7-Day Adventure Itinerary in Santa Cruz

1. Day 1: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
   10 minutes (3.5 miles) from Downtown Santa Cruz

   Experience thrilling rides, games, and seaside strolls on the oldest amusement park in California.

2. Day 2: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
   15 minutes (6.5 miles) from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

   Trek through towering redwoods via multiple hiking trails, or ride a steam train through the lush forest.

3. Day 3: Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center
   30 minutes (12.5 miles) from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

   Appreciate the wilderness through guided nature walks, wildlife exhibits, and history lessons on the surrounding areas.

4. Day 4: Pleasure Point Beach
   20 minutes (8.5 miles) from Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center

   Watch skilled surfers navigate the waves. Enjoy the beach by swimming, sunbathing and strolling on the cliffs.

5. Day 5: Santa Cruz Harbor seals beach
   10 minutes (3 miles) from Pleasure Point Beach

   Observe harbor seals and sea lions sunbathe on the beach, then rent a kayak or charter a fishing boat to explore the water.

6. Day 6: Whale Watching
   15 minutes (5 miles) from Santa Cruz Harbor seals beach

   Experience a memorable offshore adventure and witness majestic humpback and grey whales from a boat.

7. Day 7: Mount Hermon Adventures
   20 minutes (7 miles) from Whale Watching

   Experience the thrill of ziplining amid towering redwood trees, or challenge your skills in aerial ropes courses and rafting.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (4-6 hours, $50)
• Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (3-4 hours, $10 for parking fee)
• Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center (2-3 hours, Free)
• Pleasure Point Beach (2-3 hours, Free)
• Santa Cruz Harbor seals beach (2-3 hours, Free)
• Whale Watching (2-3 hours, $40-$60)
• Mount Hermon Adventures (3-4 hours, $60-$150)
Total Estimated Costs: $120-$280

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center or Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. If you have less time, skip Rancho del Oso and focus on exploring the outdoor activities in Santa Cruz. Remember, most places are outdoors so pack sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Verify and plan timing and activities according to each day's opening and closing times for the attractions, parks, and beaches.