The Santa Cruz coastline provides a rugged yet picturesque and laid-back atmosphere perfect for travelers who seek to blend business and leisure—known as “bleisure” in the industry.
Bleisure travel can refer to business travelers who bring friends and family along to enjoy the leisure parts of their trip. Or, some travelers will tack on extra days at the end of their business trip or event—whether it’s to relax and recharge alone, visit local friends and family, or explore the area with what the Hilton Worldwide 2025 Trends Report refers to as “frolleagues,” or work colleagues who are friends (another emerging traveler type to watch).
Combining business and leisure is quickly becoming a travel industry staple. Hilton found that 25% of survey respondents plan to do more bleisure travel in 2025, and nearly 30% plan to take trips with their work friends. Interests like adventure tourism, immersive experiences, foodies, and accommodations that offer a variety of activities and experiences are predicted to be top of mind for all travelers.
On all fronts, Santa Cruz County delivers. Read on for a sampler platter of what the Santa Cruz coastline has to offer—highlights include water sports and surfing at Pleasure Point, beach days, ocean wildlife watching, relaxing at La Bahia Hotel & Spa, local cuisine at Swift Street Courtyard, and biking West Cliff Drive.
Kick back by the beach (or seek out adventure)
Santa Cruz is a surfer’s haven with plenty of family friendly activities, solo or small group outdoor adventures, and ample opportunities for diving into the local culture. Beach lovers will have no shortage of places to explore or relax, and every summer, visitors can enjoy concerts and free movies right on the shore.
Water sports like standup paddle boarding and kayaking on the bay can be an energizing team bonding experience or a fun solo adventure. Those looking for more of a thrill can grab a surf lesson at Capitola Beach, Pleasure Point, Cowell Beach, and other Santa Cruz County
beaches. Operators like Surf School Santa Cruz offer lessons from locals geared toward beginners and also have group rates.
Sunbathers, beach volleyballers, surfers, and beach nappers alike will enjoy Cowell Beach and any of the beaches right in town. Pleasure Point is the perfect vantage for watching surfers and soaking up the local surfing culture. For unmatched views, just a short drive up the coast, the secluded gem of Shark Fin Cove showcases the area’s rugged seascape with its signature shark fin–shaped rock formation. Panther Beach and Four Mile Beach are also nearby, providing sweeping vistas of golden cliffs, rocky outcroppings, and frothy waves.
Get up close and personal with some wildlife
Santa Cruz County serves as the gateway to Monterey Bay, a marine sanctuary where visitors can see whales, sea lions, sea otters, and other marine life in their natural habitat.
For watching whale migrations in the bay March through June, Chardonnay Sailing Charters offers a wildlife ecology cruise, among their other dinner, brunch, and daytime tours. To unwind after a long workday or event, business travelers can make a reservation with O’Neill Yacht Charters for a daytime tour or a sunset sail, complete with local libations.
Optimal whale watching from shore can be found in Davenport or along West Cliff Drive—keep your eyes peeled! To learn more about the local wildlife, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center boasts exhibit halls, aquariums, and touch pools to get some hands-on experience with the Monterey Bay marine life.
Want the inside scoop on wildlife watching in Santa Cruz County? View the online guide here.
Explore the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk & Wharf
Whimsical fun awaits at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, with the easily recognizable Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, a ferris wheel, and a variety of rides and games. Business travelers can easily make a day of the boardwalk with bountiful shopping and dining options, or it can serve as a few hours of carefree nostalgia after a long day (or week) of meetings.
For more shopping, dining, and entertainment options, the Santa Cruz Wharf is right nearby. Visitors can see sea lions and other marine life, find goods made in Santa Cruz, or embark on seafaring adventures like kayaking, boating, fishing, or paddle boarding. With events like Swing Dancing by the Sea and concerts, there’s always something going on at the wharf.
Try the local cuisine
Santa Cruz County is quickly becoming a tasty haven for foodies. For a smorgasbord of local options, visitors need not venture far from the Beach Boardwalk and Wharf area. Swift Street Courtyard gathers all the culinary and retail highlights of the area into one place, perfect for an afternoon of ambling or an evening of exploration. A few places to note: Companion Bakery for whole grain sourdough and rustic pastries; Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing for local organic beer and an outdoor beer garden; and Ingalls Street Courtyard for wine tastings and live music.
And of course, the mecca for foodies: farmers’ markets. Santa Cruz County does not disappoint, with plenty of options no matter where business travelers and event attendees are staying. To name a few—Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market runs year-round every Wednesday, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds is every Friday, and Westside is every Saturday.
Soak up the coastal views
In Santa Cruz County, outdoor seaside adventures are always in season. Hiking, biking, and going for a stroll are great ways for attendees to stretch their legs and stay active.
Natural Bridges to Lighthouse Field is a scenic out-and-back coastal paved path, just shy of four miles—perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. West Cliff Drive is another paved option, great for not only taking in the nature and views of Monterey Bay, but also exploring the local businesses that give Santa Cruz its unique character.
For teams and colleagues who enjoy getting out and about, Santa Cruz Bike Tours offers tours for coastal biking, beer and wine tasting, and hiking. Other companies offer e-bike options for a more leisurely jaunt.
Hikers and walkers of all abilities will find something to love at the storied Wilder Ranch State Park. Rolling landscapes descend to the shoreline, lending a hike or picnic lunch above the bluffs a one-of-a-kind view.
Relax and enjoy the vibes
When it’s time for some classic R&R, Santa Cruz County delivers. Its charming seaside towns, picturesque cliffs, and excellent weather make a great backdrop for walking, meditating, or finding a shady spot to read a good book.
Just steps from Santa Cruz Main Beach, La Bahia Hotel & Spa offers a refreshing respite for business travelers and event attendees. Opening later this year, this new hotel will be a beloved beacon for seaside gatherings and retreats—whether it’s in the Mediterranean-style ballroom, the seaside roof deck, or one of their other captivating spaces. After business, the leisure isn’t too far behind—travelers can indulge in the glimmering pool deck, ocean view spa, or a variety of choice restaurants.