Santa Cruz Travel Information
Set alongside a pretty stretch of Pacific coast, the city of Santa
Cruz is both surfing mecca and alternative retreat, more relaxed than
nearby Capitola, more eclectic than Monterey and less tech than
Silicon Valley - in short, a popular escape in close proximity to
redwood forests, secluded beaches and flourishing wineries. In
addition to reliable swell, which lures in long and short boarders
alike, Santa Cruz boasts the oldest beach boardwalk in the West, which
still draws a crowd with its wooden coasters and cotton
candy.
Head a few streets inland and exchange boardwalk
kitsch for the city's renovated downtown, a pedestrian-friendly,
tree-lined
stretch that sports an assortment of shops and galleries, first-rate
coffee
shops and sidewalk performers - all in keeping with Surf City's
offbeat personality. If you're looking for cultural or educational
sights to see around town, consider a cruise through the Museum of Art
& History, a detour out to explore tidal pools or the Seymour
Marine Discovery Center near Natural Bridges State Park and a stroll
around Santa Cruise Mission State Historic Park. With more time to
check out local attractions, add the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, the
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History and a wander around the
University of California, Santa Cruz campus, located just northwest of
the city center, to your relaxed agenda.
If neither
boardwalk nor museum going appeals, consider instead an extended hike
in local redwood forests, pack into the car for a scenic spin
through inland farm country or spend a lazy day wine tasting your way
around Santa Cruz Mountain vineyards.
Santa Cruz is
situated on the northern part of Monterey Bay
about 74 miles south of San Francisco and 30 miles from San Jose.
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