Santa Cruz Island is a beautiful destination that offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. Depending on which part of the island you visit, you can enjoy different experiences and scenery.
One of the most popular places to visit on Santa Cruz Island is Scorpion Anchorage, which is accessible by boat from Ventura Harbor. Here, you can explore the historic Scorpion Ranch, kayak through the sea caves, hike to scenic viewpoints like Cavern Point and Potato Harbor, and spot the endemic island foxes. You can also camp at the Scorpion Canyon Campground or visit the visitor center in the ranch house.
Another option is to visit Prisoners Harbor, which is also reachable by boat from Ventura Harbor. This area is more remote and rugged, and offers hiking trails that lead to the Montañon Ridge, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the island and the ocean. You can also see some of the native plants and animals that live on the island, such as the island scrub-jay and the island oak.
If you are interested in visiting another country, you can also go to Santa Cruz Island in Ecuador, which is part of the Galapagos Islands. This island is famous for its wildlife and natural beauty, and you can see giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and more. You can also visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you can learn about the conservation efforts and scientific research on the islands.
Santa Cruz Island is not to be confused with Santa Cruz in California, which is a coastal city that has its own attractions. Some of the things you can do in Santa Cruz are visiting the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which is an amusement park with rides and games; watching a Shakespeare play at the Santa Cruz Shakespeare Festival, which takes place in a redwood forest; or learning about the history and culture of surfing at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum .
Whether you choose to visit Santa Cruz Island or Santa Cruz city, you will find plenty of things to do and see that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable.