Santa Cruz

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Cruisin' Around Santa Cruz

A travel journal to Santa Cruz by Judy Andreson Best of IgoUgo

The college town of Santa Cruz holds a fascination for everyone from tourists, to the beach crowd and those taking a break from Silicon Valley. It's a fun, happening place with lots of things to see besides the Boardwalk.

  • 5 reviews

Cruisin' Around Santa CruzBest of IgoUgo

Overview

If you must, start out at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, one the county's main attractions. Take a stroll on the Municipal Wharf, eat at one of the area's great restaurants, study the surfer culture at Steamer Lane, or go hiking around the Lighthouse and Natural Bridges. Santa Cruz is what having fun in the sun is all about!

Quick Tips:

There is a lot to see and do, so why not plan to stay a day or two? You'll enjoy your time in the sun and among the redwoods. If you really have some time on your hands, explore further south to the communities of Moss Landing and the Monterey Peninsula.

Best Way To Get Around:

If you're in good shape and don't have little ones, the best way to see the sights is on bicycle or on foot. The town stretches along the coast about 2.5 miles, but don't forget you'll have to make your way back!

Seascape Resort on Monterey BayBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Seascape Resort"

This fairly new resort is located just minutes away from Santa Cruz. While I would consider it a big splurge, the accommodations are special. We stayed in a 1-bedroom suite complete with fireplace and kitchenette. The Resort sits on the bluffs at Seascape Beach and our room had ocean views. There is a good restaurant on site. Adjacent to the resort there is a workout facility with a golf course and tennis courts.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on August 12, 2000

Seascape Resort on Monterey Bay
1 Seascape Resort Drive Santa Cruz, California 95003
(831) 688-6800

Roaring CampBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Roaring Camp is an historic settlement for early pioneers, lumberjacks and gold miners. It features the Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow-Guage Railroad. There are two trips: a 6-mile round trip mile to Bear Mountain where you can picnic and return on a later trip; and through the redwoods to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. There's also an old-fashioned general store, print shop, portrait studio and chuck-wagon barbecues. Call ahead to find out if there are any special events planned during the time you'll be visiting.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on August 10, 2000

Roaring Camp
5355 Graham Hill Road Santa Cruz, California 95018
(831) 335-4484

Santa Cruz Beach BoardwalkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The Boardwalk is a state historic landmark and recognized as the last major oceanside park on the Pacific Coast. It is California's oldest amusement park. Ride the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and scream with the best of them! You'll know you've seen the future on the Astro Canyon Virtual Coaster, a simulated ride through outer space. Be sure you see the nostalgic hand-crafted carousel made in 1911.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on August 10, 2000

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach Street Santa Cruz, California 95060
(831) 423-5590

Big Basin State ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

If you want a place where you can camp and hike, stay here. The park is amidst 18,000-acres of redwoods and has 80 miles of hiking trails. If you're up for it, take the 10-mile trek through Big Basin. Don't forget to make reservations well in advance as the park fills up everyday throughout the summer.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on August 10, 2000

Big Basin State Park
21600 Big Basin Way Santa Cruz, California 95006
(831) 338-8860

About the Writer

Judy Andreson
Judy Andreson
Elko, Nevada
  • "Experienced travel writer with more than 200 published articles on travel in the U.S. and Europe."
  • 26 journals
  • 0 photos
  • 122 reviews

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