The Santa Cruz Wharf is known for its restaurants with beautiful views of the ocean and beach, great fishing, and the seals that gather under the wharf. The Santa Cruz Wharf has even been featured in some movies. This picturesque spot is perfect for a family outing or date night. You can have an unforgettable adventure spending a day or evening at the wharf. 

The Santa Cruz Wharf opened in 1914 but was only for commercial use until the 1950s. Since that time that wharf has become a popular tourist attraction. 

The Wharf is the longest wooden pier in California and the longest Pacific Ocean Pier.
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The wharf’s hours are 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. Although most restaurants and bars on the wharf close by 9 p.m., the late hours allow you to linger on the wharf. Early morning and late night are also great times to go fishing.
From the wharf you can see surfers, kayakers, and boaters in the distance. It is a common occurrence to see sea lions, otters, pelicans, and seagulls.
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During certain times of year it’s possible to whale watch from the wharf.
Technically, the wharf is a pier. A pier extends over the water into the ocean, while a wharf is along the shoreline.
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The Santa Cruz Wharf is 2,475 feet long, much longer than the famous Pier 39 in San Francisco which is 1,000 feet.

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If you want to explore the wharf for a day, leave your pup at home– only service dogs are allowed on the wharf.
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For anyone requiring a wheelchair, beach wheelchairs are offered for free on a first-come, first-serve basis from June to August.
The restaurants on the wharf are mostly casual. Many offer indoor seating and a couple offer items like clam chowder to-go.
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It’s a Bay Area custom to eat clam chowder while walking around or sitting on a wharf.
Throughout the year there are many events on Santa Cruz Wharf, including an annual hot rod car show and pictures with Santa in December. Check out the calendar of events for upcoming events.
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The neighboring beach, Santa Cruz Beach, has many events including concerts and a big Fourth of July celebration.

If you’re planning a weekend trip to Santa Cruz, check out our story about the local caves</a>. Or drive a short ways to the east to visit the neighboring city of Capitola and its colorful downtown.

Have you ever been to the Santa Cruz Wharf? What did you do there? Tell us in the comments.

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Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA