Santa Cruz, CA

Quirky, Cool and Waiting For You

Adorning the northern end of Monterey Bay and on the breathtakingly beautiful Pacific Ocean sits the lovely beachside town of Santa Cruz. Although its about 75 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Cruz retains the alternative counter-culture vibe of the Bay Area, while at the same time being a unique bohemian community all its own. Santa Cruz is home to a University of California campus, and with its student population comes a youthful and progressive vibe. As Santa Cruz is right on the Pacific Ocean much of the fun is centered upon the sea. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of the best seaside amusement parks in the world. Built in 1907, this Boardwalk attracts visitors to its thrilling rides, fun games and brilliant beach setting. Next to the boardwalk is the Santa Cruz Wharf, which is a 2,745-foot-long pier that is lined with fish & chips shops, gift shops and several wine bars.

Downtown Santa Cruz is a just what is to be expected from a place that epitomizes the California lifestyle. Filled with quirky shops, unique eateries and independent coffee shops, downtown Santa Cruz is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed afternoon. And with a number of theatres and concert venues in the downtown, there is live entertainment throughout the year. Outdoor enthusiasts will also love Santa Cruz and the surrounding area. At the coast is surfing, sailing and paddle boarding and inland offers excellent mountain biking and hiking in the Santa Cruz Mountains. And with multiple state parks and reserves nearby, getting out into nature for some calm and solitude is always a short drive away. The lodging in Santa Cruz is as eclectic as the town, with a range of options from beachside vacation rentals to luxurious resorts and quaint B&B’s. There is no doubt that the bohemian atmosphere, fun things to do and great places to stay will make Santa Cruz one of our top spots on the California Coast.