Soquel is centrally located: 15 to 50 minutes away:

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf.
  • West Cliff Drive (walk or drive)
  • Natural Bridges State Beach
  • Surf Lesson classes
  • Mystery Spot
  • Seymour Marine Discovery Center
  • Santa Cruz Surfing Museum (Light House)
  • Pleasure Point Beach – where the local surf culture hangs
  • Felton and Big Trees State Park – BEST Redwood Forest Steam Train
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Carmel-By-The-Sea & 17 Mile Drive

San Jose, just over the hill north of Soquel, 45 minutes away:

  • The Winchester Mystery House
  • Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
  • Santana Row (Shopping Malls and Dining)
  • Children’s Discovery Museum
  • Los Gatos Creek Trail (Los Gatos)
  • San Jose Museum of Art
  • San Jose Minette International Airport

San Francisco, 90 minutes away:

  • Pier 39
  • San Fran Zoo and Gardens
  • Golden Gate Bridge

  • Golden Gate Park

  • Alcatraz Island
  • Sea Lion Viewing Area/Fisherman’s Wharf

  • Muir Woods National Monument

  • Palace of Fine Arts

  • Japanese Tea Garden

Soquel, California, located in Santa Cruz County, offers a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and local charm. Here are some things to do in and around our area: Soquel, Capitola, Santa Cruz and more…

  • 1
    Visit Capitola Village Just a short drive from Soquel, Capitola Village offers charming shops, restaurants, and a picturesque beach.
  • 2
    Visit Shadowbrook Restaurant: This iconic restaurant is situated in a picturesque setting with waterfalls, gardens, and a charming cable car ride down to the entrance.
  • 3
    Take a Walk at Pleasure Point Beach: Just a short distance from Soquel, Pleasure Point Beach is a favorite spot for surfers and beachcombers.
  • 4
    Explore Nisene Marks State Park: This expansive park features miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as picnic areas and lush redwood forests.
  • 5
    Go Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Soquel Creek and nearby waterways offer opportunities for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
  • 6
    Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: This iconic seaside amusement park features thrilling rides, arcade games, carnival food. Don’t miss the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster and the scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.
  • 7
    Explore Natural Bridges State Beach: Known for its natural rock arch and tide pools, Natural Bridges State Beach a beautiful spot for beachcombing, birdwatching, and picnicking.
  • 8
    Roam the Santa Cruz Wharf: Take a leisurely stroll along the Santa Cruz Wharf, the longest wooden pier on the West Coast. Enjoy panoramic views of the coastline, shop for souvenirs, dine at waterfront restaurants…
  • 9
    Hike in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Just a short drive from downtown Santa Cruz, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers miles of scenic hiking trails through towering redwood groves. Don’t miss the famous Redwood Grove Loop Trail.
  • 10
    Visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum: Located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, overlooking Steamer Lane surf break, this museum celebrates Santa Cruz’s rich surfing history with exhibits on vintage surfboards, photographs, and memorabilia.
  • 11
    Take a Scenic Drive along West Cliff Drive: Enjoy stunning ocean views and coastal scenery on a drive or bike ride along West Cliff Drive.
  • 12
    Explore the Seymour Marine Discovery Center: Located next to the UC Santa Cruz Coastal Science Campus, this interactive marine science museum offers exhibits on marine life, touch tanks, and guided tours of the nearby Younger Lagoon Reserve.
  • 13
    Enjoy Local Dining: Soquel, Capitola, Aptos, Santa Cruz and its surrounding areas boast a diverse culinary scene. Explore restaurants offering farm-to-table cuisine, international flavors, vegetarian and vegan options, plus favorite ice cream, Penny’s Ice Creamery(local and organic ingredients) and Marianne’s Ice Cream 105 Santa Cruz Flavors, and more.
  • 14
    OTHER: Roaring Camp Railroad, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton Covered Bridge Park, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel-By-The-Sea, 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, Gilroy Gardens….RELAX AND ENJOY!