As you know, I am a huge fan of California. I love all of the beaches. Most of the ones I have visited are in Southern CA. There are some NorCal beaches though, that are not to miss! Santa Cruz is full of color, views and excitement!
The beach and boardwalk at Santa Cruz, have been amusing visitors since 1907. This beachfront paradise, is one of the last classic amusement parks in the U.S. The park is also considered one of the best in the world.
The boardwalk first started out as a public bathhouse in 1865. Other businesses started to open bathhouses locations in the same area. Soon thousands of tourists started flocking in. They all came to enjoy the healing powers, of soaking in salt water. This lead to let to a boom of activity at the beach.
Several concessions , restaurants and shops sprang up. Back in that day, Fred Swanton, ( a well known entrepreneur) drew up plans for casinos and boardwalk. The Coney island vibes of New York came west!
Amusements
The boardwalk offers fun for the whole family. There are tons of fun rides, even a log ride similar to the one at Disneyland. Hang on to your hat if you decide to ride the "Great Dipper". This classic wooden coaster has Hollywood fame. It has been seen in several movies such as: "Sudden Impact", "The Lost Boys" and "Dangerous Minds."
Neptune's Kingdom is a kid's paradise offering: ping pong, pool, air hockey and miniature golf. Also shop til your drop in variety of shops and clothing boutiques.
*Neptune's Kingdom
- Laser Tag
- Shopping
- Casino Arcade
- Rides
Where to Stay
*Sand and Sea Inn: A view from every room
*Carousel Beach Inn : Just a few steps from the beach. The rooms are decorated bright, colorful and have nostalgic vibe.
*Casablanca on the Beach; This one is is also just steps from the beach , and for you - if you are looking for a romantic getaway. This location offers beach style cottages with old world charm.
What to Eat
Anything you are craving is yours to munch on! Don't miss out on one of the huge yummy corn dogs- to die for!
The Beach
The Pacific Ocean view, will mesmerize you for hours. The water is a bright aqua marine blue, calming and restful. If you are into paddle boarding and surfing , you will be right at home. These are popular water sports in Santa Cruz. As with any CA beach, be wary of sharks. Not long after I left, a surfer left the beach with a huge chomp out of his surfboard!
Located on the far right end of the beach, is a long dock with several eateries and shops. This time I took a stroll to check it out. It was a long walk, but very relaxing. The view captured from the dock was quite amazing!
The water is not very warm, and sometimes the breeze is cool. Be prepared with warm clothes, after you take a dip!
Have you been to Santa Cruz yet?
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SHOP THE LOOKS:
I've been to Santa Cruz before! I thought it was such a blast. I love the nostalgic fair/smells/rides etc. It's such a fun place to feel a bit like a kid again.
ReplyDeleteYes Exactly Rachel...it does bring back all the kid memories!!
DeleteI've driven through Santa Cruz, but I have never stopped. Next time I'm close by I am definitely going to check it out.
ReplyDeleteHey Mary, yes I hope you can stop its so much fun ! I love all the colors there!
DeleteI think the biggest surprise for people that visit California is how cold our water is. At any rate, I love Santa Cruz but that is mostly because my oldest son lives there.
ReplyDeleteYes you are sooo right on that, even most of the beaches in SOCal are freezing, Coranado is the only one the water is tolerable..ha ha
DeleteI've been to Santa Cruz, but only to a few quite beaches. It's beautiful. I need to check out some of the more lively activities next time!
ReplyDeleteYes its so fun there, I hope you get another chance to go!
DeleteGreat tips! I've never been to Santa Cruz, but I'd love to visit. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you can go..its so much fun!
DeleteI have yet to go to Santa Cruz, I've heard great things! Great read :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Abby..its a fun summer destination!
DeleteI've not been to Santa Cruz, but will definitely have to check it out! Looks fun.
ReplyDeleteHey Kristi, hope you make it there, the downtown area has lots to explore too!
DeleteLove this, i didnt know all the interesting history about SC! Thanks for all the amazing recommendations as well - I'm going later this month and it should come in handy! And the style recs are great also!
ReplyDeleteAwe Thanks Kimmie, I am so glad it will be helpful for your upcoming trip!
DeleteSanta Cruz is totally the Coney Island of the West! Santa Cruz is one of my favorite spots to hit up during the summer time. We often go once a month or more during the summer months.
ReplyDeleteWow Lucky you Nie, I usually only make it there every 2-3 years, I need to move to CA..since everything I love is there!
DeleteWow Lucky you Nie, I usually only make it there every 2-3 years, I need to move to CA..since everything I love is there!
DeleteWhat a fun area of Santa Cruz. I have not been, yet. Need to start planning that summer trip!
ReplyDeleteYes you do..it's really a place you can do on a budget..so much fun@!
DeleteLovely! I have always felt attracted by San Diego, and Sta Barbara, but I had no idea that Santa Cruz could be so lovely! It seems like a perfect place to spend a day relaxing and forgetting about it all! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletethank you for stopping by, yes it is very relaxing there and the scenery is to die for..I hope you go!
DeleteNever been to Santa Cruz but wow this looks so fun! Thanks for the informative post, I will know where to stay and what to do when I go :)
ReplyDeleteHi Steph..
DeleteI am so glad it was helpful and I do hope you can go soon!
Yes I love Beaches and Santa Cruz would be awesome to explore. Love how you mentioned Everything in detail about where to eat and what to wear. Helpful article ��
ReplyDeleteThe beaches in CA are the best...NorCal beaches are just as lovely as the south..just not as warm...I am so glad it was informative and helped out!
DeleteValerie