princes—David Kawānanakoa, Edward Keliʻiahonui, and Jonah Kūhiō—brought their boards and their culture to these shores, introducing a tradition that would help shape Santa Cruz forever. What began as a demonstration of Hawaiian wave riding soon took root, influencing generations of local surfers and establishing Santa Cruz as one of the earliest surf towns in California. Today, this stretch of coastline marks the birthplace of mainland surfing—where history, culture, and the ocean first came together.

San Lorenzo River Lagoon

  • 15m
Here’s a version under 1000 characters, consistent with your tone: ⸻ Along the San Lorenzo River, Santa Cruz once hosted one of its most unique and colourful events—the Venetian Carnival. Inspired by Italy’s famed water festivals, this early 20th-century celebration transformed the river into a lively spectacle of illuminated boats, music, and crowds lining the banks. Locals and visitors gathered to watch parades of decorated vessels glide through the water, creating a magical scene that reflected Santa Cruz’s growing identity as a coastal destination. Though the carnival has long since faded, this stretch of river remains a reminder of a time when the city embraced creativity, celebration, and life on the water.

Santa Cruz Downtown

  • 15m
In the heart of City centre Santa Cruz, the Del Mar Theatre has been a cultural landmark since 1936. Built in the Art Deco style, it quickly became a centrepiece of the city’s entertainment scene, drawing locals and visitors alike for films, premieres, and community events. Over the decades, the theatre has adapted with the times while preserving its historic character. Today, it remains a beloved city centre icon—where generations have gathered to experience films, music, and the shared energy of Santa Cruz’s creative spirit.

Walnut Avenue

  • 5m
Stroll through this walkable area lined with grand Victorian-era homes and lush gardens,

Depot Park

  • 15m
Here’s a concise, on-brand stop description under 1000 characters: ⸻ At Depot Park, discover the history of the Santa Cruz Depot, once a vital hub connecting the city to the rest of California. Built in the late 19th century, the depot served both passengers and freight, playing a key role in the growth of tourism, agriculture, and industry. Trains carried timber, produce, and visitors into Santa Cruz, helping shape it into a thriving coastal destination. Though the tracks are quieter today, the depot remains a lasting reminder of the era when railways powered the city’s expansion and brought new life to the region.

Santa Cruz Wharf

  • 15m
Trace the transformation from working waterfront to beachside amusement — and how the shoreline became Santa Cruz's playground.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Santa Cruz Main Beach
    • Beach Street,
    • 95060-5413, Santa Cruz, California, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    300 Beach St
    • 300 Beach Street
    • 95060, Santa Cruz, California, United States

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. Expedia offers one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Santa Cruz your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.

Top experiences in Santa Cruz

With so many things to do in Santa Cruz, planning the perfect day out may seem like a daunting task. Expedia is here to take the hassle out of finding the best attractions, tours and activities in Santa Cruz. Families, couples and business travellers can all find the perfect activity in Santa Cruz to create life-long memories with the help of Expedia.