For a small bayside city, Santa Cruz has a lot to offer. The main show, of course, is the Beach Boardwalk, which attracts millions of visitors each year. But past the arcades and cotton candy is a surprisingly diverse and energetic city with a little something for everyone: Shopping, hiking, mountain biking, sailing, fishing, kayaking, surfing, wine tasting, golfing, whale-watching—the list of things to do here is almost endless, making Santa Cruz one of the premier family destinations on the California coast.

Access and Information
Highway 1 and scenic but highly trafficked Highway 17 lead right into the center of Santa Cruz. Just “over the hill” is San Jose International Airport, with plenty of major airlines and car rental companies. Greyhound (800/231-2222; www.greyhound.com) provides service to Santa Cruz’s downtown bus terminal (425 Front St, Santa Cruz; 831/423-1800). The excellent Visitors Information Center (1211 Ocean St, Santa Cruz; 831/425-1234 or 800/833-3494; www.santacruzca.org) boasts a friendly staff and lots of info about area attractions and events.