From surfing to the redwood forests to scenic drives and bridge shaped formation, Santa Cruz is a coastal city in Central California, that has everything for everyone!
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FIRST STOP: Capitola
Just before you get to Santa Cruz you need to visit this cute little town.
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SECOND STOP: Dream Inn
Check in and then head for drinks and swimming at the pool
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THIRD STOP: Downtown Santa Cruz -Pacific Ave
Beautiful tree lined street with coffee shops, bookstores, clothing stores, dessert shops and eateries. Grab coffee to go at Verve coffee (where it all started in Santa Cruz) and explore!
FOURTH STOP: Oceanfront Beach Boardwalk for an old-fashioned amusement park. Make sure to check out the two rides that have been declared National Historical Landmarks The Giant Dipper and Looff Carousel built 1911!
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FIFTH STOP: Dinner and walk at the Santa Cruz Wharf for yummy seafood with a beautiful sunset view
DAY TWO:
FIRST STOP: Breakfast at Jack O’Neill Restaurant at Dream Inn (outdoor dining now) with a beautiful ocean view
Jack O’Neill was known as the developer of the neoprene wetsuit for surfers so they can enjoy the cold waters of the California coastline and beyond.
SECOND STOP: West Cliff Drive
Take a long walk or drive along the scenic West Cliff Drive. Absolutely beautiful with rugged cliffs, misty roads and stunning scenery. You can stop by the Surfing Museum at Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, which overlooks Steamer Lane (popular surfing spot) and Natural Bridges State Beach. Check out the bridge-shaped rock formation. If you are there between October and January you can see thousands of Monarch butterflies at Monarch Grove.
THIRD STOP: Mystery Point (great the kids)
Located in the redwood forest, Mystery Point is a gravitational anomaly. Fun to check out!
FOURTH STOP: Roaring Camp Railroads (great for family)
In the midst of redwood forest you will find a replica of a logging town from the 1880s. Take a ride through the redwood country to the top of Bear Mountain in a old steam locomotive on a 3ft narrow garage railroad from logging times.
More photos of beautiful Santa Cruz
