Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill

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1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: German and 4 more

Explore the vibrant heart of Santa Cruz on this engaging 90-minute walking tour. Discover hidden gems and captivating tales as local guides share their knowledge of the area's rich history and culture. This tour seamlessly blends the lively downtown scene with the historic charm of the Mission Hill district, ensuring an enlightening experience for both newcomers and locals. With a comfortable walking pace and small group sizes, participants enjoy a personalized adventure filled with insights and stories that bring Santa Cruz to life.

- 90-minute guided walking tour of downtown Santa Cruz and Mission Hill
- Led by knowledgeable local guides sharing unique stories
- Comfortable walking pace with some stairs, no special gear needed
- Small group sizes for a more engaging experience

What's Included

Safe guidance on city sidewalks/neighborhoods
Parking near Abbott square is around 1.25 per hour - can use ParkMobile app. Free parking is available further away from Abbott Square.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Look for your tour guide wearing an aloha shirt

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1

    This half-block served as Santa Cruz's city and county center, with the Cooper House originally built as the courthouse in 1866. In the 1970s-80s it transformed into a legendary gathering spot for music, dining, and dancing. Demolished after the 1989 earthquake, the site is now home to Abbott Square.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    See the Compass Rose building, one of the oldest surviving structures downtown, and the iconicTown Clock built in 1976.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Enjoy sweeping views of downtown from this historic site, home to the oldest building in Santa Cruz County—an 1822-1824 adobe that housed indigenous families at the Mission, the best preserved Native American residence at any California mission.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Once the heart of the Mission Santa Cruz, this plaza became the original town center after secularization in the 1830s, serving as the gathering place for the emerging community.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Squid Row is a quirky alley between Chestnut and Union streets, once home to the legendary Calamari Festival in the 1980s. This artistic enclave features unique architectural details and creative galleries.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Santa Cruz City Hall, built in 1937 in Monterey Colonial Revival style, and the neighboring Civic Auditorium from 1940 form the city's government and cultural center downtown.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Stroll through this walkable neighborhood lined with grand Victorian-era homes and lush gardens,

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8

    This stunning Art Deco movie palace, built in 1936, remains a beloved downtown landmark showcasing independent films and hosting legendary midnight screenings.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Walk Santa Cruz

Tags

Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Small Group
Additional fees
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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