Summer in Santa Cruz County is pure magic with longer days, warmer nights, and a full calendar of ways to enjoy life on the Central Coast. Think golden sunshine, cool ocean breezes, late-night bonfires on the beach, and endless opportunities to explore the beauty and bounty of the Central Coast. From refreshing river swims to berry picking, Santa Cruz transforms into a sun-soaked playground for adventurers, foodies, and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re planning your weekends or crafting the ultimate vacation itinerary, this Santa Cruz Summer Bucket List is your go-to guide for an unforgettable summer experience. So grab your sunscreen, charge your camera, and get ready to make memories in one of the most beautiful corners of California.
Outdoor Nature Adventures
Summer is when Santa Cruz truly comes alive outdoors. With warm temperatures and long days, it’s the perfect time to dive into everything from redwood hikes to saltwater swims.
- Paddleboard at the Santa Cruz Harbor – Rent a paddleboard and glide past sailboats, sea lions, and under the iconic Walton Lighthouse—it’s peaceful, fun, and a full-body workout with a view.
- Visit Shark Park Aboard the O’Neill Yacht – Cruise along the coast near New Brighton State Beach to spot juvenile great white sharks in their natural habitat—an unforgettable, only-in-Santa-Cruz summer adventure.
- Bike the Coastal Trail from Wilder Ranch to Natural Bridges – Take advantage of the ocean breeze and explore the paved trail connecting some of the county’s most stunning coastal views and hidden beach access points.
- Camp Under the Stars at Henry Cowell or Sunset State Beach – Secure a reservation at Henry Cowell State Park and spend a weekend beneath the redwoods. You can also reserve a spot at one of the best hidden gem campgrounds: Sunset State Beach. The summer is the best time for beach camping or sleeping under the redwoods.
- Take a Meditation Walk through Land of Medicine Buddha – A peaceful, hidden retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains that is the perfect spot to escape the summer heat and explore lush redwood forests.
- Watch the Bioluminescence Glow in the Water – On warm, calm summer nights, head to beaches like Seacliff or New Brighton for a chance to see the rare glowing blue waves caused by bioluminescent plankton. It’s like underwater stardust!
- Swim in the San Lorenzo River at Garden of Eden – This hidden gem swimming hole in Henry Cowell offers cool, clear water, lush greenery, and big boulders to sunbathe on.
Iconic Local Activities
- Ride the Giant Dipper at the Boardwalk – A summer staple. Ride the 1920s wooden coaster, eat some funnel cake, and embrace your inner kid again.
- Discover the Mystery Spot in the Summer Sun – This iconic optical illusion spot is at its quirkiest when the sun is out. Be mystified as you see the laws of gravity be broken, and then stop in the gift shop for something to remember the mind-boggling adventure.
- Surfing at Steamer Lane – For experienced surfers, catch some waves at one of the most famous surf spots in the world, Steamer Lane. Ripping it up in the water or watching from the cliffs, this is the place to be for surf lovers.
- Ride the Roaring Camp Steam Train to the Beach – Take the classic open-air train from the redwoods of Felton down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk—it’s scenic, nostalgic, and great for all ages.
- Wander through Capitola Village’s Colorful Seaside Shops – Stroll through this charming coastal village, where vibrant shops, beachy vibes, and ocean views await.
- Take a Scenic Backroad Drive through Bonny Doon – Discover rolling vineyards, lush forests, and stunning ocean vistas on this peaceful, scenic drive.
- Have a Picnic at Davenport Bluffs – Escape the crowds and enjoy a secluded coastal picnic with breathtaking, panoramic views at Davenport Bluffs.
- Explore the Santa Cruz Wharf – Stroll along the wharf, enjoy fresh seafood, and take in views of the bay. Don’t forget to stop by for a photo op with the sea lions.
- Go to a Santa Cruz Beach Bonfire – Gather your friends for a bonfire on Seabright/Twin Lakes or Rio Del Mar beach. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the evening with a view of the ocean, s’mores, and live music from nearby beachgoers.
- Biking on West Cliff Drive – Rent a bike and cruise along the scenic West Cliff Drive with ocean views, passing surfers, and the iconic Lighthouse Point.
Seasonal Bites & Sips
Santa Cruz in summer means flavors as fresh as the sea breeze. Whether you’re craving BBQ, icy açaí bowls, or local brews, these eats scream summer.
- Cool Down with Brazilian Açaí Bowls – Head to Café Brasil, Samba Rock, or Roxa Hammock Café for the ultimate refreshing treat: thick, fruity açaí bowls topped with granola, bananas, and honey. Santa Cruz is known for its bountiful list of places to grab amazing açaí bowls.
- Pick Berries at a U-Pick Farm – Visit Swanton Berry Farm, Gizdich Ranch, or Crystal Bay Farm to pick fresh olallieberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries all summer long. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Santa Cruz’s sweetest seasonal fruit!
- Have a BBQ Feast from Aptos St. BBQ or Mission St. BBQ – Smoky tri-tip, loaded mac and cheese, and housemade sauces— BBQ is the quintessential summer food, and no one does it better than Aptos St and Mission St BBQ.
- Frozen Cider at Santa Cruz Cider Company – This hidden Watsonville gem serves up rotating frozen hard cider slushies—perfect for sipping on a hot day. They also have cider pops – a refreshing hard cider with a fruity popsicle in it like an ice cube!
- Grab a Fresh Berry Pie from Gizdich Ranch – Summer means strawberries! Pick your own fruit or just grab a fresh-baked pie from this Watsonville classic.
- Pack a Picnic and Head to the Bluffs – Few things beat a picnic at Davenport Bluffs—especially with a spread of local cheeses, fresh fruit, and crusty bread from Companion Bakeshop.
- Seasonal Farmers’ Markets Return – Felton and Scotts Valley markets are back for summer—shop fresh produce, local goods, and enjoy sunny community vibes.
- Explore the Santa Cruz Mountains Vineyards – Sip your way through the Santa Cruz Mountains with a wine-tasting tour. With the rolling hills and vineyard views, it’s a perfect day out for wine lovers.
Events & Local Happenings
From music festivals to quirky parades, Santa Cruz County knows how to do summer right. Mark your calendar for these seasonal standouts!
- Capitola Twilight Concert Series – June 3 to August 19, 2026
Bring a blanket, grab takeout from the village, and enjoy free live music right on the esplanade in Capitola every Wednesday evening from June through August. - Free Movies on the Beach – June 12 to August 7, 2026
Friday nights at 9pm, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk turns the sand into an outdoor cinema. Bring a blanket and settle in for a movie under the stars right along Main Beach. - Capitola Rod & Custom Classic Car Show – June 13, 2026
Spend the day in Capitola exploring rows of classic and custom cars set against the backdrop of the village and coastline. - Redwood Mountain Faire – May 30–31, 2026
Held in Felton, this two-day festival features live music, local crafts, food vendors, and a relaxed redwood setting that makes it one of the most community-driven events of the season. - Woodies on the Wharf – June 27, 2026
Classic wood-paneled cars line the Santa Cruz Wharf alongside live surf music and ocean views for a full day of vintage coastal culture. - Pleasure Point Street Fair – June 27, 2026
Portola Drive in Pleasure Point transforms into a full street festival with live music, local vendors, a beer garden, and activities for all ages, stretching between 38th and 41st Avenues. - Hop ’n Barley Festival – Summer 2026 (Dates TBA)
Hosted in Scotts Valley, this laid-back festival brings together local breweries, cideries, food trucks, and live music for an easy summer afternoon. - Santa Cruz Shakespeare – July through August
Enjoy Shakespeare under the redwoods at Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park. Bring a picnic and settle in for an evening of live theater in a setting that feels completely immersed in nature. - Wharf to Wharf Race – July 26, 2026
This iconic six-mile race runs from Santa Cruz to Capitola, with live music and cheering crowds lining the entire route. Whether you run or spectate, it is one of the biggest summer traditions in the county. - Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music – July 26 to August 9, 2026
Hosted at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, this internationally recognized festival brings together leading and emerging composers from around the world to premiere bold new works. Performances, open rehearsals, and artist programming offer a rare chance to experience music that is often being heard for the very first time, all within Santa Cruz’s coastal setting. - Watsonville Strawberry Festival – August 1–2, 2026
Celebrate peak strawberry season in Watsonville with fresh berries, creative strawberry-inspired foods, live entertainment, and a full weekend of family-friendly activities. - Scotts Valley Art, Wine & Beer Festival – August 15–16, 2026
Held in Scotts Valley, this two-day event features local wine, craft beer, food vendors, and artists, with a classic car show on Saturday and Dog Day Sunday to close out the weekend. - Capitola Beach Festival – September 26–27, 2026
A long-standing tradition in Capitola, this beachfront festival fills the village with sand sculpture contests, live music, food, and all-day activity along the esplanade.