Westcliff Drive
Del Mar Theater
Poet and Patriot Pub
Santa Cruz
For surfers, Santa Cruz is one of the most famous destinations in the world. Here
surfing came first after its birthplace in Hawaii and here the wetsuit was invented.
Many who live in Santa Cruz surf, and people come from miles away to enjoy the
area's waters.
Few places in the world can compete with the mild and sunny climate of Santa Cruz,
nor with its location, surrounded by the beach on one side, and the mountains on the
other. These mountains are home to the state's largest reserve of giant sequoia
redwood forest, offering miles of hiking and mountain- biking trails.
Like San Francisco, Berkeley and Big Sur, Santa Cruz has a tradition of left- wing
politics and an easygoing attitude. Contributing to the town's character is an
acceptance of the unusual.
.Sights
The Mystery Spot: 465 Mystery Spot Rd.
The laws of physics don't seem to apply here, they say. I am a skeptic, and figured
out a few of their tricks, but yet others I remain impressed by. See for yourself
this landmark attraction, enjoy the guides' sense of humour, and ponder the unlikely
phenomena of The Mystery Spot.
University of California:
Most of the buses that leave from the Santa Cruz Metro station downtown will take
you up to the university. It is a beautiful drive, with spectacular views only
surpassed by the views from the university itself. Built high above the town and the
ocean, and surrounded by miles of sequoia forest, the university offers beautiful
walks among trees and over hills with many lovely spots to sit and take it all in.
Beach Boardwalk: Ocean Street
"The last remaining" on the west coast, the boardwalk is truly from a bygone era,
but it thrives on. everyone comes from over the mountains on the weekends to cool
off in the ocean and ride a wooden roller coaster or carousel. You'd be surprised at
the quality of the rides.
Roaring Camp Railroads: Graham Hill Road, Felton.
If you'd like to see redwood trees, don't miss out on one of the oldest and most
historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried picnickers
and tourists to the Big Trees station and Santa Cruz. Today's Beach Trains travel
through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge,
across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Westcliff Drive:
Everyone goes walking, jogging, surfing or cycling up here along the coast
overlooking beautiful beaches, surfers and the boardwalk.
Shopping
Pacific Avenue:
Most of the shopping in Santa Cruz is here, along with plenty of interesting
characters. It's all you need to know about for shopping in Santa Cruz.
Dining
Jalapenos Burritos: Laurel St. at Pacific St.
A Mexican food institution in Santa Cruz. The burritos are huge and tasty. The salsa
is fantastic. Possibly the number 1 taqueria in Santa Cruz.
Jack's Burgers: 202 Lincoln St. (At Cedar)
The burgers here are really fresh and tasy, they give you loads of fries and there's
seating with umbrellas outdoors. They serve them with pickles, so be sure to ask
them not to put them on!
Pizza My Heart: Pacific Avenue
This is a Santa Cruz institution. Everyone comes here for the great pizza, which is
also cheap. Best of all, if you spend $5 you can get a slice of pizza and a
T- shirt. What a deal.
Drinking
The Poet & The Patriot Irish Pub: 202 Cedar St. (at Maple St.)
This is my favourite place to drink in the world. The owners are generous,
upstanding people, the regulars are good and good for a laugh, and it's altogether a
warm, welcoming place. With a true cross- section of the Santa cruz population as
its patrons, the Poet is the heart and soul of Santa Cruz.
Asti: Pacific Ave. (at Laurel)
If it's cheap drinks in a spare environment and no- nonsense drinkers, the Asti will
satisfy you well. It has a nice mix of old drunks and young punks, plenty of
tattoos, and it's usually lively in the evenings. Three pool tables.
The Avenue: Next door to the Asti.
Much the same crowd as at the Asti, but more space. They have no fewer than four
pool tables, pinball machines and an outdoor patio for the smokers. A huge selection
of beer and a nice long bar.
Red Room: Cedar St.
This is without a doubt the classiest and coolest looking place to drink in Santa
Cruz. It is as the name would suggest, lit with a red light throughout, Downstairs
is the original bar, decorated a bit like an old English pub/ hotel from the '70s.
Upstairs food is served and the fireplace in the middle of the room adds to the
ambiance.