Best 135 things to do in Santa Cruz, CA

Uncover Old Monterey’s hidden history with stories from local guides

Spend 7–8 hours rock cod fishing out of Monterey

Practice coastal navigation skills on the water in Monterey

Meet goats, watch cheesemaking, and sample fresh farmstead cheese

Snorkel Monterey Bay kelp forests with a guide and provided gear

Learn to catch waves with an instructor in the water

Pedal 17-Mile Drive by e-bike with guided stops at Pebble Beach landmarks

Cruise Carmel-by-the-Sea by e-bike while your dog rides in a sidecar

Coast and redwood riding on an expert-led e-mountain bike route

Cruise 17-Mile Drive by e-bike with a guide from Cannery Row

Ride Carmel’s coast, cottages, and landmarks with a local guide

Discover Carmel flavors and local stories at five tasting stops

Search northern Monterey Bay for sharks and marine wildlife with expert naturalist insight

Fish Monterey Bay's nearshore reefs on an evening cod outing

Catch delicious sand dabs on Monterey Bay with friendly crew aboard a galley-equipped boat

Fish nearshore Santa Cruz reefs without an all-day offshore trip

Fish deep Monterey Bay reefs for rock cod and ling cod

Seek Monterey Bay killer whales on a six-hour small-group cruise led by an experienced photographer

Tailor a private Monterey Bay cruise with breakfast and refreshments

Share a private Monterey Bay cruise with marine biologist insight

Search Monterey Bay for great white sharks with expert naturalist narration

Watch Monterey Bay wildlife from your own fast, open-deck boat

See Monterey Bay wildlife from a fast, low-to-water boat at day’s end

Take an open-air GPS-guided drive along California's coast