Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill

This half-block served as Santa Cruz's city and county center, with the Cooper House originally built as the courthouse in 1866. In the 1970s-80s it transformed into a legendary gathering spot for music, dining, and dancing. Demolished after the 1989 earthquake, the site is now home to Abbott Square.

Enjoy sweeping views of downtown from this historic site, home to the oldest building in Santa Cruz County—an 1822-1824 adobe that housed indigenous families at the Mission, the best preserved Native American residence at any California mission.

nter after secularization in the 1830s, serving as the gathering place for the emerging community.

Squid Row is a quirky alley between Chestnut and Union streets, once home to the legendary Calamari Festival in the 1980s. This artistic enclave features unique architectural details and creative galleries.

neighboring Civic Auditorium from 1940 form the city's government and cultural center downtown.

nd lush gardens,

This stunning Art Deco movie palace, built in 1936, remains a beloved downtown landmark showcasing independent films and hosting legendary midnight screenings.