Santa Cruz, California Hotels and Resorts

Our guide to Santa Cruz Museums and Historical Sites  will help you explore Santa Cruz’ history.

Click here to search  Half Moon Bay (45 miles north) or Monterey (40 miles south).

 

Santa Cruz Museums

 

Capitola Historical Museum

The Capitola Historical Museum maintains an extensive collection of photographs and artifacts related to Capitola’s history, and offers quarterly changing exhibits on the history and art of the area, as well as on special seasonal and topical themes.

Address: 410 Capitola Ave., Capitola, CA
Phone: (831) 464-0322 
Website: https://www.cityofcapitola.org/capitola-museum

The Davenport Jail Museum

The Davenport Jail Museum features a historical perspective on native settlements, the natural environment, major industries, and community life.

Address: 70 Center Street, Davenport, CA 95017
Website: https://www.santacruzmah.org/davenportjail

Museum of Natural History – City of Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History has been bringing the delights and wonders of the natural world to Santa Cruz residents and visitors for 100 years. With it’s early beginnings in the Santa Cruz public library, the Museum collections and displays have been housed in various locations in the City.

Plans are underway to build a new, larger Museum at Depot Park. While construction is still several years away, we invite you to enjoy the exhibits and programs at our Seabright location, and keep checking back for news on our progress.

Located in: Tyrrell Park
Address: 1305 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 
Phone: (831) 420-6115
Website: https://www.santacruzmuseum.org/

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History

The Museum of Art & History is a non-profit educational institution that promotes a greater understanding of contemporary art and the history of Santa Cruz County, through its exhibitions, collections, and programs, for the benefit of residents and visitors to Santa Cruz County.

Located in: Cooperhouse Shopping Center
Address: 705 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 
Phone: (831) 429-1964
Website: https://www.santacruzmah.org/

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

The Surf Museum covers over 100 years of  Santa Cruz surfing history.

Located in: Lighthouse Point Park
Address: 701 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 
Phone: (831) 420-6289
Website: https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/parks-recreation/facilities/surfing-museum

Seymour Marine Discovery Center – at  Long Marine Lab

Visit a working marine laboratory. Exhibit halls, aquarium, touch tanks, tours to marine mammal research overlook, Ocean Discovery Shop, and unsurpassed vistas of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Hold a sea star — marvel at the world’s largest whale skeleton — see full-size elephant seal sculptures — think like a scientist!

Located in: University of California Santa Cruz
Address: 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 
Phone: (831) 459-3800
Website: https://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/

 

Santa Cruz Historical Sites

 

Evergreen Cemetery

The Evergreen Cemetery is one of California’s oldest Protestant grave sites.

Address: 261 Evergreen St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 
Phone: (831) 429-1964
Website: https://www.santacruzmah.org/evergreen/

Mission Santa Cruz (mission de santa cruz)

The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park sits atop Mission Hill offering a patio, gardens, and excellent views of the city.  The park features the only building left of the 12th California Mission, Misión la Exaltacion de la Santa Cruz, founded by the Franciscans in 1791.

Address: 120 Emmett St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Website: https://holycrosssantacruz.com/mission-santa-cruz/

Roaring Camp and Big Trees Narrow-Gauge Railroad

The Big Trees Railroad takes visitors on a 75 minute trip through the redwood forest.

Address: 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA 95018 
Phone: (831) 335-4484
Website: https://www.roaringcamp.com/

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

The site of a complex of buildings erected around the original Santa Cruz Mission.

Address: 144 School St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 
Phone: (831) 425-5849
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=548