Santa Cruz’s best tours blend outdoor adventure with local culture. The standout Guided eBike Tour efficiently covers the essentials – beach boardwalk, downtown landmarks, and scenic coastline – all in a manageable 2-hour ride. I’m particularly impressed by how it balances sightseeing with local insights.
For active travelers, the Amazing Race & Tour turns city exploration into an engaging scavenger hunt. What makes this special is its clever mix of historical facts and hands-on challenges.
Wine enthusiasts have excellent choices: the quirky Sidecar Wine Tour offers a memorable way to visit local vineyards, while the Private Wine Tour allows for customized tastings. The Private Brewery Tour showcases Santa Cruz’s craft beer scene with expert guidance.
Let’s examine these top Santa Cruz tours in detail.
Key Points
- A guided eBike tour covering 10 miles of historic downtown, iconic landmarks, and scenic beaches, suitable for all fitness levels.
- An adrenaline-fueled “Amazing Race & Tour” scavenger hunt-style challenge highlighting the culture and history of Santa Cruz.
- A Sidecar Wine Tour offering vintage sidecar rides and guided tastings at local wineries, with a unique wine country experience.
- A private custom wine tour with hotel pickup and drop-off, visiting over 50 exclusive wineries and offering activities like wine tastings, jam tasting, and berry picking.
- A private brewery tour visiting 3 local breweries, with a knowledgeable guide explaining the beer-making process and including scenic drives, hotel pickup/drop-off, and lunch.
Santa Cruz: Guided Ebike Tour
For those seeking a unique way to explore the sights of Santa Cruz, the Guided eBike Tour provides an exhilarating and eco-friendly experience.
This 2-hour tour covers 10 miles, allowing participants to ride through the historic downtown, visit iconic landmarks and scenic beaches, and observe surfers at popular spots.
The tour includes eBike rental, helmet, water, and a knowledgeable guide. Suitable for all fitness levels, the pedal-assist eBikes make the journey enjoyable for riders.
With a 5-star rating based on customer feedback, this tour is an excellent way to discover Santa Cruz’s highlights.
The private group option and free cancellation policy further enhance the overall experience.
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Santa Cruz, California Amazing Race & Tour
Designed for thrill-seekers and adventure-lovers, the Santa Cruz, California Amazing Race & Tour offers an exhilarating exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
Participants will embark on a scavenger hunt-style challenge, racing against the clock to complete a series of tasks and clues that showcase the vibrant culture, history, and natural beauty of Santa Cruz.
With a duration of 2 hours and a rating of 5 out of 1 review, this unique activity provides an unforgettable way to discover the city’s highlights.
Priced at Kč 2,951 per person, the Santa Cruz Amazing Race & Tour is sure to delight those seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure.
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Santa Cruz: Sidecar Wine Tour With Guide and Wine Tasting
Offering a unique and immersive way to explore Santa Cruz’s renowned wine country, the Santa Cruz: Sidecar Wine Tour With Guide and Wine Tasting provides participants with a thrilling and educational experience.
Lasting 5 hours, this private tour allows guests to ride in a vintage sidecar through the scenic countryside, stopping at local wineries for guided tastings.
With pickup available, the tour accommodates groups of up to 14 and is priced at SEK 8,396.
Highly rated by customers, this activity offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to discover Santa Cruz’s vibrant wine scene in a fun and adventurous way.
Read our full review: Santa Cruz: Sidecar Wine Tour With Guide and Wine Tasting Review
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Santa Cruz: Private Custom Wine Tour With Hotel Pickup
Travelers seeking to enjoy Santa Cruz’s renowned wine country can embark on a private, customizable wine tour that offers hotel pickup and drop-off.
Priced at $750 for up to 14 participants, this 5-hour excursion allows visitors to curate their experience by choosing from over 50 exclusive wineries, including those not typically open to the public.
Along the way, guests will enjoy stunning views of redwoods, mountains, and the ocean. The tour features a live, English-speaking guide who’ll educate participants on the winemaking process.
Possible activities include wine tastings, jam tasting, berry picking, and visiting coastal farms, depending on the season.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Santa Cruz: Private Custom Wine Tour With Hotel Pickup Review
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Santa Cruz: Private Brewery Tour
For those seeking to enjoy Santa Cruz’s vibrant beer scene, the Private Brewery Tour offers a personalized experience.
Priced from €486.22 per group, the 5-hour tour includes visits to 3 local breweries, where participants can learn about the beer-making process from a knowledgeable guide.
The tour also features scenic drives through the Santa Cruz Mountains and Redwoods, with opportunities for beer tastings at the breweries.
Pickup and drop-off at the hotel, as well as lunch, are included. Participants must be 21 or older and should bring their ID.
With a reserve now, pay later option and free cancellation available, this tour provides a customizable exploration of Santa Cruz’s thriving beer culture.
Read our full review: Santa Cruz: Private Brewery Tour Review
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Recap
Santa Cruz offers a variety of guided tours, from electric bike adventures to private wine and brewery experiences. Visitors can explore the area’s natural beauty, try local wines and beers, and participate in engaging activities like the Amazing Race. Whether you’re interested in an active outdoor excursion or a more leisurely tasting tour, Santa Cruz has something to suit your interests.