The Mystery Spot is a place where the laws of physics seem to be defied. It’s a tourist attraction where people can go to experience weird gravitational effects and optical illusions. Some of the things that people can do at the mystery spot include standing on walls, walking upstairs that leads nowhere, and feeling like they’re spinning even though they’re standing still.
The mystery spot has been around since 1941, and there’s no one really knows how it works. Some people say that it’s just an optical illusion, while others believe that there’s some sort of supernatural force at work.
No one knows for sure, but it’s definitely a fun place to visit if you’re looking for a little bit of mystery in your life. Imagine standing at a 45-degree angle to what your perception of gravity is supposed to be. Imagine having your ideas of gravity challenged as you go out hiking and exploring. All of that is possible with a visit to the Mystery Spot in California.
Originally opening in 1941, it is located in the redwood forests just outside of the city and is billed as a gravitational anomaly located in Santa Cruz county. Tour guides are limited, so online reservations are highly recommended if you are planning a trip in advance.
What is the Mystery Spot, Santa Cruz?
Though the Mystery Spot is far from the largest tourist destination you may ever choose to visit, it will certainly be one of the most memorable.
Your perspective of reality is immediately questioned as you walk toward the main building. Everything seems to be tilted, slanted, or just “not right” in some unique way.
Is it a vortex of magma? A spaceship that has been buried in this specific spot? Though the claims might seem to be outlandish, one thing is for certain: people come from all over the world to this fascinating circular area of California to specifically visit the Mystery Spot and keep returning year after year.
Who built the Mystery Spot?
The Mystery Spot – Santa Cruz became a famous roadside attraction on the road under the management of George Prather in 1939. Prather was an interesting figure himself, as he was a local celebrity and businessman. He was also known for his work in developing both the Mystery Spot and California’s Big Tree Park.
It is unknown who originally built the attraction, however, it is speculated that it may have been a group of students. A more recent article claims that the spot was originally used as a storage space for moonshine during the prohibition.
What will you see at the Mystery Spot?
There are numerous tours and activities to do at the Mystery Spot. The most popular tour is the 45-minute walking tour, which includes an educational video, a guided tour of the grounds, and time to explore on your own.
There are also longer 2-hour tours that include a zip-lining adventure through the mountains. No matter which tour you choose, you are sure to be amazed by the bizarre optical illusions and gravity-defying phenomenon.
Some of the things you may see on a visit to the Mystery Spot are people standing on the walls, people walking upstairs that lead nowhere, and a tilted cabin. You will also experience optical illusions like the infinite staircase and the bent room.
What should you wear at the Mystery Spot?
The Mystery Spot is an outdoor attraction, so it is important to dress for the weather. The spot is open rain or shine, so be sure to bring a jacket if it looks like it might rain.
The ground is also uneven in some areas, so comfortable shoes are a must. There is a lot of walking involved in the tour, so wear shoes that you can walk in for an extended period of time.
How do I get to the Mystery Spot?
The Mystery Spot is located at 465 Mystery Spot Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95065. It is about a 10-minute drive from Santa Cruz and about an hour’s drive from San Jose.
If you are coming from out of town, the best way to get to the Mystery Spot is by car. There is also a shuttle that runs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to the Mystery Spot and runs every 30 minutes.
When is the Mystery Spot open?
The Mystery Spot is open year-round, but hours vary depending on the season.
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It’s Not the “Solved Spot…” It’s the Mystery Spot!
Plan to spend about 45 minutes on a guided tour at the Mystery Spot. You’ll get to see plenty of variations of gravity that really will make you question your knowledge of physics!
There are also hiking trails around the area that explore the redwoods in the area, a eucalyptus grove, and is surrounded by beautiful oak trees too!
There are many things to do after your visit! There will be additional opportunities for you to explore once you’ve completed your trip so that you don’t have to plan an entire vacation just for a 45-minute excursion! For your own enjoyment, there are snacks and other amenities available.
Even if you decide that the Mystery Spot isn’t for you, there are plenty of awesome sights to see in the Santa Cruz area. If the weather is nice, you can never go wrong with a visit to the beach, which is only 10 minutes away from the Mystery Spot.
On a grey, rainy day, a drive through the redwood forest is the perfect way to explore.
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How Much Is It To Visit the Mystery Spot, Santa Cruz?
Because the guided tours are limited, Mystery Spot recommends that you book ahead by purchasing your tickets online or over the phone.
Tickets are $6 per person, though children under the age of 3 are free. There is a gift shop on-site where you can buy your usual tourist trappings gifts like the legendary Mystery Spot bumper sticker for your car.
There is also a $5 parking fee to consider as well in their parking lot. Plan on arriving at least 30 minutes in advance of your scheduled tour guide time so that you don’t miss out on all the fun! Best of all, the famous Mystery Spot is open all year round for your enjoyment.
Things to do in Santa Cruz Besides the Mystery Spot
There are a lot of things to do when visiting Santa Cruz besides the Mystery Spot. One can go to the beach, take a hike in the redwoods, go whale watching, visit the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, or go shopping and eat at restaurants in the downtown area.
Santa Cruz is a great place to spend a vacation and there is something for everyone to do. The beach is a great place to relax, go swimming, or surf. The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a historic amusement park that has rides, games, and food.
There are also many shops and restaurants in the downtown area. Hiking in the redwoods is a great way to get some exercise and see some beautiful scenery. Because there are so many whales that pass by the coast of Santa Cruz, whale watching is a common activity.
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Is the Mystery Spot, Santa Cruz Worth Visiting?
The Mystery Spot is a great place to bring the family for a day trip or even make it a weekend getaway. With so many things to do in the area, you’ll never be bored!
If you are looking for one of the more bizarre tourist attractions and an iconic California historical landmark, the Mystery Spot will certainly deliver! Have you visited the Mystery Spot before? Is it a tourist trap, slightly overrated, or an amazing tourist attraction?
FAQ
What happens at the Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz?
A gravitational oddity occurs in redwood forests, which is called the Mystery Spot. It has circular anomalies that stretch roughly 150 feet and 46 meters in diameter. The way gravity is questioned will surprise you.
How long is the tour at the Mystery Spot?
The guided tour lasts about 40 minutes.
What is the secret of the Mystery Spot?
Tilt may be used to create gravity-based visual illusions known as mystery spots. An oddly angled setting or sitting on a slanted floor could produce this deception. Misperceptions of height and position are occasionally registered in the tilting rooms at Mystery Spot due to odd tilted conditions.
Related Resources
- Best Family Vacation Spots in the World
- World’s Top Rollercoasters to Visit
- 15 Amazing Natural Arches in the World
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