The quintessential California beach town of Santa Cruz! It was here that surfing was first brought to the mainland by Hawaiian royalty. Home to the legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined downtown area, and the historic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, which stretches out a half-mile into the waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Other highlights include UC Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, and nearby redwood forests.
The quintessential California beach town of Santa Cruz! It was here that surfing was first brought to the mainland by Hawaiian royalty. Home to the legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined downtown area, and the historic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, which stretches out a half-mile into the waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Other highlights include UC Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, and nearby redwood forests.
Felton, in the San Lorenzo Valley, offers up scenic redwood drives, Roaring Camp Railroads, and the beautiful San Lorenzo River. Biking, hiking and equestrian trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and a combined 80 miles of trails are accessible at nearby state parks. While here, make sure to visit the famous Felton Covered Bridge and the Bigfoot Museum. Other features include local wineries, antique stores and galleries that adorn the nearby towns.
Just inland from Capitola, the historic town of Soquel features family-operated wineries, antique stores, and a California-rustic feel. Mountain bikers flock to Soquel’s Demonstration Forest, where challenging trails offer the ultimate challenge. Other features of this idyllic town include dining, shopping, wine tasting, and hiking.
Combining the redwoods and the sea into one idyllic setting, Aptos is a quaint town that serves as home to the forested Nisene Marks State Park, perfect for mountain biking and hiking. Historic Aptos Village features antique shops, restaurants and boutiques. For the perfect spot to picnic, barbecue, or take a seaside stroll, head to Seacliff State beach and walk to the end of the pier to see the S.S. Palo Alto, an experimental concrete vessel known as “the cement ship”.
Capitola, just minutes south of Santa Cruz, is California’s oldest seaside resort town, and boasts a Mediterranean flavor. An esplanade winds around village shops and bistros, while picture-ready views from the Capitola Wharf create a relaxing atmosphere. Experience signature events like the Capitola Art & Wine Festival, Capitola Begonia Festival, wine tasting rooms, and shopping. Take a hillside “cable car” to dinner overlooking Soquel Creek, next to scenic gardens and waterfalls.
The tranquil town of Scotts Valley – a half-hour from Silicon Valley and six miles from Santa Cruz – mixes lush redwood forests with high-tech businesses. Nearby, Henry Cowell and Big Basin Redwoods State Parks offer a multitude of options for hikers. And on the Fourth of July, Scotts Valley is the place to be, with an impressive fireworks celebration. In summertime, the Scotts Valley Art & Wine Festival brings together local wine makers and artists, all in a pet-friendly outdoor setting.
The quintessential California beach town of Santa Cruz! It was here that surfing was first brought to the mainland by Hawaiian royalty. Home to the legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined downtown area, and the historic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, which stretches out a half-mile into the waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Other highlights include UC Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, and nearby redwood forests.
ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.