Skip to main content
Discover
Top Santa Cruz activities
Explore by category
Water Tours
Sightseeing Tours
Surfing Lessons
Limousine Tours
Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
Transportation
Cultural Tours
Bus Tours
Airport & Hotel Transfers
All categories
Top Santa Cruz landmarks
Top Santa Cruz landmark tickets
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk tickets
Roaring Camp Railroads tickets
Beyond Santa Cruz
Tours in nearby places
San Francisco Tours
Monterey & Carmel Tours
Oakland Tours
Santa Rosa Tours
Healdsburg Tours
Napa & Sonoma Tours
Yosemite National Park Tours
Paso Robles Tours
Lake Tahoe Tours
Santa Barbara Tours
Malibu Tours
Santa Monica Tours
Explore USA tours
New York City Tours
Las Vegas Tours
Oahu Tours
Miami Tours
Maui Tours
Chicago Tours
Charleston Tours
New Orleans Tours
Kauai Tours
Fort Lauderdale Tours
San Francisco Tours
Orlando Tours
All popular tours in<br/>USA
Tours in similar places
San Francisco Tours
Monterey & Carmel Tours
Los Angeles Tours
Santa Barbara Tours
Palm Springs Tours
Austin Tours
Vancouver Island Tours
San Diego Tours
Santa Monica Tours
Dublin Tours
Johannesburg Tours
Luanda Tours
Santa Cruz trip ideas
Top 15 things to do in ...
Santa Cruz
California
San Francisco
Monterey & Carmel
Oakland
Santa Rosa
Healdsburg
Napa & Sonoma
Yosemite National Park
Paso Robles
Lake Tahoe
Santa Barbara
Home
Things to do in USA
Things to do in California
Things to do in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Tours
All Santa Cruz Tours & Excursions in 2026
Select Dates
Filters
Private Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing Tours
Fun & Games
Nature and Wildlife Tours
City Tours
Walking Tours
Audio Guides
Private Drivers
Self-guided Tours
Scavenger Hunts
23 results
Best Seller
Get wet while learning to surf in Santa Cruz, a picturesque coastal California town popular with surfers. Your 3-hour lesson starts with the basics of how to paddle out, pop up, balance, and catch a wave, along with surfing etiquette and understanding the ocean. Your instructor has you practice on the beach before accompanying you into a spot with small waves that are ideal for beginners. Includes all necessary equipment and instruction.
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
4.9
(39)
Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz
2 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
from
$139
Explore the vibrant heart of Santa Cruz on this engaging 90-minute walking tour. Discover hidden gems and captivating tales as local guides share their knowledge of the area's rich history and culture. This tour seamlessly blends the lively downtown scene with the historic charm of the Mission Hill district, ensuring an enlightening experience for both newcomers and locals. With a comfortable walking pace and small group sizes, participants enjoy a personalized adventure filled with insights and stories that bring Santa Cruz to life. - 90-minute guided walking tour of downtown Santa Cruz and Mission Hill - Led by knowledgeable local guides sharing unique stories - Comfortable walking pace with some stairs, no special gear needed - Small group sizes for a more engaging experience
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5.0
(4)
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill
1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
from
$45
Imagine sipping tea by the sea and savoring local treats where the stunning ocean view and soothing sound of waves create a tranquil backdrop. The salty breeze and warm sunlight enhance the experience, making each sip of tea more refreshing. This peaceful setting offers a perfect escape from everyday life, inviting relaxation and mindfulness. The natural beauty and serene atmosphere of the sea elevate the simple act of enjoying tea into a beautiful and memorable moment. find us on Instagram by @teabytheseasantacruz
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
4.9
(14)
Tea By The Sea
2 hours
Free Cancellation
from
$105
We offer private and semi-private encounters with wildlife emphasizing on intimate experiences. Once on the boat in Monterey, guests are in a unique position, each guests 1 of the 6 comfortable seats on the boat to view a lot of different wildlife. Everyday is different, expect to have a good time seeing lots of different wildlife. During the trip, we often encounter whales, porpoises, dolphin, seals, Sea Lions, Sea Otters and many other varieties of marine mammals and sea birds. the most common whales we see are Humpback Whales, Gray Whales, Blue Whales and sometimes even Killer Whales. Don't have a group, give us a call for individual trips
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5.0
(16)
Whale Watching Monterey Bay semi-private limited to 6 people max
3 hours
Free Cancellation
from
$205
Price varies by group size
When you book snorkling trip with us you will be experience fish interaction, fish feeding. snorkling to bluelagoon and tanjung jepun is a great one day escape to enjoy and relax at the beach,
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
5.0
(1)
Blue Lagoon Snorkling activities
5 to 6 hours
Free Cancellation
from
$30
This Guided Food & History Tour is great way to experience Capitola, CA. Capitola is a gem! Located just 4 miles from Santa Cruz, CA. Let us guide you through this small beach town loaded with history, restaurants and shopping. Perfect for Locals, Visitors, Corporate Mixers, Team Bonding, Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Anniversaries, or any one looking for a Fun Evening! Includes the equivalent of a 5 course meal. Learn the best of Capitola all in one night! During this Foodie Friday experience you will learn how to make the most of your time in Capitola, CA - Voted Best Beach-Town! Private tours available, inquire on our web site. Make today memorable, fun and inspiring with group experiences. Our foodie tour is for all ages, line up of vendors changes and includes locals favorites and our favorite restaurants, BEST Spots & Stories, learn the area and culture better than a local while you eat and drink. Additional drinks available on tour. Meet restaurant owners.
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
4.0
(2)
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour
2 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
from
$129
Most fun individual guided ebike tour here in Santa Cruz. This tour is perfect for individuals, couples, and groups. See Santa Cruz's majestic coastline, Wharf, Beach Boardwalk, and historic downtown tour. All the breathtaking sights, both scenic and historic. See and enjoy Santa Cruz's natural beauty, including all the attractions riding our pedal-assist electric bike. Go, ride with us, here in California!
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
4.9
(36)
Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour
2 hours
Free Cancellation
from
$110
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting redwood forests and scenic landscapes of UC Santa Cruz with our exclusive Private Walking Tour! Immerse yourself in the rich history and fascinating culture of this iconic university as our expert guide leads you on an adventure like no other. Walk in the shadows of towering redwoods, explore peaceful meadows, and breathe in the crisp, invigorating mountain air. Discover hidden spots and secret viewpoints that only locals know, Whether you're a prospective student, an alumni longing for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, or simply a spirited explorer, this tour will leave you awe-inspired and with a deeper connection to the delightful spirit of UC Santa Cruz! This tour is completely tailored to you with the App! With our app, you can pause the tour, and check out the locations as long as you want! You can skip a stop you don't like, and you have all the best information about each stop at your fingertips.
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Operator reviews
UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
1 to 3 hours
Free Cancellation
from
$5
Per group
The Alpaca Walking Adventure offers a unique opportunity to connect with these charming creatures in the stunning Carmel Valley. Begin your journey with a mini-lecture about alpacas, discovering their origins, biology, and how their fleece is utilized. After meeting your alpaca buddy, embark on a one-mile scenic hike through a tree-lined trail, stopping to interact with the alpacas and enjoy breathtaking views of the neighboring 2,000-acre ranch. Pause to interact with your alpaca, learn some fun tricks, snap plenty of selfies, while enjoying provided snacks and water. We then continue on to complete the trek in the pastures with alpacas, goats, and horses, ensuring a memorable day filled with knowledge and delightful moments.
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5.0
(15)
Alpaca Walking Adventure in Scenic Carmel Valley
2 hours 15 minutes
Free Cancellation
from
$85
This fun small group guided e-bike tour is a perfect tour for an adult group to experience. A 2-hour ride to Santa Cruz's majestic coastline, Wharf, Beach Boardwalk, and historic downtown. Enjoy the scenic and historic breathtaking sights here in Santa Cruz's seeing the natural beauty of this place, An unforgettable experience you’ll enjoy and won’t wanna miss! Ride with us here in Santa Cruz!
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
4.8
(4)
Santa Cruz 2Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups
2 hours
Free Cancellation
from
$110
We offer private and semi-private encounters with wildlife emphasizing on intimate experiences. During the trip, we will be looking for the Great White Shark, but we often encounter whales, porpoises, dolphin, seals, Sea Lions, Sea Otters and sometimes even Killer Whales. Once on the boat in Monterey, guests are in a unique position, each guests 1 of the 6 comfortable seats on the boat to view a lot of different wildlife. Everyday is different, expect to have a good time seeing lots of different wildlife. Don't have a group, give us a call for individual trips
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
20
Operator reviews
Great White Sharks Topside in Monterey Bay
2 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
from
$250
Price varies by group size
World class private tour, completely controlled by you! Come see the best sights in the Santa Cruz: Beach Paradise, at your leisure! Commentary by Jackie Woods, a local legend! This tour has been written by a local, who knows the very best spots of Santa Cruz. We have the best beach in all of Northern California, the best views, and best food and drinks available! Don't worry about other people, this tour is completely tailored to you with the Pintours App With our app, you can pause the tour, and check out the locations as long as you want! You can skip a stop you don't like, and you have all the best information about each stop at your fingertips.
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Operator reviews
Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz
2 to 4 hours
Free Cancellation
from
$35
Per group
Come Ride Santa Cruz's most fun, family-friendly guided e-bike tour. See Santa Cruz's majestic coastline, Wharf, Beach Boardwalk, and historic downtown tour. Ride to all the breathtaking sights, both scenic and historic. Enjoy Santa Cruz's natural beaut and see the whole town, including all the attractions on our pedal-assist electric bike ride tour. An experience you won't want to miss! Come Ride Santa Cruz with Ride California!
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
35
Operator reviews
Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike)
2 hours
Free Cancellation
from
$110
Join us for a journey into the world of fungi with this comprehensive mushroom foraging workshop. Participants will gain essential skills in safe mushroom identification and ecological awareness under the guidance of expert Maya Elson. The experience begins with an informative presentation covering mushrooming basics, followed by an exciting outdoor foraging expedition. Together, you’ll gather and identify various fungi, discussing their ecological significance and culinary potential. Maya’s regenerative practices ensure that your foraging habits promote sustainability and community resilience, enriching your connection with nature and the vital role of mushrooms in our ecosystem.
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Ecological Mushroom Foraging Workshop
4 hours
Free Cancellation
from
$95
Immerse yourself in the seaside town of Capitola’s picturesque scenery—and learn insider stories about the area that you would never uncover on your own—with this self-led smartphone audio walking tour. Upon booking, download the app; once in Capitola, have the freedom to explore all at your own pace. You’ll discover the town’s lively wharf area, will glimpse historic hotels and restaurants, will wander its scenic streets, and more.
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
2.8
(6)
Capitola Private Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
2 hours
Free Cancellation
from
$5
Per group
Take a 5-hour wilderness survival skills class in a beautiful Santa Cruz redwood forest. Learn and practice core wilderness techniques with an expert instructor-guide. Your course covers starting a fire by friction, creating shelter, identifying edible plants, and finding and preparing food in the wilderness. Without the tools of the modern world, you’ll build useful skills for a wilderness setting and hear about age-old skills used by the native peoples of California. Build confidence and expand your knowledge base during this fun and fascinating wilderness class.
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5.0
(5)
Introduction to Wilderness Survival Clinic in Santa Cruz
5 hours
Free Cancellation
from
$145
Explore the birthplace of surfing on the Santa Cruz Surf Walk, where you'll learn about the evolution of surf culture from its Hawaiian roots to modern innovations. This 2-hour guided tour includes visits to iconic surf spots like Cowell Beach and Steamer Lane, alongside opportunities to observe local marine wildlife such as sea lions and otters. Gain insights from an expert guide about surf breaks and the town’s vibrant coastal community, while enjoying stunning ocean views along West Cliff Drive. - Guided tour of Santa Cruz's surfing history and culture - Visit key surf locations, including Cowell Beach and Steamer Lane - Small group size (maximum 10) for personalized attention - Opportunities to observe marine wildlife and learn about local surf traditions
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5.0
(1)
Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour
1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
Free Cancellation
from
$45
Become the mermaid or a merman you've always dreamed about at this Mermaid Experience and Photoshoot. Santa Cruz is the perfect beach town to transform yourself into a whimsical sea creature, and you can do so with over 50 swimmable tails for toddlers through adults, plus accessories. The photo shoot can take place at the beach, a pool (home, hotel, swim club, vacation rental, etc.) for any occasion, including bridal parties or birthday parties.
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5.0
(27)
Mermaid Experience & Photoshoot
1 hour
Free Cancellation
from
$220
Join us for a scenic Santa Cruz walking tour along the coast and through downtown. 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 personalized experience with plenty of time for questions. Alternative route available for those who wish to avoid stairs.
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5.0
(1)
Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop
1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
from
$45
Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
4.4
(11)
Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt
2 hours
Free Cancellation
from
$29
Start your Santa Cruz afternoon the right way with AFK Food Tours. In 2 hours, stroll the coast and hit four of the town’s most crave-worthy dessert spots in one perfectly paced small-group walk. You’ll enjoy samples + full scoops at every stop, so you’re not just tasting — you’re actually getting fed. Skip the guesswork. This route is deliberately built for contrast: refreshing Italian ice, small-batch house-made ice cream, creative cookie sandwiches, and frozen specialties most visitors never find. Each stop earns its place. No filler. The walk stays easy (under 2 miles) with ocean views and beach-town energy between bites. Your guide keeps it smooth with quick local insight, so you finish full, relaxed, and already ahead of the crowd. Group size is intentionally limited to keep it social and never crowded.
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Santa Cruz Ice Cream Tour 4 Stops Samples Full Scoops
2 hours
Free Cancellation
from
$80
Learn the tips and tricks of watercolor journaling in Capitola Beach, a place known for its beauty, color, and vibrancy. This class is taught by a professional artist and teacher and specifically designed for vacation travelers. You'll learn about the essential supplies you need to have a small, portable "art studio" that you can take anywhere you go. Whether a beginner or experienced artist, let the memories of your vacation come to life and inspire you to continue your craft!
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5.0
(2)
Capitola Watercolor Journaling Experience
2 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
from
$297
Unleash your inner explorer on a captivating scavenger hunt through Santa Cruz, where history and fun collide. Navigate through the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the scenic University of California, Santa Cruz, while piecing together clues that unfold the city’s vibrant stories. This interactive adventure allows teams to discover historical landmarks and local culture at your own pace, creating a memorable outing for families, friends, or couples. With no time limits and an easy-to-use app, each group can choose their path and enjoy the sights of this beautiful coastal town.
...More
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Santa Cruz Scavenger Hunt Walking Activity
3 hours
from
$50
Per group
en
d9d338e7-e650-4c4e-852c-da94dfacc8b6
things_to_do
More Tours in Santa Cruz
Attractions in Santa Cruz, USA
Things to do near Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Best Experiences
Popular on Viator
Sightseeing Tours
Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
Transportation
City Tours
Outdoor Activities
Mountain Bike Tours
Nature and Wildlife Tours