Historical Buildings Walk (Self Guided), Santa Cruz

Apart from surfboard-filled shores, Santa Cruz is also rich in history reflected in the old buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While none of Santa Cruz's historic architecture sprang up overnight, a great deal of it was lost, or severely damaged, in a single go on October 17, 1989 as a result of the Loma Prieta earthquake. Still, some of the historic buildings have survived and today, thoroughly restored, define the character of downtown Santa Cruz.

Here are some of the historic spots that allow visitors a fantastic opportunity to immerse in a bygone era:

Holy Cross Church – one of the Catholic temples associated with Mission Santa Cruz, built in 1931; features a traditional Spanish garden.

Neary-Rodriguez Adobe – Santa Cruz's oldest structure, dated back circa 1810.

Octagon Building – a historic redbrick octagonal edifice, constructed in 1882.

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium – home to the Santa Cruz Symphony and the Cabrillo Festival, opened in 1940.

Hinds House – a historic, Victorian-style edifice built in 1888-1889; the largest surviving Stick-Eastlake house in Santa Cruz County – now a historical inn.

Del Mar Theater – originally built in 1936, renowned for its Art Deco style.

Golden Gate Villa – a Queen Anne-style house from 1891; listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places since 1975.

To explore the historic part of Santa Cruz with its architectural landmarks in more detail, take this self-guided walk. Your next best thing to time travel!