Santa Cruz is a beautiful coastal city in California that is often overlooked by tourists. Located just south of San Francisco, it’s known for its redwood forests, miles of beaches, and charming downtown district.
The city’s laid-back vibe and mild weather make it an ideal destination for those who want to soak up some sun without breaking the bank.
Santa Cruz has everything you could hope for in a beach vacation: surf, sand, sea lions, redwood forests, kayaking tours of Drake Bay just south of town—you name it! It also offers outdoor activities like surfing lessons or biking on Highway 1 that are perfect for active types.
In short: if you’re looking to spend your next vacation in paradise but don’t have a lot of money to do so this year then Santa Cruz is the place to go. Here are some of the reasons to visit Santa Cruz!
The Beach Boardwalk
If you’re a fan of the beach and amusement parks, this is definitely a place you’ll want to visit! The Beach Boardwalk has been around for over 100 years and it’s still going strong.
You can ride roller coasters, eat at concession stands, or simply sit back and enjoy the scenery from one of the boardwalk’s picnic tables.
The boardwalk is packed with fun and excitement year-round along the beach, but it’s especially lively during the summer months.
If you’re planning a trip to Santa Cruz around this time of year make sure you don’t miss out on all the fun! The ocean breeze will keep you cool even in the warmer months.
If you’re looking for a spot that isn’t too busy then opt to visit the boardwalk at night! You can experience the thrill of riding the roller coaster without having to wait hours in line.
There’s still plenty of lights and excitement though so it’s definitely still worth checking out!
The stunning coastal views
Being a coastal town, you’re for sure getting an amazing view of the beach. There are plenty of attractions nearby that will allow you to experience the great outdoors while still being able to appreciate the beautiful views.
California is known for its coastal views, and Santa Cruz is definitely not short on these. Santa Cruz is also known for its sea lions! Spending your time watching them frolic in the waves and play with each other is an experience that you will never forget.
The delicious food options
From seafood to Mexican cuisine, Santa Cruz has got such a wide variety of cuisines at your fingertips. From vegan and vegetarian options to meat-loaded dishes, Santa Cruz has plenty of food joint options that will satisfy your taste buds.
Some restaurants that you have to try are:
- Steamer Lane Supply: This snack shack is just by the sea, making it a popular surf break spot. Their menu items include fresh seafood dishes that are served straight from the Santa Cruz Wharf daily!
- If you’re looking for a little bit of everything, try Abbott Square Market. This is a food hall downtown where you can get a wide variety.
- Or if you want to treat yourself with something sweet then pay a visit to Zoccoli’s Delicatessen as they offer mouthwatering baked goods that will not disappoint!
The laid back vibe and mild weather
Who doesn’t love a city that is relaxed and has great weather? The laid-back atmosphere will leave you refreshed after some time spent in the bustling city.
With the mild weather, you’re able to enjoy the beach and still be comfortable without having to bundle up in a billion layers of clothing! Not only that but with all this great weather it leaves plenty of room for activities like biking or hiking.
After spending some time in Santa Cruz you’ll definitely feel at ease with the laid-back environment here.
Plus, the weather is pretty consistent throughout the year so you don’t have to worry about the weather when planning your vacation. You can head to the beach any time of the year!
There’s just so many things to do!
Santa Cruz is known for its chilled-out vibe, but there are plenty of activities to do as well.
You can kayak around Drake Bay or sign up for surfing lessons! Santa Cruz has some great spots like Natural Bridges State Park which will allow you to enjoy the beach all day long.
If you’re looking for something a bit more tame then take a stroll through Santa Cruz’s downtown area. There are also tons of wine tasting locations if you’re looking for a fun evening.
If you’re looking for some history, visit the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Museum to check out an old redwood forest!
With so much packed into this one small town, it’s a place you should really consider adding onto your bucket list.
Not only is there so much to do, but the town itself is beautiful as well! With historical buildings and monuments situated throughout the city, it’s like walking through a small museum with all of the interesting stores and restaurants mixed in.
The charming downtown area
Downtown Santa Cruz is a destination in itself with many independent shops and restaurants. Within the downtown area there are plenty of eclectic shops to browse through. It’s definitely a place you’ll want to check out.
Whether you’re looking for sweets or something more savory, downtown Santa Cruz has got plenty of options to choose from! There are tons of restaurants down here as well if you don’t feel like leaving the area.
Santa Cruz is a great destination for those who want some fresh air or work on their tan. The laid-back vibe makes it easy to let loose and have fun while enjoying all the city has to offer.
From surf lessons or kayaking, there are plenty of outdoor activities you can partake in during your visit. If you’re looking for something more intellectual then don’t miss Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, with an old redwood forest with lots of history!
This amazing city will leave you feeling refreshed when exploring its many attractions! From shops, restaurants, beaches, hiking trails, wine tasting locations – the list goes on! The possibilities are endless when it comes to Santa Cruz, so get ready for an amazing vacation!
