Santa Cruz Travel Guide 2009 - (Page 57) Pleasure Point A vintage surf community with a colorful past While the idea of starting the day by surfing is a dream for some, for Pleasure Point locals it’s a way of life. The small surf community of Pleasure Point is located in an unincorporated area of Santa Cruz County, nestled between Moran Lagoon and 41st Avenue, adjacent to the Monterey Bay. Nearly a dozen famous surf breaks make Pleasure Point a destination for skilled surfers. It is a classic beachside community, home to wetsuit pioneer Jack O’Neill, where locals mix effortlessly with visitors eager to capture that authentic surf vibe. Visitors can soak up some of Pleasure Point’s flavor by browsing through specialty stores. Stop by a surf shop and admire boards that are not only functional but works of art, crafted by local surfboard shapers. For land lovers as well as shoppers, colorful boutiques display unique selections of home décor, modern and vintage apparel and garden art. For a laid-back dining experience, breathe in the casual atmosphere of a local restaurant. Pleasure Point’s cafes and quaint bistros that dot the area offer plenty of ways to satisfy cravings in a range of settings. Feel the alluring sea breeze while you enjoy hearty fare at an outdoor eatery after a day at the beach, or savor Italian fare at a cozy neighborhood bistro and unwind with a glass of wine. During Prohibition, fire fighting service was limited in Pleasure Point after dark, so volunteers formed the Pleasure Point Night Fighters. Residents began to rely on this volunteer organization for protection as well as for their skill with battling fires. A small plaque at Pleasure Point Park, at the corner of Pleasure Point Drive and East Cliff Drive, pays homage to this historic group. You can relax on a bluff side bench and watch as talented tube riders shoot the curl and leave the gnarly surf breaks to the experts. Or hang loose back at Pleasure Point Park, where longtime surfers compare stories from the day’s outings. For skim boarders, 26th Avenue Beach is the perfect spot. Pleasure Point’s enduring legacy is best expressed in it laid-back attitude. However you choose to experience this nostalgic seaside town, Pleasure Point is a perfect addition to your Santa Cruz vacation. 57 nearly a dozen famous surf breaks make pleasure point a destination for skilled surfers. Visit these establishments in the Pleasure Point area The Best Homemade Italian Food in Santa Cruz as chosen by Consumer Reviews the last 4 years www.star-bene.com 21245 East Cliff (corner of 13th Ave) 831-479-4307 www. s a n t a cr u z co u n ty. t r a v e l http://www.bellanotteinn.com http://www.harborinn.info http://www.star-bene.com http://www.star-bene.com http://www.santacruzcounty.travel
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.