Congratulations on being accepted to UC Santa Cruz! All of our tours from April 1 through 11 are prioritized for admitted students. Our friendly, knowledgeable student tour guides can’t wait to meet you! Please note that you will need to log in as an admitted student to register for these tours. For help setting up your CruzID, go HERE.
Tour guests needing mobility accommodations as outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should email visits@ucsc.edu or call (831) 459-4118 at least five business days in advance of their scheduled tour.
Getting Here
Please note that parking on campus could be severely impacted during this busy time, and travel times may be delayed. Plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour time. We encourage all visitors to consider leaving their personal vehicles at home and using rideshare or public transportation to campus.
- Rideshare services - proceed directly onto campus and request drop-off at Quarry Plaza.
- Public transportation: Metro bus or campus shuttle service - Those arriving by Metro bus or campus shuttle should use the Cowell College (uphill) or bookstore (downhill) bus stops.
- If bringing a personal vehicle you should park at Hahn Lot 101 - You must obtain a special visitor parking permit when you arrive and display it on your dashboard. This special permit is valid only in lot 101 and for 3 hours only. Vehicles not displaying the permit or exceeding the time limit may be cited.
If members of your group have mobility issues, we suggest dropping off passengers directly at Quarry Plaza. Limited medical and disability spaces are available at Quarry Plaza.
When you arrive
Check in for your tour in Quarry Plaza. Quarry Plaza is within a five-minute walk from Lot 101. Guests will see a large granite rock at the entrance to Quarry Plaza. This is the gathering point to meet with your tour guide. A public restroom is available at the far end of the Quarry Plaza. Ask your guide for available amenities on the day of your tour.
Tour
The tour will take approximately 75 minutes and includes stairs, and some uphill and downhill walking. Appropriate walking shoes for our hills and forest floors and dressing in layers are highly recommended in our variable coastal climate. Tours will depart rain or shine, so check the weather forecast before you go and dress appropriately!
Our campus tours are a completely outdoor experience (no classroom or student housing interiors).
A video about next steps for Admitted Students will be available to view, and Admissions staff will be there to answer questions.
QUESTIONS BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR TOUR?
If you have any questions before the start or at the end of your tour, Admissions staff will be happy to assist you at the Admissions table in Quarry Plaza. Additionally, a resource fair will be taking place on weekdays, including our Housing, Financial Aid, Undergraduate Admissions, and Summer Session Offices.
Bay Tree Campus Store is available in the Quarry Plaza during business hours for souvenirs and collegiate wear to show your Banana Slug pride!
FOOD OPTIONS
Food is available in the Dining Halls throughout campus, in the cafés and restaurants in Quarry Plaza and the residential colleges, and via food trucks. Hours vary, so for up-to-date information, please go to our UCSC Dining page. For information on the many eateries available in Santa Cruz, see the Visit Santa Cruz website.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR TOUR
Santa Cruz is a fun, lively area featuring miles of scenic beaches and a lively downtown. For visitor information, please see the Visit Santa Cruz website.