Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz
Active
2h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
World class private tour, completely controlled by you!
Come see the best sights in the Santa Cruz: Beach Paradise, at your leisure!
Commentary by Jackie Woods, a local legend!
This tour has been written by a local, who knows the very best spots of Santa Cruz. We have the best beach in all of Northern California, the best views, and best food and drinks available!
Don't worry about other people, this tour is completely tailored to you with the Pintours App
With our app, you can pause the tour, and check out the locations as long as you want! You can skip a stop you don't like, and you have all the best information about each stop at your fingertips.
Available options
Tour Only (No Driver)
Unlimited Uber Pass / Pickup
Unlimited Uber Pass / Pickup: Unlimited Uber Rides on us, with the Uber Pass. This option will also include a hotel pickup to the tour's first stop!<br/>Pickup included
Private Luxury Driver Included
Luxury Vehicle and Driver<br/>Pickup included
Private Luxury Van/Chauffeur
Private Luxury Sprinter Van : With Luxury Chauffeur, fits max 11 people.<br/>Pickup included
Unlimited Uber Pass
Unlimited Uber Pass: We will provide you an Uber Pass, which will let you go to each stop with your personal Uber driver.
What's included
Free navigation and Smartphone Guide
Pintours App Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Come discover all the history behind one of the biggest and best California Universities. Sitting at the top of a hill, it has the best view of Santa Cruz, and the Pacific Ocean
2
Secret Beach Location. Will be disclosed once booking tour, the best beach of all of Santa Cruz! WIth views straight out of the Almalfi Coast, you will feel like you are in italy!
3
Grab a drink or some great food at the one of the best pubs in all of Santa Cruz. WIth outdoor views, and coastal breeze, its a great place to hang out!
4
Grab Lunch, Dinner, or drinks at the best Spanish restaurant/bar with views of the ocean
5
Stop 5
Enjoy the world famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! Enjoy some rides, carnival games, or just hang out on the beach!
6
Come hang out at this private beach/restaurant/lounge! Stay as long as you want, and grab some drinks or just enjoy a sweet tea while watching the sunset!
What's not included
Parking Fees
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
ES
Written guide
EN
ES
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Depending on how you booked, your driver can meet you here, right outside the city hall. We will text you all the details.
If you are driving yourself, you can drive from this starting point.
Important notes
Our team will email or text you your redeem code 24 hours before your tour starts.
For driving packages, we will send out the confirmation details, 1 day before the tour is scheduled.
About Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, nestled between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, is a vibrant coastal city known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and world-class surfing. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a thriving arts and culture scene.
Top Attractions
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
A historic amusement park located on the beach, featuring classic rides, arcade games, and live entertainment.
Entertainment
2-4 hours
Free entry, $5-$10 per ride or $35 for unlimited ride wristband
Natural Bridges State Beach
A scenic state beach known for its natural limestone bridges, tide pools, and Monarch butterfly migration.
Nature
1-3 hours
Free (parking fee: $1 per hour)
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
A small museum dedicated to the history of surfing in Santa Cruz, housed in the historic Lighthouse Surfing Club.
Museum
1 hour
Free (donations welcome)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Açaí Bowl
A popular breakfast item made with frozen açaí berries, blended with fruit and topped with granola, honey, and fresh fruit.
Breakfast
Vegan and gluten-free options available
Fish Tacos
Freshly caught fish, typically cod or halibut, served in corn tortillas with slaw, avocado, and chipotle crema.
Lunch/Dinner
Gluten-free options available
Santa Cruz Mountain Wine
Locally produced wine from the Santa Cruz Mountains, known for its unique terroir and high-quality grapes.
Drink
Vegan and gluten-free options available
Popular Activities
Surfing
Kayaking
Hiking
Mountain biking
Beachcombing
Picnicking
Yoga
Spa treatments
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, clear skies, and perfect conditions for beach activities and surfing. However, it's also the most crowded and expensive time.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
GMT-8 (Pacific Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Santa Cruz is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, like any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
- • Avoid leaving drinks unattended in bars and clubs
Getting there
By air
- San Jose International Airport • 50 miles (80 km)
- San Francisco International Airport • 75 miles (120 km)
By train
Santa Cruz Amtrak Station
By bus
Santa Cruz Metro Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is affordable and covers most major attractions. Buses are frequent and reliable.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Santa Cruz
West Side
East Side
Day trips
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
20 miles (32 km) • Full day
A stunning state park featuring towering redwood trees, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
35 miles (56 km) • Half day to full day
One of the world's leading aquariums, featuring a wide range of marine life and interactive exhibits.
Watsonville
20 miles (32 km) • Half day
A charming agricultural town known for its farm stands, art galleries, and cultural events.
Festivals
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's Summer Concert Series • June to August
Santa Cruz Film Festival • Late September to early October
Santa Cruz County Fair • Late July to early August
Pro tips
- Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on a weekday to avoid crowds
- Explore the city's many hiking and biking trails for a unique perspective on the natural beauty of the area
- Try local craft beer and wine at one of the many breweries or wineries in the area
- Visit the Mystery Spot for a quirky and unique experience
- Take a surf lesson at Steamer Lane, one of the most famous surf spots in the world
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
