We've outlined the top things to do in Santa Cruz. Vote for your favorite: The Boardwalk | Go to the beach |
West Cliff Drive |
Sailing on Monterey Bay |
Downtown Santa Cruz |
Music scene |
Local artisans
See what other people like to do best
Forget Southern California. Santa Cruz is home to some of the state's nicest beaches, and we've ferreted out the best of them for your interests.
West Cliff Drive
It's a pretty drive, but an even nicer walk. Park anywhere you can find a space and join the locals for a walk along the cilfftops to watch surfers at Steamers Lane, kayakers paddling by and comormants diving for fish.
The Chardonnay II offers landlubbers like me a chance to go sailing without all the fuss. You can enjoy their food-oriented trips featuring local wineries and microbreweries, but for a true local's experience, join them for the informal Wednesday night sailboat races.
It's one of the most vibrant little downtowns in central California, with lots of cafes, locally-owned shops, artist galleries and two movie theaters. The people-watching here is unparalleled.
Santa Cruz has one of the most vibrant music scenes around, and on any given night you may find members of the Turkish national orchestra performing in one place while heavy metal rockers and hip hop musicians appear elsewhere. The link will take you to a calendar.
You can find works by local artists at shops in downtown and especially at Many Hands Gallery in nearby Capitola. However, the best way to delve into their works is during the annual Open Studios weekends, held in early October, when these creative folks open their studios to visitors and sell their works directly to the public.
