The Mystery Spot
- Admission
- $10 per person for advance tickets online, children under 3 are free. Parking is $5 per vehicle.
- Hours
- Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (hours can vary seasonally)
- Duration
- 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Parking
- On-site parking is available for a $5 fee per vehicle.
- Access
- Due to the natural steep hillside terrain and tilted cabin structure, the main cabin area is not fully wheelchair accessible.
Tucked away in the redwood forest near Santa Cruz, this legendary gravitational anomaly challenges your perception of physics. Visitors experience mind-bending illusions where water flows uphill and people appear to change height. It is a classic, quirky slice of Americana that has puzzled travelers since 1939.
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Opened to the public in 1940 by George Prather, The Mystery Spot is a circular area of forest about 150 feet in diameter where the laws of physics and gravity seem to be completely defied. Some speculate that a buried alien spacecraft or a localized electromagnetic field is responsible, while others credit ingenious optical illusions.
During the guided tour, you will walk up a steep hillside to a famously tilted wooden cabin where guides demonstrate perplexing phenomena. You can watch billiard balls roll uphill, stand at impossible angles without falling over, and compare heights with friends on a perfectly level platform.
Surrounded by towering coastal redwoods, the site is as much a scenic nature walk as it is a puzzling mental workout. Generations of road-trippers have left with the iconic yellow-and-black bumper sticker, cementing its status as one of California's most enduring roadside landmarks.
Ratings
attraction◆ Visitor Tips
- ◆ Buy your tickets online in advance, as tours frequently sell out, especially on weekends and holidays.
- ◆ Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time to allow for parking and check-in.
- ◆ Be prepared to hike a short but very steep paved hill to reach the cabin itself.
- ◆ Don't forget to collect your free iconic yellow bumper sticker at the end of the tour.
Heads Up
- ◆ The optical illusions and tilted structures can cause mild motion sickness, dizziness, or vertigo for some visitors.
- ◆ The steep incline to the cabin may be physically challenging for those with limited mobility.
Common questions
Do you need to buy tickets in advance for the Mystery Spot?
Yes, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance online, as tours frequently sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. Day-of tickets at the gate are limited and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is the Mystery Spot wheelchair accessible?
No, the attraction is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. The path leading up to the cabin is a very steep, paved hill that requires significant physical effort to climb.
How long does the Mystery Spot tour take?
The guided tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Visitors should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled tour time to park and check in.
Are dogs allowed at the Mystery Spot?
No, pets are not allowed on the tour or anywhere on the grounds, with the exception of service dogs. Leaving pets in vehicles is also strictly prohibited for their safety.
Is there cell phone service at the Mystery Spot?
No, cell phone reception is extremely limited or non-existent in the redwood canyon where the attraction is located. It is best to download or print your tickets and driving directions before you arrive.