Santa Cruz with a Toddler? Absolutely!

Santa Cruz California is a great place to live and a wonderful place to visit with a toddler. From amazing gluten free places to eat to the fun street music or farmers markets, Santa Cruz is a must to add on your “places to travel with a toddler” list. The community is kind and welcoming. The beaches are stunning and well-maintained. And the University of Santa Cruz has a banana slug for a mascot. The list of things to do is endless, and if you find yourself repeating something, it’s still okay because most things never get old.

Here is our list of 10 Toddler Friendly Travel Activities to do in Santa Cruz:

1. Pleasure Point Beach

Beaches are always high on the list of activities to do with a toddler. However, finding an all-around maintained beach is never easy. Pleasure Point Beach is not only clean, some people may even describe the beach to have a timeless quality. It is one of those places you could go for a vacation or decide to call it home. The beach itself is a great spot for families and has a lot of community surrounding it. For those who love to walk on the beach, Pleasure Point offers a scenic walk and also has wide sidewalks that are in view of the scenery.

2. Live Oaks Farmers Market

If you are looking for something to do on a Sunday, you have to check out the Live Oaks Farmers Market. It’s one of those places where you are bound to leave happy. The different locations have a variation of live music and vendors. You can find locally grown organic produce, fruits, dried fruits, nuts, baked goods, pastries, seafood, pasture-raised meat, and more.

One of my favorite finds was Carin of Blossom Farms. Carin is a knowledgeable herbalist, biodynamic farmer, and teacher from Switzerland. She makes tinctures and tonics using Blossom’s herbs and along with her partner Delmar, they run a Biodynamic Farm in Corralitos, CA. The farmers market is open every Sunday, excluding December 24th through the 31st. They even offer a dollar-to-dollar program to all customers who pay with CalFresh (food stamps). The dollar-to-dollar program matches the money spent through the CalFresh card and the market gives the equivalent amount of market tokens. By doing this they hope to bring in more CalFresh customers, giving them the opportunity to purchase better quality food for their families.

3. Melinda’s Bakery

The first thing that any person says to another who is gluten free is “I couldn’t give up bread.” Well, Melinda’s Bakery has gluten free bread and a lot more. The bakery is the only gluten and peanut free bakery in the area. Their Terms of Service states, “As the only gluten free and peanut free bakery in Santa Cruz area, we believe no one should have to compromise taste for dietary needs and preferences.” They even offer special orders that include gluten free croissants and extraordinary pizza crusts. The bakery is open every day and has fair prices.

4. SeaBright Beach

SeaBright Beach is another beautiful place to spend the day and into the evening. The sand is soft, the beach is maintained, and they have public restrooms. The beach is dog-friendly and there is a dog park just a block away if you need to let them run their energy out before unleashing into the waves.  SeaBright even offers fire pits that can be used up to closing time which is 10 pm. The fire pits are operated on a first-come, first-served basis. 

5. Natural Bridges State Park

You cannot ever go wrong with state parks, especially if they have beach access. Usually, the crowds are smaller and it is easier to find a parking spot. Natural Bridges State Beach offers a beautiful beach that is great for the whole family. Not only do they have a beautiful beach with easy access, but there are trails that can keep you busy for hours. Throughout the trails, the scenery just leaves you in awe. The state park was named after the natural bridges that were located all over, but unfortunately many have collapsed. There still is at least one, and it is worth taking the hike to see.

6. Wilder Ranch State Park

The Wilder Ranch State Park is another stunning place to visit with a toddler. Some describe this place as the local’s treasure. It is full of historical buildings such as an 1850s farmhouse, an 1890s Victorian home, a machine shop, and much more. You can take an hour tour through all the buildings, rent bikes, go hiking, or horseback riding. Wilder Ranch offers astonishing views of both the historic buildings and the coast. You don’t want to forget your camera.

7. Woodstock Pizza

Many people may look at pizza as a treat because of its unhealthy amount of grease and unknown ingredients. Woodstock Pizza is known for top-quality ingredients from local farms. The crust is hand-made every day with real ingredients that you know and love. The mozzarella cheese is real whole milk cheese and their meats are nitrate free. Woodstock Pizza offers more than the regular tomato sauce. They have choices such as creamy garlic and pesto. Their crusts come in white, whole wheat, or gluten free. All of their toppings are fresh gourmet toppings. The best part is that the prices are fair and affordable for a late lunch or a night out with the whole family.

8. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the place to go for a fun-filled day. The boardwalk offers hours of entertainment. There is live music and free entertainment daily. You can find all sorts of attractions such as mini golf, laser tag, and the famous carousel with the ring toss. There are rides for all ages including your little ones. It is important to understand that during peak season, the boardwalk can become very crowded and may be a challenge for anyone who suffers from social anxiety or who may be affected by too much stimulation. As fun as the sights and sounds can be for some, it may be a little overwhelming for others. Also note that during crowded times, it is better to push your toddler in a stroller instead of allowing them to walk. Because of the number of people horseplaying and/or not watching where they are going, you want to do all that you can to keep your toddler safe.

You can find free concerts and movies here every week and get group discounts for everything else.

9. Walton Lighthouse

Unlike many lighthouses, Walton Lighthouse is easily accessible. It is located near the Santa Cruz Harbor and SeaBright Beach. There is a 30minute free parking area a brisk walk away, which is enough time to go check it out. Many viewers have said that it is the accessibility and the coastal view that really make this lighthouse special.

10. Explore

Regardless if you ride bikes in the parks, take a whale watching sail, or wander the miles of beaches, Santa Cruz is a wonderful place to lose yourself. Pack a picnic lunch or visit one of the many local eateries. Visit Santa Cruz with a toddler and make some memories.

Have you been to Santa Cruz with a toddler? What did you enjoy most? What toddler friendly activities did we not include and what advice would you have for other parents? Please connect with us on Instagram @MapsCookingKids or on Twitter @MapsCookingKids. Until next time, agape, be kind, and happy parenting.