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The Mystery Spot: A Gravity-Defying Enigma

Experience gravity-defying illusions and perplexing phenomena at Santa Cruz's iconic Mystery Spot, a roadside attraction that has puzzled visitors since 1940.

4.5

The Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz is a roadside attraction where the laws of physics seem to go awry. Visitors experience visual illusions that defy gravity, making it a quirky and memorable stop. Opened in 1940, this spot has been puzzling and entertaining guests for generations.

A brief summary to The Mystery Spot

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance, especially for weekends and holidays, to guarantee your spot, as tours often sell out.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time to allow for parking and ticket pick-up.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk and uneven surfaces within the Mystery Spot.
  • Bring cash for parking and souvenirs, though credit cards are accepted for online ticket purchases.
  • Take advantage of the photo opportunities to capture the gravity-defying illusions.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Mystery Spot is located at 465 Mystery Spot Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95065, about 10 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz. From Highway 1 North or 17 South, take the Ocean Street exit, turn left onto Water St, then left onto Market St, and follow for 2.9 miles. Parking at the Mystery Spot costs $5 per vehicle.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From downtown Santa Cruz or the Boardwalk, a taxi or ride-share is a convenient option. A taxi ride from downtown Santa Cruz to the Mystery Spot typically takes about 7 minutes and costs between $16 and $20. From the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a taxi will cost around $18-$23.

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Discover more about The Mystery Spot

The Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly nestled in the redwood forests just outside of Santa Cruz, California. This roadside attraction, opened in 1940, draws visitors into a circular area of approximately 150 feet in diameter where perceptions of gravity and physics are challenged. Founded by George Prather, the Mystery Spot gained popularity in the mid-20th century. Prather, an electrician, mechanic, and inventor, was inspired by the Oregon Vortex and sought to create a similar experience in California. After noticing his compass jittering and feeling dizzy on the property, he built a "crazy house" and opened the site to the public. Visitors embark on a guided tour that demonstrates the spot's unique characteristics. Inside a tilted wooden building and along a steep uphill walk, optical illusions make it appear as though people can stand at impossible angles, water flows upwards, and balls roll uphill. These gravity-defying demonstrations provide ample opportunities for fun and memorable photos. Theories abound regarding the cause of the Mystery Spot's strange phenomena, ranging from buried spacecraft to carbon dioxide permeation, magma vortexes, and high levels of radiation. Regardless of the explanation, the Mystery Spot remains a beloved destination for those seeking a dose of quirky entertainment. The Mystery Spot is more than just a collection of illusions; it's a piece of California history. Designated as California Historical Landmark number 1055, it stands as the first and most significant example of a "tilt-box" or "gravity house" roadside attraction in the state.

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