Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Santa Cruz - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California

Court of Mysteries

A strange house built only at night, with rumored mystic inspiration.

Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz Mystery Spot

A "gravitational anomaly" located in the redwood forests just outside of Santa Cruz, California.

Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

Housed in a memorial lighthouse, this museum relays the history of surfing, beginning with the antics of royal Hawaiian teenagers.

Are we missing something unusual in Santa Cruz?

Felton, California

Bigfoot Discovery Museum

This quirky roadside attraction dives into the many theories surrounding North America's most infamous hairy cryptid.

5 miles from Santa Cruz

Aptos, California

SS Palo Alto

This concrete ship has had four careers - World War I tanker, floating amusement park, fishing pier, and artificial reef.

6 miles from Santa Cruz

Aptos, California

Egg Vending Machine at Glaum Ranch

At this California chicken ranch four bucks will get you 18 eggs and a chorus of dancing animatronic poultry.

9 miles from Santa Cruz

Davenport, California

Davenport Pier Beach

Here, visitors can swing with the waves of the Pacific Ocean.

9 miles from Santa Cruz

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.

Atlas Obscura Trips

Art of Joshua Tree and the Mojave

Join us as we venture deep into the High Desert, glimpsing massive sculptures, fluorescent painted mountains, and revitalizing domes along the way.

Community Forums / United States / US: West

Top Discussions in the US: West Travel Forum

Post	Replies	Views	Activity
Looking for places to visit in Tucson Az	13 January 3, 2020	2677	January 3, 2020
Blenheim Apricot	10 January 13, 2020	2433	January 13, 2020
Visiting Utah and Colorado	11 December 5, 2019	577	December 5, 2019
Traveling through MT, WY, CO, TX. Need advice!	9 June 12, 2019	1429	June 12, 2019
Tracing a town with a square with a lovely scent, near Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA	8 September 22, 2019	1461	September 22, 2019

New Post Visit the Forum

Explore Santa Cruz, California

Launch Map

Santa Cruz Leaderboard

Places Added

Join the Ranks!

Add an unusual place to Santa Cruz.

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Santa Cruz Activity

Putser has been to Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

aiphotography405 wants to go to Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

kseniasemenovykh13 wants to go to Santa Cruz Mystery Spot

The Donut Guy wants to go to Court of Mysteries

aiphotography405 wants to go to Court of Mysteries

Stories About Santa Cruz

Thousands of Surfers 'Paddled Out' to Honor a Legendary Wetsuit Pioneer

Jack O'Neill died on June 2.

by Erik Shilling

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.