Santa Cruz Attractions and Guided Visits

October 31, 2026

Santa Cruz has a handful of paid attractions that run on a schedule, plus several free ones. This page lists the main ones with the figures that matter when you plan: hours, fares and parking. All prices are in US dollars and can change, so confirm on the operator’s site.

Roaring Camp Redwood Forest Steam Train

Roaring Camp Railroads is at 5401 Graham Hill Road in Felton. The Redwood Forest Steam Train takes 75 minutes and departs daily. Fares are $42.35 for adults (13 and over) and $26.45 for children 2 to 12, with children under 2 free. Parking is $10 per vehicle, and walking around the grounds is free except during special events. The locomotives date from 1890, and steam is not guaranteed on every trip because equipment can vary.

The Beach Train from Felton to the Boardwalk is not running now. Roaring Camp lists it as returning in spring 2027. Santa Cruz METRO Route 35 stops at Henry Cowell and the Felton Covered Bridge, a short walk from the grounds.

Mystery Spot

The Mystery Spot is at 465 Mystery Spot Road and is a California Historical Landmark (No. 1055, designated in 2014). Tickets cost $12 per person whether bought online or at the door, and children 3 and under are free. Parking is $5 per vehicle, and active-duty military visit free with ID. It is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm, with tours every half hour or more often. Arrive 30 minutes early. Weekends and holidays often sell out around noon, though same-day tickets are sold until 2 hours before a tour.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center

The Seymour Center is at 100 McAllister Way on the UCSC Coastal Science Campus. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. It has touch pools, aquariums and one of the largest blue whale skeletons on display. Tickets are valid for 30 days and cost about $9 to $12, so check the website for the current price. Children under 3 and UCSC students are free. Guided tours are included with admission and run first-come. Weekday parking is paid through ParkMobile, and weekend parking is free.

Wilder Ranch State Park

Wilder Ranch offers free ranch tours on Saturday and Sunday at 1pm with no reservation, but call ahead to confirm. Day use is $10 per vehicle, and dogs are not allowed. The Park Store is closed until further notice, and the Ohlone Bluff Trail has intermittent work closures in October 2026.

Sanctuary Exploration Center

The free Sanctuary Exploration Center at 35 Pacific Avenue has exhibits on the Monterey Bay sanctuary. It is open 10am to 4pm, most days Thursday to Sunday, so check ahead. Plan on a short visit.

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

The adobe on Mission Plaza is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday from 10am to 4pm. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Fares and schedules are on the Roaring Camp site and the Mystery Spot site . To compare guided outings, search Viator .