Best Santa Cruz Day Trips & Things to Do

This Northern California city's officials and businesses have challenged Huntington Beach's trademark of "Surf City USA" claiming it to be Santa Cruz's nickname. Established in 1866, Santa Cruz features Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, University of California Santa Cruz, Town Clock Tower, Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, Mission Santa Cruz and De Laveaga Disc Golf Course. The city is situated on the north side of Monterey Bay and its Wharf offers a spot for fishing, watching nearby sea lions, shopping and dining.