Explore Santa Cruz Attractions & Activities

Things to Do in Santa Cruz

Looking for the best things to do in Santa Cruz during your stay? Chaminade Resort & Spa places you close to some of the area's most popular Santa Cruz attractions while offering a wide variety of on-site experiences for guests of all ages.

Set on more than 300 scenic acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains, our resort combines outdoor recreation, family-friendly activities, relaxation, and coastal adventures in one unforgettable destination. From heated resort pools and private cabanas to hiking trails, wine experiences, and live entertainment, there are countless ways to enjoy your time both on and off the property.

Whether you're planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, or weekend retreat, discover exciting Santa Cruz activities and memorable experiences, including nearby attractions like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, local wineries, and scenic coastal destinations.

A group of four people sits around a fire pit, enjoying roasted marshmallows and drinks, with string lights overhead and trees in the background.

Bonfire & S'mores Experience

Enjoy an evening fireside with s'mores for your family and friends. Includes a roaring fire, seating, s'mores kits and bottled water for four. To reserve firepit call 831.475.5600. Add-ons including additional s'mores kits, beer, and wine are available upon request.

Seven nights a week from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

  • Sunday - Thursday | $50
  • Friday - Saturday | $100
People relaxing by a pool with a few on lounge chairs under umbrellas, and one person standing, serving drinks to the others.

Resort Pools

Guests can soak in the California sun and cool off in two outdoor heated pools and hot tubs (One pool designated for adults only).

Located in the heart of the property, the pool complex features a pool bar and cabanas while offering a hub to enjoy the full resort experience including miles of hiking trails, a disc golf course, tennis & pickleball courts, a full-service spa, The View Restaurant overlooking Santa Cruz, and more!

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A modern outdoor seating area with two shaded pergolas featuring cushioned seats, a mounted TV, and small tables on a sunny day.

Cabana Rentals & Pool Day Passes

Looking for your own comfortable space to relax with friends or family poolside? We have nine private cabanas available to rent for small and large parties.

Pool day passes are available for locals not staying overnight - including access to two pools, hot tubs, our fitness center, sauna and more!

A vibrant food truck with beach-themed decor and social media icons is parked outdoors, near a pool sign and buildings, under a partly cloudy sky.

The Sandbox Food Truck

The Sandbox is Chaminade's on-site food truck! Serving up favorites like Birria Tacos, Sliders, Nachos & more. Conveniently located next to our pools, you won't have to go far when hunger strikes.

Open select weekends throughout the Summer season.

Two people are playing bocce ball on an outdoor court surrounded by trees and bushes in a sunny setting.

Resort Activities

Adventures Await at Your Home Away From Home in the Heart of Santa Cruz. Whatever your preference, Chaminade Resort & Santa Cruz offer diverse and exciting opportunities for recreation, relaxation and fun. Situated on 300 acres, the lush grounds and natural beauty make Chaminade Resort a playground for year-round fun.

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Two musicians are performing on a small outdoor stage surrounded by greenery, with an audience seated and watching.

Nashville Nights Concert Series

Get up close and personal with some of Nashville's hottest musical acts. Experience an intimate concert while watching the sun set over Monterey Bay.

Annual series from April - September

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The image shows bottles of wine with grapes and leaves in a vineyard, having the label "LA VITA" on the center bottle.

Wines & Craft Beers

Sip your way through the region's finest wines. Nestled in the picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains, Chaminade Resort & Spa offers visitors unparalleled access to the region's vibrant wine culture. At Chaminade, guests can indulge in a variety of wine tastings, tours, and classes with easy access to experience some of the finest wineries in California.

Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or a day trip, come explore the wine and craft beer scene with us while staying at Chaminade Resort & Spa.

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A coastal scene with waves hitting the sandy shore, lined with palm trees and buildings in the background under a cloudy sky.

Quintessential California

Santa Cruz California is the quintessential beach town rich in history, art, culture, natural beautiful and is home to the oldest seaside wooden roller coaster. Come Visit Santa Cruz and experience what makes our beach town so unique. Also don't forget to check out our Santa Cruz experiential packages for the complete vacation getaway.Looking for some insider tips from experienced travelers? Check out Bay Area Buzz's "Weekend Fun Guide" for top Santa Cruz picks of what to "See & Do", where to "Eat" / "Play" and of course where to "Stay"

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The image shows a beachfront amusement park with roller coasters, colorful buildings, and people enjoying the beach and water.

Beach Boardwalk

Within 4.2 Miles TheBest seaside park in the world. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is recognized as the best seaside park in the world. Providing amusement thrills and family fun for over a century, the admission free boardwalk is quintessential California—renowned for its exciting rides, remarkable history, unique beach setting, and friendly attitude. Beyond the rides, the Boardwalk is home to the largest selection of games in Northern California, a two-story miniature golf course, and laser tag arena.

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This image shows a serene, green landscape with several deer grazing peacefully, surrounded by dense, lush trees, and a distant view of a town.

Outdoor Recreation

With over 3 miles of hiking trail meandering through the resort, you will surely feel miles away from ordinary. A variety of terrain and intensity levels on our trails will suit every guest and make you feel refreshed. Guests enjoy exploring more than three miles of lush hiking trails meandering through pristine eucalyptus groves and grassy fields. Chaminade boasts 200+ acres and gives guests the opportunity to step out and experience a variety of beautiful terrains.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Santa Cruz

  • What are the best things to do in Santa Cruz?

    Santa Cruz offers a wide range of activities, including visiting the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, exploring scenic hiking trails, enjoying wine tasting experiences, relaxing on local beaches, and discovering family-friendly attractions throughout the area. Guests at Chaminade Resort & Spa can also enjoy on-site recreation, pools, cabanas, and live entertainment.

  • What attractions are near Chaminade Resort & Spa?

    Chaminade Resort & Spa is conveniently located near popular Santa Cruz attractions, including the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Monterey Bay, local wineries, hiking trails, beaches, and downtown Santa Cruz shopping and dining destinations.

  • What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Santa Cruz?

    Outdoor enthusiasts can explore hiking trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains, enjoy beach activities, play disc golf, relax by resort pools, visit nearby parks, or experience coastal adventures throughout the region.

  • Is Chaminade Resort close to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?

    Yes. Chaminade Resort & Spa is located approximately 4.2 miles from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, making it easy for guests to enjoy one of California's most iconic seaside attractions.

  • What family-friendly activities are available in Santa Cruz?

    Families can enjoy the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, beach outings, hiking trails, resort pools, bonfire and s'mores experiences, outdoor games, local events, and seasonal activities throughout Santa Cruz.

  • Where can I go wine tasting near Santa Cruz?

    The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to numerous wineries and tasting rooms. Guests staying at Chaminade Resort & Spa have convenient access to local wine tasting experiences, vineyard tours, and craft beer destinations throughout the region.

  • What resort activities are available at Chaminade Resort & Spa?

    Chaminade Resort & Spa offers a variety of on-site activities, including heated pools, private cabanas, hiking trails, bocce ball, disc golf, wine experiences, live music events, bonfire and s'mores packages, and seasonal entertainment for guests.