Santa Cruz Wharf
Santa Cruz Wharf
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- NYCIrish1944Granby, Connecticut729 contributionsEntertainment @ the Municipal WharfWe had just finished our trip north on PCH ! (Pacific Coast Highway) from San Diego We had selected Santa Cruz as a stop to see several points of interest. The Municipal Wharf was one of those points of interest. We had a fish dinner at one of the beautiful restaurants (great views from the table) on the Wharf. During our dinner, we had heard loud bangs that sounded to be near us . We finally asked our server what was the cause of the banging noises. She told us that it was the Sea Lions that like to rest in the beams of the Wharf. She told us a good place to see them and we were off. It was amazing entertainment. As you can see from the photos, the Sea Lions like to nap on the beams of the Wharf. There is open competition for a position on one of the beams. The size of the Sea Lions seemed to be the major factor. There was a waiting line in the water. We enjoyed the Sea Lion show. A totally unexpected source of entertainment and I have the photos to prove it !!Visited April 2019Written 20 March 2020
- Ward DSatellite Beach, Florida2,684 contributionsGreat place. An aquarium for free (or the cost of parking).We arrived before they started to charge for parking on the wharf. This is one of the wharfs that allow you to drive on the wharf and have shops and parking spaces along its length. The pier has several shops and restaurants closer to the middle and end of it. At the very end there are several large (about 10 ft square ) holes that allow people to look down at the seals that rest on the beams below the pier. There are a lot of them. While we were there we also saw a school of dolphins in the distance. Definitely recommend coming to support the shops or see the sea lifeVisited February 2020Written 26 February 2020
- 832vgsNew Delhi, India1,423 contributionsTourist's TreatSanta Cruz Wharf in California is well known for fishing, boat tours, dining, gift shops and a beautiful long pier. We visited on a sunny day with family including kids. We walked on the pier, visited the gift shops to buy some souvenirs and had lunch at the Firefish Grill comprising sea food, chicken and salad with Beer. We all then walked to the end of the Pier where we could hear and see the Sea Lions as well as the sail boats. The wharf is located close to the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk; where one can spend a day enjoying the thrill rides. The over 100 years old Wharf is a must visit for tourist to the city.Visited June 2021Written 26 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.0
1,337 reviews
Excellent
566
Very good
527
Average
199
Poor
30
Terrible
15
swfarid
Dubai, United Arab Emirates71 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
I visited Santa Cruz so many times, I wonder how did I miss the wharf.
They do have lot of parking on the wharf itself ($3/hr).
Nice place for a nice walk. lovely view of Santa Cruz. Take some pictures at sunset
Lots of good seafood restaurants with good views
I did like the beer garden, high quality craft beers from Bumble Sea local brewery
They do have lot of parking on the wharf itself ($3/hr).
Nice place for a nice walk. lovely view of Santa Cruz. Take some pictures at sunset
Lots of good seafood restaurants with good views
I did like the beer garden, high quality craft beers from Bumble Sea local brewery
Written 20 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pinnipedia
Boston, MA193 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
I parked on the wharf, shopped around and ate breakfast food for lunch at Gilda's Family Restaurant.
I came for the sea lions and saw so many of them. Both in the water and resting. I loved seeing them porpoise, swimming, sleeping, etc. I came at high tide.
Saw several harbor seals too.
If it had been sunny that day, it would have been better, but I still had a good day with the seals and sea lions.
I came for the sea lions and saw so many of them. Both in the water and resting. I loved seeing them porpoise, swimming, sleeping, etc. I came at high tide.
Saw several harbor seals too.
If it had been sunny that day, it would have been better, but I still had a good day with the seals and sea lions.
Written 28 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Life traveller
North East England, UK3,804 contributions
Aug 2022
Enjoyed strolling down the windy Wharf, catching some good views of Santa Cruz beach and boardwalk, including when the fog obscured both! Interesting posters of the Wharf history, and lots of sea lions resting on the girders, supplied some general interest, and there was a selection of restaurants to choose from. Apparently this is the longest warf in the US. Interesting in itself. If you visit Santa Cruz, I would say a 'must do'. Well, why not?!
Written 24 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LaurieB980
Portland, OR619 contributions
Sep 2022
From the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, we could easily walk over to the Wharf which is signed as the longest in the US, I believe. It WAS pretty long and along the way, they had several areas where the sea lions were sleeping or moving about on the beams just below where we were on the upper areas. They were LOUD and rather funny to watch as they seemed to be perched so precariously on the beams and over each other! The views back toward the Boardwalk from the Wharf were also pretty amazing as you could see just how long the entire Boardwalk was. Plus the small boats out in the water made for some really nice photos!
Written 14 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vegas-Queen666
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK377 contributions
Mar 2022
This is a great place to take a walk and grab some food and drinks. Very pretty and photogenic. Would look great any time of year.
Written 18 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Solami
Boston, MA28 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Totally enjoyed the wharf. We went there every day we were in Santa Cruz. Lots of sea lions, people fishing, seeing kelp and sardines in the water. Nice view of the boardwalk at night.
Written 14 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arun K
Nagpur District, India2,933 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Santa Cruz , a coast of Central California with a long wharf well equipped with eateries & shops. Lot of sea lions roaring below the board all the time.
Awesome sand beach with facilities for volleyball, sun basking , water gliding etc.
The beautiful beach boardwalk includes 1911 Giant Dipper Roller Coaster & Looff Carousel . Old Casino avenue includes video games for children. They fun & scary rides are centre of attraction. The long rope way is really a fun.
Nice place for week end hangout with stores, restaurants, cafés & galleries.
Must place for San Francisco visitors .
Awesome sand beach with facilities for volleyball, sun basking , water gliding etc.
The beautiful beach boardwalk includes 1911 Giant Dipper Roller Coaster & Looff Carousel . Old Casino avenue includes video games for children. They fun & scary rides are centre of attraction. The long rope way is really a fun.
Nice place for week end hangout with stores, restaurants, cafés & galleries.
Must place for San Francisco visitors .
Written 24 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RSM123123
Plano, TX807 contributions
May 2022
Must Visit! Walk and hear the famous sea lions bark, gift shops, see the crowd, food with many dining places, fantastic place to visit. Made of 2000 70 ft. Douglas fir pilings driven 21 feet into the ocean, almost 3,000 feet long. Then hit the boardwalk.
Written 12 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa E
Boggstown, IN12 contributions
Mar 2022
Plenty of places to eat and shop for great souvenirs. There are tons of sea lions swimming by the pier and there are areas to see them sleeping and playing. Great views of the Boardwalk, beach and bay area!
Written 28 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine P
Highland Park, IL8 contributions
Mar 2022
Its a great place to walk to the end of, take in the sights, and hear the sea lions. We didn't go to any of the restaurants but they looked pretty good. Lots of shops selling clothes and knick knacks.
Written 26 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill W
Seattle, WA91 contributions
Which is a good way to get from san jose to santa cruz without renting a car?
LTambor
Santa Cruz, CA12 contributions
There is a bus that’s an express line - goes SJ to Santa Cruz over HWY 17; however, if you rent a car, you could tool around to some of the others towns and beaches (Capitola, Aptos). There is a bike sharing program that’s brand new (Jump Bikes), so if you’re carless, you can cruz around a little on those. Some are regular bikes, some are e-bikes. Hope this helps!
Maureen S
Estero, FL5 contributions
Where is pismo beach?
MsMouseCalifornia
California58 contributions
Just south of San Luis Obisbo (Central Coast) off highway 101. A 3 hour drive south from Santa Cruz Wharf. Pismo Clams are big & famous. Certain times of the year people dig for them and have parties with clam chowder & such on the beach. Great campground in Pismo near the beach. Have fun!
kdanese
Jacksonville, FL
is there parking for a 34 foot rv
nwarners66
131 contributions
This is what I found.
Boardwalk All-Day ParkingMarch 21, 2015 - December 31, 2015
Cars: $15 ($10 on Limited Ride Days)
RVs: $30
Santa Cruz beachboardwalk site
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Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz Wharf
- We recommend booking Santa Cruz Wharf tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Santa Cruz Wharf tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Santa Cruz Wharf:
- (0.10 km) Carousel Beach Inn
- (0.21 km) Boca del Cielo Inn
- (0.26 km) Comfort Inn Beach/Boardwalk Area
- (0.23 km) Coastview Inn
- (0.22 km) Aqua Breeze Inn
- Restaurants near Santa Cruz Wharf:
- (0.17 km) Beach Street Cafe
- (0.09 km) Surf City Grill
- (0.14 km) Funnel Cakes
- (0.19 km) El Hermoso Mar
- (0.20 km) Coaster's Bar and Grill
- Attractions near Santa Cruz Wharf:
- (0.03 km) Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- (0.11 km) Boardwalk
- (0.14 km) Neptune's Kingdom
- (0.14 km) Herp's Derps
- (0.20 km) Boardwalk Bowl






































































