Santa Cruz Boardwalk – Surfer Statue loop from Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Boardwalk – Surfer Statue loop from Santa Cruz
4.9
(7434)
16,389
hikers
Santa Cruz Boardwalk – Surfer Statue loop from Santa Cruz
02:41
10.3km
60m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
1.75 km
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
3.85 km
Walton Lighthouse 🗽 Santa Cruz Harbor West Breakwater
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
4.96 km
Twin Lakes State Beach
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
5.04 km
Museum of Natural History 🐳 Santa Cruz
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
5.43 km
Murray St foot bridge to Boardwalk at San Lorenzo River 🌉
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
7.51 km
Cowells Cove Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
7.80 km
Surfer Statue
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.05 km
Memorials to deceased surfers overlooking Steamer Lane
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
10.3 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
7.77 km
1.77 km
685 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
5.54 km
2.72 km
1.66 km
175 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Tuesday 14 July
26°C
14°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk – Surfer Statue loop from Santa Cruz is one of those hiking routes that offers big rewards for minimal effort. This 6.4-mile (10.3 km) hiking route, rated moderate but feeling quite easy, features just 208 feet (63 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete. If you're looking for popular trails with continuous ocean views and a relaxed pace, this coastal path is a fantastic choice for nearly everyone.
What to expect on Santa Cruz Boardwalk – Surfer Statue loop from Santa Cruz
This route delivers a journey along the iconic West Cliff Drive, where the terrain is mostly a paved, multi-use path. You'll hug the shoreline of Monterey Bay, treated to spectacular coastal views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged bluffs. Keep an eye out for sea lions basking on rocks, pelicans soaring overhead, and even sea otters playing in the waves. The trail passes by the historic Santa Cruz Lighthouse, home to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, and the prominent Surfer Statue. While the overall difficulty is low, you'll find gentle gradients and some renovated dirt trails within Lighthouse Field State Park, winding through Monterey Cypress trees and vibrant wildflower fields in spring. This loop is perfect for families, beginners, or anyone seeking a leisurely stroll with stunning scenery.
Planning your visit
This accessible loop is suitable for all fitness levels. Parking can be found near the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Surfer Statue areas, though it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. There are no permits or fees required for this trail. The best time to hike is generally in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and softer light, though the coastal breeze often keeps things pleasant throughout the day. Be sure to bring water, even on this shorter route, and consider layers as coastal weather can change quickly.
Trail details
- Distance: 6.4 miles (10.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 208 feet (63 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 40 minutes
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