How To Spend A Perfect Weekend In Santa Cruz

Anyone who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1990s will almost certainly have the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk commercials stamped on their subconscious, alongside their best friend’s landline. But Santa Cruz is much more than a West Coast Coney Island. (The Boardwalk, incidentally, is California’s oldest amusement park and is a fine place to ride a historic roller coaster with an ocean view.)

Santa Cruz, a city of some 60,000, defies easy categorization. A college town (go Banana Slugs!) and a world class surfing destination, it’s within commuting distance of Silicon Valley. And yet somehow it still manages to feel hidden away.

Hugging the northern lip of the scallop shell-shaped Monterey Bay, travelers can reach Santa Cruz via a dreamy coastal drive on California’s Highway 1, or rounding vertiginous curves through the Redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Technically the beginning of the Central Coast, Santa Cruz has been influenced by Silicon Valley without actually becoming a part of it; it is its own county and decidedly has its own vibe. This is a place where, daily and unironically, you’ll see a vintage Volkswagen Vanagon parked next to a Tesla, with surfboards extending from both.

Surf’s up

Reportedly one of the first places surfed on the mainland, Santa Cruz has spawned more than a few world-class professional surfers and boasts more than 10 surf breaks, with spots for all levels. Popular go-tos include Cowell’s, a cruisey, accessible break best for beginners and beloved by longboarders; Steamer Lane, a famous spot in both Santa Cruz and California at large; and Pleasure Point, a beloved local wave on the city’s sleepy eastern side.

The Santa Cruz surf scene is somewhat notorious for a strong locals-only attitude, but tensions can be avoided by respecting the rules, which are helpfully inscribed on signage mounted atop the cliffs above Steamers and Pleasure Point — alongside monuments to fallen surfer comrades. (In brief: Respect the lineup and don’t be a kook.)

Take the opportunity to learn from local experts at outfits like Surf School Santa Cruz, which offers private surf instruction and group lessons (advanced booking is recommended). If you’re ready to shred on your own and are in need of a board, surf shops, many with rental options, abound, from Cowell’s Surf Shop, right off the water, to the Traveler Surf Club, on the Eastside.

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
At least 9

Big Group and Corporate Surf Classes

Got a group of 9 to 15 people ready to hit the waves and stay together during the surf lesson? This is the perfect choice for you! At Surf School Santa Cruz, our professional instructors will guide your group with clear instruction and plenty of encouragement, ensuring everyone feels safe and confident on the water. Whether it’s a family outing, a team-building event, or a fun day with friends, you’ll have an exceptional surf experience together. All surf equipment is included, so all you need to do is show up and enjoy the ride!

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
4 to 8

Open Group Surf Lessons at Cowell Beach

Join an exciting 2-hour open group surf lesson at Cowell Beach with Surf School Santa Cruz! Perfect for surfers of all skill levels, this group lesson accommodates up to 8 surfers, matching participants by age and ability. Learn the basics of paddling, surf etiquette, and wave-riding techniques from expert instructors in a fun, supportive environment. All equipment, including surfboards, wetsuits, and sunblock, is provided. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to refine your skills, this group lesson is designed to help you catch some great waves!

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
3 to 8

Private Group Surf Lessons at Cowell Beach

Join us for a fun and educational two-hour group surf lesson at Cowell Beach with Surf School Santa Cruz! Led by professional surfers, this lesson covers essential skills like surfing etiquette, safety, paddling techniques, surfboard positioning, and proper stand-up form. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique, our group lessons are designed to help you progress while having a blast in the calm waters of Cowell Beach. We prioritize safety, encouragement, and ensuring everyone has a great time. Our private group lessons accommodate 3 to 8 students, with individual instructors for surfers under 13, so everyone gets the attention they need. Come ride the waves with us and learn from the best!

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
At least 2

Private Two-Person Surf Lessons at Cowell Beach

Share the thrill of surfing at Cowell Beach with someone special, a close friend, or a family member in a private two-hour lesson tailored just for you. At Surf School Santa Cruz, we’re proud to offer personalized instruction at this iconic Santa Cruz spot, where calm waters and a welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect place to learn. Whether it’s your first wave or a chance to refine your skills, our experienced instructors provide focused attention and expert guidance to help you feel confident and empowered on the water. With our dedication to safety, fun, and fostering a love for the ocean, you’ll be learning from the best so you can become the best surfer you can be.