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Spotlight: Santa Cruz VCW_D_SantaCruz_Hero_Thomas_Hawk_5513212075_20c9c0eeee_o_1280x642
Thomas Hawk/ Flickr

Northern California

Spotlight: Santa Cruz

Spotlight: Santa Cruz vca_maps_sfbayarea
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Spotlight: Santa Cruz Screen Shot 2017-07-19 at 3.08.06 PM_6
Jack O’Neill World Memorial Paddle Out
From Santa Cruz to Sydney, thousands of surfers paid tribute to the life & adventures of Jack O’Neill, the late wetsuit and surfing pioneer, with a giant memorial paddle out, creating a "circle of love" across the globe.

This ultra-mellow beach town along Highway One has a decided split personality—and both sides are cool. First, there’s the family fun of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a yesteryear-style esplanade lined with classic coasters, arcade games, corn dogs, and a historic carousel. Then there’s downtown Santa Cruz, where local college students browse for vintage and boho chic, and relaxed restaurants focus on organic, local ingredients.

If you love nature, this small city makes an excellent launching pad. Take a boat tour out from the wharf for excellent whale-watching—greys, blues, or humpbacks, depending on the time of year— or head inland just a bit to see the ancient trees at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. And there’s one other nature-inspired gem tucked in these mountains: a generous selection of wineries, most specializing in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

But at its heart, Santa Cruz is a surf town. This is where the sport was originally introduced in the U.S., and top surfers know that the place to be is Steamer Lane. Need more proof? The late legendary surfer Jack O’Neill, pioneer of the wetsuit and elder statesman of everything surf in the Golden State, used to live nearby.

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Spotlight: Santa Cruz Screen Shot 2017-07-19 at 3.08.06 PM_6
Jack O’Neill World Memorial Paddle Out
From Santa Cruz to Sydney, thousands of surfers paid tribute to the life & adventures of Jack O’Neill, the late wetsuit and surfing pioneer, with a giant memorial paddle out, creating a "circle of love" across the globe.
Spotlight: Santa Cruz VCW_D_SantaCruz_T1_Richard_Masoner_2825601824_b9f85c944b_o_1280x642_0
Richard Masoner/ Flickr

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Spotlight: Santa Cruz vca_maps_sfbayarea
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Ancient redwoods and camping just north of town

This remarkable preserve, California’s oldest state park, is an emerald gem in the Santa Cruz Mountains. With more than 80 miles of trails winding through redwood groves and other lush habitats, Big Basin makes an appealing weekend getaway for people in the Silicon Valley, about an hour’s drive west. Mums and dads love letting the kids loose to dip their toes in clear streams, or watching them conjure up enough courage to kiss a banana slug (ask a local; it’s a belt-notch experience for many a Northern Californian). 

Big Basin offers a variety of campsites, including 38 walk-in sites—a short walk lets you pitch your tent in ultimate peace and quiet. Hike, mountain bike or ride horses on designated routes. Trekkers love the 10.5-mile Skyline to the Sea Trail, which runs along Waddell Creek to the ocean and nearby Theodore J. Hoover Natural Preserve. There are also plenty of gentle, scenic rambles, such as the 4-mile Sequoia loop trail (complete with a small waterfall), and 0.5-mile Redwood loop trail that takes visitors to some of the park’s tallest trees. Collect maps and hiking tips from rangers at park headquarters, and ask about guided twilight hikes and campfire programmes.

Spotlight: Santa Cruz VC_SantaCruzWhales_Stock_RM_YVKI000047_1280x640
Kiliii Fish/Aurora

Santa Cruz Whale Watching

Spotlight: Santa Cruz vca_maps_sfbayarea
Santa Cruz Whale Watching
Get close-up looks at blues, grays, humpbacks, and more

While Santa Cruz gets thumbs-up for its hang-loose surf scene, oceanfront amusement park, flawless beach, and classic wooden pier, there’s another giant treasure lurking just beneath the surface. Migratory whales, including greys, blues, and humpbacks, can all be spied off the coast here at different times of year, and dolphins, sea otters, and seals are observed year round. See for yourself on exciting whale-watching cruises, chartered sailing excursions, or—for staggeringly intimate encounters—on guided kayak paddles when waters are calm.

What makes Santa Cruz such a prime spot for whale watching? According to Gary Griggs, director of the Institute of Marine Sciences at U.C. Santa Cruz, the town’s location on the northern end of Monterey Bay puts it on the edge of some of whales’ favorite undersea dining rooms. “The whales are here feeding on sardines, anchovies, and plankton, which have been attracted by blooms of microscopic plants such as diatoms,” explains Dr. Griggs. What’s more, Monterey Bay’s unique geology produces an area of relatively calm bay waters, where, according to Dr. Griggs, “plankton, small fish, seabirds, whales, and dolphins congregate to share in the food.” It makes for a fascinating, lively mix, and a great opportunity to learn more about California’s fascinating and delicate ocean ecosystems.

 

Spotlight: Santa Cruz VC_TheLostBoysSantaCruzTour_SantaCruzBeachBoardwalk_RM_D954X0_1280x640_0
Rebecca Stunell/Alamy

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Spotlight: Santa Cruz vca_maps_sfbayarea
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Spend the day at this seaside charmer

A wide beach and splashable waves are always inviting; add a colourful boardwalk with rides, games, and music—well, how can you say no? Not many people do—this popular waterfront boardwalk is a summertime ritual for countless California families, a wonderful way for you to relax and play just like the smiling locals. While there are countless attractions lining the historic boardwalk, the big star is the Giant Dipper, a burly wooden coaster first opened in 1924 and generating screams, squeals and squinched-shut eyes for decades.

These days, it’s not the only thrill ride in town; the boardwalk also features the 125-foot/38-metre-high Double Shot tower for heart-in-throat adrenaline lovers. For tamer rides, especially for little ones, take a spin on the painstakingly restored 1911 Looff carousel (yes, that’s real horse hair in the tail of your painted steed). A noisy but fun indoor arcade offers laser tag, mini-golf, skee-ball and countless video games. Peace out with a ride above it all in the overhead Sky Glider funicular (providing GoPro-worthy views of the beach, rides and Santa Cruz Mountains. On Wednesdays in summer, stick around for free outdoor movies on the beach; and on summer Fridays, for free concerts.

Spotlight: Santa Cruz ONeill_skateboard_DavidDennis_Flickr_1280x642
Richard Masoner/ Flickr

Santa Cruz Shopping

Spotlight: Santa Cruz vca_maps_sfbayarea
Santa Cruz Shopping
Browse for boho, bathing suits, and antiques

This town’s shopping scene is eclectic, even funky.  Downtown Pacific Avenue offers many shops with a local twist, including the venerable O’Neill’s where surfer guys and girls can find a bikini or board shorts, flip-flops or a wetsuit—the creation and design of the city’s favourite son, the legendary Jack O’Neill (he still lives here, a beach ball's throw from the beach). The independent Bookshop Santa Cruz is packed with happy locals, especially during frequent author talks, and many other boutiques offer art, clothing and home furnishings. Antique hounds should head to the Santa Cruz Antique Faire (8am to 6pm on the second Sunday of the month, on Lincoln St. between Pacific and Cedar Streets). 

SPECIAL FEATURE
Where to release your inner fashionista

Shopping is an art form in California. Whether you are in search of the perfect cocktail dress or an authentic Mexican piñata, you will find it here. Want to sample fresh fruits and...

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Prayitno/Flickr
Santa Cruz vineyards
Patty Hinz/Alfaro Family Vineyards

Santa Cruz Wine Country

Spotlight: Santa Cruz vca_maps_sfbayarea
Santa Cruz Wine Country
Tucked-away wineries in lush coastal mountains

Winding into the Santa Cruz Mountains, you expect the towering redwoods and the misty ocean views. But wineries? It’s surprising but true: the Santa Cruz wine region boasts more than 70 wineries, producing a wide range of varietals from its mineral-rich soil. One of the state’s first AVAs, the region is best known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Micro-climates abound, with warm sunny days, nights brushed with fog and almost everything in between. 

Wine experts note that the rugged region practically forces character into wine. On the often-foggy slopes, the grapes ripen slowly. Marine air cools the vines at night, keeping acids intact (a good thing). Flavours mature in the grapes before sugar levels spike too high, allowing lower alcohol levels in the end. These are lively, interesting, arresting wines. Mountain soils here are often thin and stony, and this is a good thing too: Vines that struggle in poor soil produce fewer, better grapes, with more concentrated flavour. 

A must-see example of the region’s remote, low-key wineries is Ridge Vineyards, perched on a steep slope on the northern reaches of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Ridge first hit the wine scene with a flourish at the famous 1976 Paris blind tasting (the subject of the 2008 film Bottle Shock); a Ridge Cabernet was ranked by the world's top tasters above some classic Bordeaux. Ridge wines are still considered top shelf.  Bring a picnic, buy a bottle and relax with a stellar view east across the Silicon Valley.  

In-town tasting options are another way to sample local wines. Stop by Storrs Winery, located in a former mill, to sample Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir. At Pelican Ranch, enjoys tastes of Burgundy- and Rhone-style varietals. 

Beach in Santa Cruz, California
Surfing Sculpture in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Surf Culture

Spotlight: Santa Cruz vca_maps_sfbayarea
Santa Cruz Surf Culture
Gnarly, dude! Explore the lore, trappings, and history of California's ultimate ocean sport

Few can resist the funky, sunny, life-lovin’ vibe of the surf culture in Santa Cruz. Legend has it three Hawaiian princes brought surfing here in 1885, with legendary Hawaiian surfers such as Duke Kahanamoku following in their footsteps. Locals soon took to the consistent, easy waves at Cowell’s, and right-handed point breaks at Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point, and they’ve been carving it up ever since.

Thanks to local legend Jack O’Neill's 1950s invention of the wetsuit to battle the Pacific’s notoriously chilly waters, newbies and experienced surfers alike can spend more time out there waiting for the perfect wave. If you want to give the sport a try, the friendliest breaks are found at Cowell’s next to the Santa Cruz Wharf; breakers fronting Capitola are usually novice-friendly too. Club Ed Surf School offers lessons for all abilities; equipment includes wide, easier-to-balance long boards and wetsuits.

To learn more about the local surf scene and its legends, visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, quaintly housed in a former lighthouse along West Cliff Drive. Look over the seawall to see top surfers riding the break at Steamer Lane. And to chill out like a legend, visit the beachside Jack O’Neill Lounge at the Santa Cruz Dream Inn. Surrounded by surfing memorabilia and a great view of Monterey Bay, sip a signature cocktail, or ask for Jack’s favourite after-surf libation, a Ketel One Martini. In October, the O’Neill Coldwater Classic attracts many of the world’s best surfers.

Spotlight: Santa Cruz Screen Shot 2017-07-19 at 3.08.06 PM_8
Jack O’Neill World Memorial Paddle Out
From Santa Cruz to Sydney, thousands of surfers paid tribute to the life & adventures of Jack O’Neill, the late wetsuit and surfing pioneer, with a giant memorial paddle out, creating a "circle of love" across the globe.
Three most important things in life. Surf surf surf.
Jack O'Neill
Spotlight: Santa Cruz SCWharf_SantaCruzCVC_1280x642
Angelo DeSantis/Flickr

Wharf & Waterfront

Spotlight: Santa Cruz vca_maps_sfbayarea
Wharf & Waterfront
Visit a coastal classic for views, seafood, and water sports

The over-a-century-old Santa Cruz Wharf is the longest wooden pier in on the West Coast—a staggering 2,701 feet long. Walk to the end to get a bird’s eye view of Steamer Lane surfing to the north. Come at dusk to watch the lights glow on the colourfully lit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Near the base of the wharf, hire kayaks, stand up paddleboards or motorboats. As you walk further out on the wharf, strolling past the requisite fresh fish restaurants and souvenir and trinket shops, strike up a conversation with the local fishermen angling for perch, rockfish and lingcod. Better yet, join ’em. You don’t need a licence to fish from the pier; local tackle shops can get you fully outfitted too.

 

The Santa Cruz pier
Kennejima/ Flickr

Dining in Santa Cruz

Spotlight: Santa Cruz vca_maps_sfbayarea
Dining in Santa Cruz
Outstanding seaside cuisine and some uniquely Santa Cruz favourites

Sure, you can get your fill of corn dogs and candy floss down on the boardwalk, but tucked into historic buildings in town, and in nearby communities, there are surprising finds, with talented chefs and artisan food makers tempting you to try their latest creations. First, let’s talk coffee. Warm up on foggy mornings with a rich, tasty brew at two local favourites, Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Company and Lu Lu Carpenter's. For decadent pastries along with your java, try Kelly’s French Bakery, a happy find tucked among warehouses on the west side of town. For a lunch break from the beach, head to Zoccoli’s Delicatessen (we dare you not to love the hot tri-tip sandwich), and double-scoops of lively flavours (ginger snap or lemon poppyseed) at Penny Ice Creamery. Marianne’s is another favourite for ice cream, with innovative flavours such as spicy Mexican Chocolate or Northern Oregon Blackberry.  

Hopefully you’ll have room for an amazing dinner. There’s a huge range of options—get fresh seafood and sunset views at Johnny’s Harborside and Crow’s Nest; or for Italian cuisine settle in at homey and charming Lillian’s (black truffle-stuffed gnocchi for grown-ups, classic meatballs for kids). La Posta, in the Seabright neighbourhood, features a fresh, market-driven menu. 

Spotlight: Santa Cruz SC_produce_2
This Is How We Cruz Episode 1: Between Farm and Fork
Come aboard and learn about the people and places that make Santa Cruz so one-of-a-kind awesome. Join us for a trip to the downtown Santa Cruz Farmers' Market. See how Santa Cruz County restaurants are taking advantage of the area's freshest produce. And check out one of the community's newest breweries - New Bohemia Brewing Co.
Spotlight: Santa Cruz VCW_D_SantaCruz_T8_RCR_SteamTrainRide.jpg_ChrisMark_1280x642
Chris Mark/Roaring Camp Railroads

Roaring Camp Railroads

Spotlight: Santa Cruz vca_maps_sfbayarea
Roaring Camp Railroads
Ride the rails through the redwoods

The Santa Cruz Mountains were once a vibrant logging area and with logging came railways. Today, the logging has largely gone but one remnant from that bygone time is the charming scenic railway at the Santa Cruz Roaring Camp Railroads. Century-old steam engines take passengers on entertaining rides into redwood country, offering intimate views and big views of towering redwoods. All year round, trains depart from tiny Felton to make an hour-long loop through forests to the summit of Bear Mountain. Along the way, conductors share interesting stories and information about the region and its railway history.

For an entertaining treat, join a themed train ride, offered throughout the year. Consider a ride on the Starlight Evening Train, ride to a campfire supper and sing-along on the Western Moonlight Dinner Train, or root for the hero during a Great Train Robbery. Roaring Camp itself is a recreated 1880s logging camp, with sites including a covered bridge, a period opera house and a classic general store. Kids enjoy watching demonstrations in blacksmithing and making candles by hand.

Daily in summer (weekends in spring and autumn), Roaring Camp also operates a return trip Santa Cruz Beach Train, picking up and dropping off passengers in Felton and at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. 

The trains have both covered and open air passenger cars. If you opt for open air seating consider bringing earplugs or sound cancelling headphones for babies or young toddlers with sensitive ears. There’s plenty of child friendly fare available for purchase but this is one of the few attractions that allows visitors to bring their own food. 

Thomas the Tank Engine stops by once or twice throughout the year. These days are especially popular, so buy your tickets well in advance and get there early.

Spotlight: Santa Cruz VCW_D_SantaCruz_T9_Screen Shot 2014-10-07 at 1.18.33 PM_1280x642
Myles McGuinness

Mount Hermon

Spotlight: Santa Cruz vca_maps_sfbayarea
Mount Hermon
Thrills and more in the Coast Redwoods

When it comes to thrills, turns out rides at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk aren’t the only option in the region. Nearby Mount Hermon lets you “fly” through coast redwoods on a soaring zipline, suspending you some 150 feet/46 meters above the forest floor. And it’s not just about ziplining here; this forest adventure includes the zipping as part of a spectacular, two-hour canopy tour, with an informative guide helping you navigate two thrilling sky bridges as you learn about the coast redwoods and their unique ecosystem.

Mount Hermon bumps up the excitement even more with an Adventure Course featuring 14 activities ranging from clambering up cargo nets to traversing swinging logs and sky bridges.These courses are suitable for anyone at least 57 inches/23 centimeters tall and weighing between 75 and 250 pounds/34 and 113 kilograms (ages 10 and up). Groups of smaller kids (ages 6 to 11) can get in on the forest fun at Mount Hermon’s pint-size adventure course, with ropes, mini-zip-lines, and platforms. And pretty trails around the property are open to all, with a creek for splashing and ferns, wildflowers, and flittering birds.