Centrally located in the vibrant city of Santa Cruz, CA, Hotel Paradox offers a gateway to an eclectic range of activities and experiences. Our team of California locals knows exactly where to go in Santa Cruz, and we’re happy to share some of our favorites, from the usual guidebook highlights to the true insider spots. Come escape the ordinary and embrace adventure at Hotel Paradox.
California's oldest state park, Big Basin Redwoods State Park features over 18,000 acres of redwood trees, spectacular waterfalls, and campsites, as well as over 80 miles of hiking trails. Visitors can hike through lush redwood forest and experience wildlife such as deer, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, and various species of birds. There are four different campgrounds in the park and a total of 146 campsites.
Enjoy guided tours through the Redwood Forest with Mount Hermon Redwood Canopy Tours. Each tour lasts two hours and includes two suspension bridges and six zip lines. Two certified tour guides lead groups of up to eight visitors through the beautiful coastal redwood forest, sharing the history of the area and their knowledge of the forests. Kids must be ten years old or older to participate.
With steam engines dating back to the 1890s, the Roaring Camp Railroad offers a fascinating way to step back in time and a spectacular experience in nature. Choose from two exciting routes to travel: the Redwood Forest Steam Train, which heads through redwoods to Bear Mountain, or the Santa Cruz Beach Train to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Come Christmas time, kids won't want to miss the Candy Cane Train!
Located north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1, Año Nuevo State Park is the world's largest mainland breeding ground for northern elephant seals. While seals can be seen year-round at Año Nuevo, the best time for viewing is during the breeding season from mid-December to the end of March. You are required to reserve a guided tour to visit the park during the breeding season.
The Natural Bridges State Park, with its iconic natural rock bridge, is ideal for watching shore and ocean birds, migrating whales, and seals and otters cavorting in the shallow waters. At low tide, tide pools are filled with sea stars, crabs, sea anemones, and other ocean life. From mid-October to late January, the park’s canyons and eucalyptus groves draw thousands of beautiful Monarch Butterflies.
The Mystery Spot is a circular area in the redwood forests where the effects of physics, gravity, perception, and height do not appear to behave normally. Discovered in 1939, the area is the subject of much speculation as to the cause of this scientific anomaly, with explanations ranging from extra-terrestrial activity to geological irregularities. There is also a nearby hiking trail and a gift shop.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been the go-to attraction in Santa Cruz for over 100 years. Home to famous rides such as the Giant Dipper roller coaster and the 1911 Looff Carousel, the boardwalk is one of the only beachfront amusement parks in the country. Join generations of Santa Cruz locals and visitors by creating your own lasting memories at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!
Situated on the Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, California is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the Central Coast. Whether you're interested in surfing, beachcombing, wildlife watching, sunbathing or simply relaxing at the beach, you're sure to discover the perfect Santa Cruz beach to fulfill your pursuits. A number of popular Santa Cruz beaches are located close to the Hotel Paradox.
Established by Padre Lasuen on September 25, 1791, Mission la Exaltacion de la Santa Cruz was the 12th of the 21 California religious outposts. In addition to the beautiful Holy Cross Church built on the site of the original mission church in 1889, the adjacent museum—the only surviving mission building—showcases a fascinating collection of historic vestments, vessels, and candlesticks.
When it comes to fun things to do in Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History is one of the best. In addition to fascinating exhibitions, events, and programs focused on contemporary art and local history, the museum hosts an array of exciting community events on the first and third Friday evenings of each month, as well as seasonal family festivals and educational seminars.
Located in the historic Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum celebrates over 100 years of surfing in Santa Cruz. In addition to antique redwood plank surfboards and early edition wetsuits, visitors will enjoy stunning views of Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay.
Ask one hundred different people for their favorite part of downtown Santa Cruz and you’re likely to get one hundred different answers. From the unique and eclectic shops and restaurants to a cutting-edge music scene, family-friendly activities, and year-round schedule of events, there’s truly an attraction for everyone in the vibrant and inviting district of downtown Santa Cruz, California.
Capitola Village is an upscale historic seaside resort on the coast in Santa Cruz County, just six miles south of Santa Cruz. This quaint resort town offers visitors a wide range of shopping, dining, and beach activities. The oldest beach resort on the Pacific Coast, Capitola offers remarkably pleasant weather year-round. Be sure to check out the Capitola Wharf for beautiful sunset views.
Less than five miles from Hotel Paradox, the UCSC campus overlooks Monterey Bay from a stunning hilltop location tucked amid towering redwood forests. Highly lauded for its liberal arts curriculum, the university’s research bodies include: the Institute of Marine Sciences, Santa Cruz Institute for Particle Physics, UC Observatories/Lick Observatory, and the Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research.
1.2 miles | 5 min drive
Stretching nearly three miles along the Santa Cruz coastline, West Cliff Drive offers some of the most iconic ocean views in California. Perfect for walking, biking, or simply pausing to watch the surfers at Steamer Lane, this scenic path winds past coves, tidepools, and the historic Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Sunrise brings a quiet calm, while sunsets paint the horizon with unforgettable color. It’s not just a walk, it’s a Santa Cruz ritual.
1.5 miles | 6 min drive
A local favorite, Seabright stretches half a mile between the Boardwalk and the Harbor, perfect for sunbathing, dog walks, and sunset watching. Visitors gather around fire rings for marshmallows in summer, stroll the jetty to Walton Lighthouse, or catch views of the Wednesday night sailboat races. With a warmer climate than most nearby beaches, Seabright offers easy access, restrooms, summer lifeguards, and a true neighborhood vibe.
12 miles | 27 Min Drive
Tucked deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Loch Lomond feels like a hidden world away from the coast. Surrounded by redwoods and rolling trails, the sapphire lake invites you to wander, paddle, fish, or simply sit still in its quiet coves. While swimming isn’t allowed, rowboats and electric boats are available to rent, giving you a chance to explore the shoreline or picnic on Clarr Innis Island at the lake’s center. With bald eagles overhead, wildflowers at your feet, and trails that weave through old-growth forests, Loch Lomond is less about a destination and more about a state of wonder.
7.3 miles | 14 min Drive
In the heart of Capitola Village, this postcard-worthy beach is framed by the iconic colorful Venetian-style buildings and the lively charm of the waterfront. Calm waters make it perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or introducing little ones to the waves, while the nearby surf break keeps things exciting for board riders. The Capitola Wharf offers a scenic stroll, a spot to cast a fishing line, and sweeping views of Monterey Bay.
Steps from the sand, Capitola Village buzzes with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, making this more than a beach day, it’s a full experience. From morning coffee overlooking the water to golden-hour fishing on the wharf, Capitola blends coastal leisure with small-town character.
5.9 Miles | 12 min Drive
A laid-back surf neighborhood on Santa Cruz’s east side, Pleasure Point is best experienced on foot along East Cliff Drive. This blufftop path winds above the waves, offering sweeping views of Monterey Bay and front-row seats to surfers carving at world-famous breaks like Rockview, !st Peak, 38th, The Hook. Along the way, you’ll pass lookout parks, a wooden tiki landmark, and even the cliffside home of surf legend Jack O’Neill.
The stroll captures the heart of Santa Cruz surf culture: wetsuits drying on fences, cruisers rolling past, and neighbors gathering at the farmers’ market or coffee shops on nearby 41st Avenue. Whether you’re here to surf, spectate, or simply soak in the salty air, Pleasure Point makes every step feel like part of the local rhythm.
8.3 miles | 13 min drive
Aptos’ hidden redwood sanctuary, Nisene Marks offers over 10,000 acres of trails, creeks, and second-growth forest perfect for hiking, biking, or simply wandering beneath the canopy. For dog owners, pups are welcome on-leash along Aptos Creek Fire Road and four nearby trails—including the Vienna Woods Trail, a favorite for its mix of wildflowers, mushrooms, and creek crossings. With towering redwoods overhead and quiet paths underfoot, Nisene Marks feels worlds away, yet only minutes from the coast.
7.5 miles | 21 min Drive
Beloved by locals and travelers alike, Henry Cowell showcases the best of the Santa Cruz Mountains—towering redwoods, winding rivers, and trails for every type of explorer. For dog-friendly hikes, start at the main entrance off Highway 9 and wander the Pipeline Trail, a 6-mile paved out-and-back that winds beneath the redwood canopy, along the San Lorenzo River, and even under the historic train trestle of Roaring Camp Railroads. Other favorites include the Meadow Trail, Graham Hill Trail, and Powder Mill Fire Road, each offering a different perspective on the park’s rich landscapes.
8.8 miles | 18 min drive
Just north of Santa Cruz, Cotoni-Coast Dairies offers over 5,000 acres of rolling coastal hills, redwood groves, and sweeping ocean views. This protected landscape, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, is a haven for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers looking to explore wild California at its most untouched. Trails wind from ridgelines to hidden canyons, revealing wildflowers in spring, golden grasses in summer, and expansive vistas year-round. It’s less crowded than other local parks, making it the perfect spot to reconnect with nature, pause, and take in the contrasts of coast and mountain.
2 min walk from your room
Right here at Hotel Paradox, Solaire brings the flavors of Santa Cruz to the table. The menu blends fresh, local ingredients with a creative twist — think coastal, seasonal, and always a little unexpected. It’s where the spirit of the city meets the ease of gathering over food and drink.
15 min walk | 5 min drive
Downtown Santa Cruz’s gathering place for coffee, conversation, and community. Known for its small-batch roasts and seasonal specialties — like campfire mochas or pumpkin cream cold brew — 11th Hour pairs each cup with a lineup of house-made baked goods that locals swear by. Think fragrant cardamom rose cake, cherry bourbon scones, and more. It’s a spot where creativity, comfort, and caffeine collide.
6.8 miles | 17 min drive
Tucked into the heart of Felton, The Grove is where warm pastries, good coffee, and a sense of community come together. Each pastry is crafted with seasonal flavors, from inventive croissants to rotating specialties that highlight the best of the region. Pair your pick with a thoughtfully brewed cup of 11th Hour coffee — maybe a honey bear latte or a mushroom mocha — and you’ve got the perfect start before wandering into the redwoods.
5.0 miles | 10 min drive
A true Capitola staple, Gayle’s has been delighting locals and visitors for generations with its bustling bakery and café. The cases are filled daily with fresh breads, pastries, and desserts — from flaky croissants to their iconic Princess Cake. It’s also a go-to for beautifully crafted birthday and celebration cakes. Pair a Verve coffee with one of their seasonal cookies or sweets, and you’ll see why Gayle’s is a cherished part of the Santa Cruz food scene.
4.2 miles | 15 min drive
The sweetest stop in town. From classic glazed and apple fritters to croissant donuts, mochi creations, and over-the-top flavors like maple bacon or s’mores, this is where Santa Cruz comes to indulge. Open Friday–Sunday with rotating specials, it’s the only spot in town where you’ll find donuts stuffed with ice cream — because sometimes one treat just isn’t enough.
1.3 miles | 5 min drive
A local favorite just steps from the beach, Seabright Deli is known for its hearty, house-smoked meats, inventive sandwiches, and famous banana pudding. From brisket piled high on a toasted roll to fresh seafood and vegetarian options, their menu delivers bold flavors with a Santa Cruz twist. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before the beach or fueling up after a day in the sun, this neighborhood deli serves comfort with character.
Enhance your stay, enjoy a beach day.
When your friends and family show up, it’s all set. Don’t worry about a thing. Enjoy oversized umbrellas, luxury beach loungers, sand rugs, beach chairs, coolers filled with refreshments and all the amenities to make your day what it should be. Perfect, easy and fun.
5.2 Miles | 11 min drive
Step back in time at the Capitola Historical Museum, where the city’s past is preserved through stories, artifacts, and rotating exhibits. Along with annual exhibitions highlighting local history and art, the museum grounds feature a fully furnished 1907 beach cottage and an early 20th-century bath house that bring the coastal heritage to life. With collections of photographs, oral histories, and special displays at the Capitola Library, the museum offers a thoughtful glimpse into the culture, architecture, and community that shaped this seaside town.
1.9 miles | 9 min Drive
Set sail on Monterey Bay aboard the Chardonnay, Santa Cruz’s premier sailing charter. Whether you’re chasing the glow of sunset, toasting with local wines, or watching dolphins play in the wake, every cruise offers a new perspective of the coast. The catamarans are spacious and inviting, with room to lounge, mingle, or simply breathe in the salt air. From casual afternoon sails to themed wine and beer cruises, Chardonnay Sailing blends adventure with ease—making it one of the most memorable ways to experience Santa Cruz from the water.
Rootstock Collective is more than a marketplace it’s a community of artists, makers, and dreamers shaping the creative spirit of Santa Cruz. Their curated pop-ups and events bring together local artisans across mediums jewelry, ceramics, textiles, fine art, and more celebrating craft that’s both soulful and sustainable. Rootstock creates spaces where locals and travelers can connect with the makers behind the work, turning shopping into a story. Whether it’s a poolside market under the full moon or a seasonal showcase downtown, Rootstock is where Santa Cruz creativity comes to life.
5.2 Miles | 30 Minutes Biking |11 Minutes Driving
A gem in the heart of Santa Cruz, Lumen Gallery brings together timeless design and the natural beauty of gemstones. The space feels both refined and soulful, offering handcrafted jewelry that balances elegance with a bohemian edge. Each piece is curated to reflect quality and intention, whether you’re drawn to sparkling statement rings or delicate everyday wear. Beyond jewelry, the gallery hosts art and objects that honor craftsmanship and creativity. More than a shop, Lumen is an invitation to slow down, explore, and take home something that feels personal and lasting.
0.7 miles | 4 min drive
Rooted in the heart of Santa Cruz, Yoso Wellness Spa is a sanctuary for balance, beauty, and renewal. Their treatments blend ancient practices with modern techniques—think massage, acupuncture, skincare, and energy work—all designed to restore the body and calm the mind. Every detail, from organic botanicals to intentional touch, reflects their philosophy that true wellness is felt through all the senses. Whether you’re seeking deep relaxation, radiant skin, or a reset for your whole being, Yoso offers a healing pause from the everyday.
4.6 Miles | 22 Minutes Biking |16 Minutes Driving
Capitola Village is an upscale historic seaside resort on the coast in Santa Cruz County, just six miles south of Santa Cruz. This quaint resort town offers visitors a wide range of shopping, dining, and beach activities. The oldest beach resort on the Pacific Coast, Capitola offers remarkably pleasant weather year-round. Be sure to check out the Capitola Wharf for beautiful sunset views.
6.8 miles | 17 min drive
Tucked in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Downtown Felton is a small town with a big spirit. Just minutes from the redwoods of Henry Cowell, this mountain hub blends rustic charm with creative energy. Wander its walkable streets and you’ll find independent shops, cozy cafés, craft breweries, and a thriving local art scene. From grabbing a croissant at The Grove Café to catching live music at a local taproom, Felton offers an authentic taste of mountain living. It’s the perfect place to pause after a hike, connect with locals, and explore the slower, soulful side of Santa Cruz County.
