Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories

The UC Santa Cruz campus is a hidden gem, offering a captivating blend of natural beauty and rich history. Set out on a self-guided walking tour to uncover the secrets of this picturesque university. With a convenient smartphone app as your guide, you’ll meander through towering redwood forests, explore architectural wonders, and unlock the stories that make this campus truly unique. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, this immersive experience promises to surprise and delight.

Good To Know

• Explore the hidden architectural gems of UC Santa Cruz, from the redwood-clad Cowell College to the modernist Humanities and Social Sciences buildings.
• Traverse the majestic redwood forest and discover stunning views from Oakes College overlooking Monterey Bay.
• Navigate the self-guided walking tour conveniently through a smartphone app with turn-by-turn directions and free navigation.
• Experience the tour’s accessibility features, including wheelchair and stroller access, service animal allowance, and proximity to public transportation.
• Uncover the campus’s lesser-known hidden gems, such as the Kresge Town Hall mural and the Ellison Collection.

Tour Overview

The UC Santa Cruz Self-Guided Walking Tour offers visitors an opportunity to unlock the secret stories of the university’s picturesque campus.

Open from September 14, 2023, to March 5, 2026, the tour is available daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Priced at $20 per person, the private tour starts at the East Field House and ends at Oakes College.

Guests can navigate the tour using a smartphone app and enjoy free navigation, accessibility features, and transportation options.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Meeting Point and End Point

The meeting point for the UC Santa Cruz Self-Guided Walking Tour is the East Field House, located at 420 Hagar Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA.

From here, the tour takes visitors on a journey across the campus, culminating at the Oakes College, situated at 231 Oakes Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA.

To access the tour, visitors can either drive or take the loop bus to the East Field House.

The tour features:

• App guide for navigation on smartphone
• Free navigation available
• Service animals allowed
• Wheelchair accessible, stroller accessible, and near public transportation options

Tour Features

Navigating the UC Santa Cruz Self-Guided Walking Tour is a breeze, thanks to the convenient app guide that provides turn-by-turn directions on visitors’ smartphones.

The tour offers free navigation, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Service animals are welcome, accommodating the needs of all participants.

Accessibility options include wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as proximity to public transportation, making the tour inclusive for a diverse audience.

Whether visitors choose to drive or take the loop bus to the starting point, the tour caters to various transportation preferences, prioritizing convenience and ease of access.

Booking Information

Visitors can easily book the UC Santa Cruz Self-Guided Walking Tour, as confirmation is received at the time of booking.

For added convenience, the tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Guests can also take advantage of the "reserve now and pay later" option.

Plus, the tour caters to various needs:

• Most travelers can participate
• Service animals are allowed
• The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible
• It’s located near public transportation

Prepare for the Tour

To make the most of the UC Santa Cruz Self-Guided Walking Tour, participants should start by ensuring they’ve the necessary tools.

Download the tour app, charge your smartphone, and pack comfortable walking shoes. The app provides navigation, historical information, and interactive features to enhance the experience.

Bring water and snacks for the journey. Plan your transportation to the meeting point at the East Field House, allowing sufficient time to arrive.

Review the tour route and highlights beforehand to maximize your time. With these preparations, visitors can enjoy the campus’s rich history and uncover its hidden gems.

Exploring Campus Highlights

As participants embark on the self-guided tour, they’ll discover a diverse array of architectural gems and natural wonders that define the UC Santa Cruz campus.

The iconic Cowell College, with its distinctive redwood-clad buildings, showcases the campus’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The majestic redwood forest envelops the winding trails, offering a serene respite from the bustling academic life.

The striking modernist structures of the Humanities and Social Sciences buildings reflect the campus’s dedication to the arts and humanities.

Overlooking the sparkling Monterey Bay, the stunning views from Oakes College provide a picturesque finale to the tour.

Discovering Hidden Gems

While exploring the iconic landmarks, visitors uncover the campus’s hidden gems that showcase the university’s rich history and student culture.

Tucked away on winding paths, the Kresge Town Hall mural depicts the social justice movements of the 1960s.

At the Science & Engineering Library, the Ellison Collection holds rare volumes dating back to the 16th century.

Venture to the Arboretum to discover a serene Japanese garden, a hidden oasis amidst the redwoods.

These off-the-beaten-path discoveries enrich the walking tour, revealing the university’s multifaceted identity beyond the main attractions.

Extending Your Visit

Wondering how to extend your visit to UC Santa Cruz after the walking tour? Consider these options to make the most of your time on campus:

• Explore the unique campus architecture and public art installations scattered throughout the grounds.

• Visit the Arboretum and Botanic Garden, home to diverse plant collections and stunning natural landscapes.

• Check out the events and exhibits at the Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery or the Cowell Ranch Hay Barn.

• Grab a bite to eat at one of the campus dining halls or cafes, showcasing sustainable and locally-sourced cuisine.

The Sum Up

The self-guided UC Santa Cruz walking tour offers a captivating way to discover the campus’s rich history and stunning natural beauty. With a convenient smartphone app, visitors can explore at their own pace, uncovering hidden gems and breathtaking views overlooking Monterey Bay. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the unique charm of this picturesque university.