Area Attractions
Santa Cruz Hotels & Resorts
Santa Cruz, known to locals and visitors as the “Original Surf City” offers a variety of activities when you plan to venture off property. With an abundance of activities to choose, it’s hard to know where to start. Within minutes you could be enjoying Marini’s salt water taffy on the West Coast’s oldest seaside amusement park, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. If you are a nature enthusiast, try one of our many state parks, such as Big Basin Redwoods State Park. From the sea to the redwoods, there’s something for EVERYONE!
Chaminade’s concierge staff is available to give you suggestions and provide you with “local” hot spots and itineraries. Here are a few of our most popular itineraries:
Suggested Itineraries:
Santa Cruz Mountain Wine Tasting- Santa Cruz Mountain Winegrower’s Association
The Santa Cruz Mountains have been producing award winning wines since the late 1800’s.
With over 20 wineries within a 10 mile radius, you are sure to find a premium award winning wine.
Half day Wine Tour-All located within 3-5 minutes of each other; this ½ day wine tour includes estate grown wines, as well as specialty blends and unique dessert wines. End your afternoon with truly exceptional wines and a truly exceptional view at Soquel Vineyards.
Full day Wine Tasting- Dive right into the Santa Cruz Mountain Appellation, with the many family owned and operated wineries, where the first one to greet you on arrival is usually the winery dog. Definitely a full day of wine tasting, you not only will enjoy the wines, but also the rejuvenating views, colorful vineyards and your final destination brings you to the grand estate of Byington. Call wineries to set up tasting appointments and/or tours.
- • Silver Mountain Vineyards-Open by special appointment or for special events.
- • Loma Prieta Winery-Open by special appointment or for special events.
- • Burrell School Winery
- • David Bruce Winery
- • Byington Vineyard & Winery
Make your own winery tour itinerary, using the map link below!
Wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains-Map
Beach & Bear Mtn. Train rides: Roaring Camp Railroads
- • Beach Train- 3 hours round trip, from Roaring Camp to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Traveling through the San Lorenzo river gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, through an 1897 built tunnel, you arrive safely in front of the historic wooden Carousal at the Boardwalk.
- • Steam Train- 1 hour round trip. Enjoy a ride up Bear Mountain with story telling along the way and friendly conductors that entertain!
Big Basin/Henry Cowell State Park Hiking/Picnicking:
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park-From easy to strenuous, Big Basin is full of hiking possibilities or just enjoy a picnic while taking in the scenery.
- Henry Cowell State Park-Henry Cowell has many trails, which will all lead you to magnificent views, whether it’s views of the Monterey Bay, the ponderosa pine or a grove of ancient redwood trees, Henry Cowell has it all.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Adventure- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
The Boardwalk is a half-mile long historic amusement park next to Santa Cruz’s mile long main beach. It includes more than 34 rides and attractions, dozens of restaurants, miniature golf and a grand arcade. Admission is always FREE to the Boardwalk.
- • Click here for Ticket and All day pass info!- Enjoy all day fun with an all day unlimited ride pass or spend a summer evening at the Boardwalk on Mon & Tues after 5pm, where all rides are only 1 ticket!
- • Click here for seasonal SPECIAL EVENTS! – Summer time concerts on the main beach, Santa’s Kingdom comes alive, all year long there are fun and exciting events at the Boardwalk!!
Explore Golfing in Santa Cruz County-
Santa Cruz County is host to two of the most challenging and scenic golf course, Pasatiempo and DeLaveaga.
- • Pasatiempo, designed by world-renowned Alister MacKenzie, offers golfers challenging fairways, panoramic views and award winning cuisine. Spend the afternoon at the course and the evening at one of their three dinning outlets, including the historic Hollins House, which was built in 1929 by championship golfer Marion Hollins.
- • DeLaveaga Golf Course nestled among the woodland terrain, gives golfers a sense of isolation. No highways, housing developments or distractions. Night time at the driving range is also a possibility after enjoying dinner at The DeLaveaga Golf Lodge Restaurant.
Experience Downtown Santa Cruz-
- • Shop, Sip, Wine and Dine- Enjoy an afternoon downtown, starting with the unique art, clothing and antique boutiques. As you make your way around, stop at Santa Cruz’s newest tasting room VinoCruz or the ever popular Soif wine bar and merchant.
If a day of shopping and wine tasting doesn’t leave you hungry, then try your hand a Salsa or Swing dancing at the historic El Palomar Ballroom. End your evening with live music and great food at the El Palomar Restaurant & Taco Bar.
Special Events-
Santa Cruz County is host to a variety of special events & activities, for a current schedule please visit the Santa Cruz County Conference & Visitors Council website. This website also provides easy to read Maps from around the county.
