Santa Cruz Wharf facts for kids

The Santa Cruz Wharf is a long pier in Santa Cruz, California. It's a fun place for many activities! You can go fishing, take boat tours, or watch amazing sea lions. There are also restaurants, shops, and places to hang out.

The wharf you see today was built in 1914. It's the sixth wharf built in this spot! The City of Santa Cruz takes care of it. The wharf is located between Main Beach and Cowell's Beach. It's near the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Before some storm damage in 2024, it was the longest pier on the West Coast of the United States. It was about 2,745 feet (837 meters) long.

History of the Wharf

The Santa Cruz Wharf first opened on December 5, 1914. When it was new, its main job was to ship potatoes. These potatoes went to San Francisco for mining camps during the Gold Rush. Later, cars and better roads came along. So, the wharf became a busy place for fishing in Monterey Bay.

By the 1950s, there were fewer fish like sardines. Also, more families owned cars and had money for fun. Because of this, the Santa Cruz Wharf became a popular spot for recreation. People came to enjoy themselves, not just for work.

On October 4, 2014, the community celebrated the wharf's 100th birthday! They had a big festival. There was a special museum exhibit and a historic photo stand. People enjoyed face painting and saw cool surfboards. The celebration ended with fireworks.

On December 23, 2024, a part of the wharf broke. About 150 feet (46 meters) of the end section collapsed. This happened because of very high waves. The wharf was already being repaired when it collapsed. A public restroom building also washed onto the beach.

Fun Things to Do at the Wharf

The wharf is a very popular place for visitors. It's right next to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Many people come to the wharf to eat at restaurants. They also enjoy gift shops, candy stores, and trying local wines. Lots of visitors just like to walk around. They love looking down at the sea lions swimming or resting below. About 1.5 million people visit the Santa Cruz Wharf each year. They come to fish, shop, eat, and see the sights.

Woodies on the Wharf Show

The "Woodies on the Wharf" is a special car show. It's the biggest show for "woodie" cars in Northern California. These are cool, old cars with wooden parts on their bodies. The show features over 200 stylish cars made before 1952. It's free to attend! You can enjoy music, find woodie-themed items, and enter prize drawings. There's even a free bike valet if you ride your bike there.

Wharf to Wharf Race

Every year, on the fourth Sunday in July, a big race happens. Thousands of runners come from all over the world to Santa Cruz. They run a six-mile race to Capitola-by-the-Sea. The "Wharf to Wharf Race" started in 1973 with just a few local runners. It begins at the Santa Cruz Wharf and finishes at the Capitola Wharf. Only 16,000 runners can join, and spots sell out months in advance!

See also

• Casa del Rey Hotel

Images for kids

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  View underneath the wharf between wooden piles

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  Sea lion under the wharf

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  Sea lions on a platform beside the wharf