Walking Tours
Category: Area Attractions
Address
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Details
Walk Santa Cruz — Heart of Downtown Historical Walking Tour
Downtown Santa Cruz has more history per block than most cities have in miles — and Walk Santa Cruz is the best way to experience it. These small-group guided walking tours take you through the entire downtown business district, from Cathcart Street to the Town Clock, weaving through Abbott Square and the streets that have shaped this city for over 250 years.
What to expect on the tour
Tours run about 90 minutes at a relaxed, comfortable pace with plenty of stops along the way. Groups are capped at 10 guests, which keeps things personal — there's room for questions, conversation, and the kind of stories you'd only hear from someone who's lived here for decades. You'll hear about Santa Cruz's Ohlone roots, the Spanish mission era, the Victorian boom, and the remarkable community resilience that rebuilt downtown after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Along the way you'll see the architecture differently — hidden courtyards, Art Deco facades, century-old storefronts — and leave with a much richer sense of the place you're walking through.
Your guide is Matthew O'Leary, a Santa Cruz native who grew up exploring the history and character of this city. He knows where to look, what to listen for, and how to make history feel alive and relevant.
The details
Tours run Saturday, and Sunday (and by appointment). Meet at Abbott Square Market in the heart of downtown. Tickets are $45 for adults, $30 for kids 6–17, and free for children under 5 and seniors over 72.
