Santa Cruz Harbor offers multiple public access points with a 1-2 mile accessible Marina Interpretive Walk featuring level, hard-surfaced paths, benches, and interpretive signs about local marine life and history.

The harbor provides car-top launch areas for kayaks and paddleboards at F-Dock and A-Dock ramps ($15 daily fee), accessible restrooms, parking, and a beach wheelchair available from the harbor office.

Fishing is permitted in designated areas, and the harbor entrance is protected by jetties, making it suitable for paddlers and anglers of varying experience levels.