UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Campus - Santa Clara, California, USA - June 29, 2019; Shutterstock ID 1438419443; your: Bridget Brown; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: POI Image Update

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University of California, Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz


Check it: the school mascot is a banana slug! Established in 1965 in the hills above town, UCSC is known for its creative, liberal bent. The rural campus has fine stands of redwoods and architecturally interesting buildings – some made with recycled materials – designed to blend in with rolling pastureland. Amble around the peaceful arboretum and picturesquely decaying 19th-century structures from Cowell Ranch, upon which the campus was built.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Santa Cruz attractions

1. UCSC Arboretum

0.18 MILES

Amble around this peaceful arboretum and picturesquely decaying 19th-century structures from Cowell Ranch, upon which the UCSC campus was built.

2. Museum of Art & History

1.94 MILES

In Santa Cruz's downtown, rotating displays by contemporary California artists and exhibits that dive into local history are worth a quick look. Recent…

3. Sanctuary Exploration Center

2.36 MILES

Operated by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, this educational museum near the beach boardwalk is an interactive multimedia experience that…

4. Natural Bridges State Beach

2.37 MILES

Great for sunsets, this sandy beach fronted by a natural sandstone bridge is a family favorite and tops for wildlife viewing. Scan the bay for whales,…

6. Seymour Marine Discovery Center

2.45 MILES

This educational center is part of UCSC’s Long Marine Laboratory. Interactive natural-science exhibits include tidal touch pools and aquariums, while…

7. Santa Cruz Wharf

2.51 MILES

Seafood restaurants, gift shops and barking sea lions all compete for attention along Santa Cruz's wharf, the longest wooden wharf in the US.

8. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

2.63 MILES

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been an Americana classic like few others for over a century. Now as in 1907 when the amusement park first opened, the…