Santa Cruz Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, located in Santa Cruz, offers a rich tapestry of historical and cultural significance, centered around the legacy of Mission Santa Cruz. Originally founded in 1791 by the Franciscan order, the mission was named in honor of the Feast of the Exultation of the Cross. This name was inspired by explorer Gaspar de Portola who, upon his arrival in 1769, erected a wooden cross at the San Lorenzo River. The mission played a critical role in the ecclesiastical conversion of the indigenous population, initially targeting the Ohlone and later the Yokuts people.

Today, the site features the Holy Cross Church, constructed in 1889 on the foundation of the original mission church, which continues to serve as an active parish within the Diocese of Monterey. A notable addition to the historical landscape is a half-size replica of the original mission church, built in the 1930s, which now functions as a chapel for Holy Cross Church.

One of the few remnants of the extensive original mission complex, which once included up to 32 buildings, is the Neary-Rodriguez Adobe. This structure, initially a dormitory for native acolytes, has been transformed into a museum that is part of the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. The museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the visual history of the area, boasting a collection of historical artifacts that reflect the rich history of Santa Cruz. It offers a variety of educational activities, including tours of the Evergreen Cemetery, the Octagon Building, and the Davenport Jail Museum, making it an enriching destination for visitors keen to explore the unique historical narrative of Santa Cruz.

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH), nestled in the downtown of Santa Cruz, is a dynamic cultural hub founded in 1996. This nonprofit educational institution and museum fosters community engagement and enrichment, aiming to create unique experiences and connections through art and history.

At the core of MAH’s offerings are diverse art and history exhibitions, interactive installations, and educational programs that cater to all ages. The museum, which is a successor to the Santa Cruz County Museum of Art founded in 1982 and the Santa Cruz Historical Society established in 1954, houses a comprehensive history collection with over 7,000 items. This includes a permanent gallery dedicated to the history of the Monterey Bay Area, alongside a well-stocked research library and archive.

MAH is also home to the Fred D. McPherson Jr. Publications Fund, which supports the production of the Santa Cruz County History Journal and other historical publications. The museum extends its reach beyond its primary location by managing Abbott Square community plaza and historical sites like Evergreen Cemetery, Davenport Jail, and the Octagon Building.

The museum's exhibitions are designed to be inclusive, with multilingual displays in English and Spanish. Highlights include "Conexiones," featuring select works from the Museum of Latin American Art, and "Queer Santa Cruz," which explores the local LGBTQ community's history. "Art & Healing: 30 Years After the Loma Prieta Earthquake" provides insight into the community's resilience and recovery post-disaster.

Outdoor exhibits and the Mary and Harry Blanchard Sculpture Garden offer additional spaces for engagement and reflection, often focusing on community life and responses to challenges. Furthermore, the museum's vibrant event calendar includes film festivals and artist panels, providing platforms for artistic expression and community dialogue.

The Del Mar Theater, situated on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz, is an iconic venue with a storied past and a vibrant present. Constructed in 1936 during the pinnacle of the movie palace era, the theater exemplifies the Art Deco style that defined that period. A significant restoration in 2002 modernized the theater while preserving its historical essence, enhancing it with cutting-edge sound and projection systems to ensure a premier cinematic experience.

Today, the Del Mar is operated by Landmark Theatres under the ownership of the City of Santa Cruz. It features a grand auditorium with 288 seats and two smaller theaters, each with 138 seats. This triplex arrangement allows the theater to offer a diverse array of film experiences, from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to foreign and independent films. Midnight movie screenings are a particularly popular draw, adding a unique flavor to its repertoire.

Community involvement is central to Del Mar's operations, as it opens its doors to local groups for presentations and is an active participant in the cultural life of Santa Cruz. Annually, from April 1st to November 15th, the theater is available for non-profit organizations to host film festivals and lecture series, emphasizing its role as a community hub.

The concession area of the theater is another highlight, where patrons can enjoy organic popcorn with real butter under a beautifully designed Art Deco ceiling. This space offers a variety of popular local snacks, adding to the overall enjoyment of the movie-going experience.

The Del Mar Theater remains a cherished institution in Santa Cruz, combining rich history, architectural beauty, and modern technology to create a unique and memorable cinematic experience.

Pacific Avenue is the center of Santa Cruz's downtown area. One of the things that stand out for visitors about this street is its pedestrian-friendly nature. Theaters, stores, and restaurants are along this street, and visitors can also take full advantage of street performers who are always ready to entertain passers-by.

Street vendors are always plentiful on this street, offering a variety of items to enjoy. Popular local stores to enjoy include Sacred Beads & Jewelry Gallery, Crossroads Trading Company, Think Pawsitive, and the Happy High Herb Shop. If you're looking for popular retail chain locations, some of the most popular options include Forever 21, Gap, Urban Outfitters, and the Salvation Army Thrift Store.

Dining options include Betty's Noodle House, Las Palmas Taco Bar, and Pizza my Heart. Grab some coffee at Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Company or tea at Boba Cruz. Get some sweet treats at Cold Stone Creamery or Pacific Cookie Company.

Santa Cruz Wharf, located in Santa Cruz, is a historic and vibrant pier known for its array of attractions and activities. Built in 1914, this iconic structure is the longest pier on the West Coast of the United States, stretching 2,745 feet. Managed by the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Office, it is strategically positioned between Main Beach and Cowell's Beach, near the popular Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Originally constructed to support potato shipments to San Francisco during the Gold Rush era, the wharf's role evolved significantly with the advent of motor vehicles and the decline of the local fishing industry due to depleted fish stocks by the 1950s. Transitioning from a commercial shipping and fishing hub to a recreational hotspot, the Santa Cruz Wharf now thrives as a tourist destination. It annually draws approximately 1.5 million visitors who come to enjoy fishing, dining, shopping, and wildlife viewing, especially the sea lions that are a common sight below the pier.

The wharf is home to a variety of restaurants, gift shops, and entertainment venues, offering something for every visitor. Unique events add to its allure, such as the annual Wharf to Wharf Race, a popular six-mile run to Capitola-by-the-Sea that attracts thousands of participants. The Santa Cruz Wharf also hosts the Surf City Classic "Woodies on the Wharf," Northern California’s largest woodie show featuring vintage pre-1952 wood-bodied cars.

In 2014, the wharf celebrated its centennial with a festival that included a range of activities and exhibits showcasing its rich history. This event highlighted the community's deep connection to this historic pier. Santa Cruz Wharf's cultural significance is also marked in popular culture, featuring in films like "Sudden Impact" (1983) and "The Lost Boys" (1987), which depicted its vibrant atmosphere and scenic views.

Today, the Santa Cruz Wharf stands as a testament to the city's evolving history and a beloved destination for both residents and tourists, offering a picturesque setting for a variety of leisure and cultural activities.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been serving residents and visitors since 1907. Two of the most popular landmarks within this park enjoy National Historic Landmark status. One is the Looff Carousel ring toss, offering a unique challenge for visitors. The wooden roller coaster dating back to 1924, the Giant Dipper, offers turns and dips that still impress.

One of the highlights is an indoor arcade that offers something for everyone. You can play laser tag or miniature golf, try your hand at pinball, or check out the vintage games. The most recent video games that have redemption tickets you can use for prizes are also here. An extra treat that awaits nearby is a bowling alley.

If you're in the mood for classic boardwalk food, you're in luck when you come here. Corn dogs are a popular favorite and the ones available here use a special family recipe. Some of the more unique options include deep-fried artichoke and Twinkies, as well as chocolate bacon.

Having the beach so close by is one of the best reasons to visit this park, in addition to the attractions. The beach that runs alongside the boardwalk is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This area is not only a beautiful place to enjoy a walk or do some sunbathing but is also a perfect place to see some wildlife. Whales and dolphins are popular here, and you have great chances to seeing sea otters or sea lions on the beach.

Why You Should Visit:
See two of the oldest rides still in use in California.