Santa Cruz Travel Guide 2013 - 13

nearby, natural Bridges state Beach is an ideal place for tidepool exploration. Bring your binoculars for seasonal visits to the park, California’s only state park butterfly preserve. each fall marks the return of thousands of monarchs that spend their winters in a protected eucalyptus grove. Between natural Bridges state Beach and the santa Cruz Wharf, West Cliff Drive is a two and a half mile scenic path overlooking the bay. the path is popular for jogs, bike rides and romantic strolls. Along the route sits the santa Cruz surfing Museum, housed inside the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse. And be sure not to miss the surfer statue, dedicated to surfers everywhere. Just off the point from the lighthouse, wave riders can be seen at legendary surf spot, steamer Lane. nearby, novice surfers test their mettle at Cowell Beach. Down from the point, the santa Cruz Wharf stretches out a halfmile into the waters of the Monterey Bay. Lining the wharf are familyowned fish markets, seafood restaurants, a wine tasting room and shops. take a sightseeing excursion around the bay by boat, or watch sea lions lazing in the sun at the end of the wharf. the wharf is home to a number of events throughout the year including Woodies on the Wharf and the Aloha Races and Polynesian Festival. Adjacent to the wharf, at the entrance to Cowell’s Beach, the site where wetsuit pioneer Jack o’neill established his santa Cruz surf shop in 1959 has been named a as a “California Point of Historical Interest.” set along santa Cruz’s Main Beach, adjacent to the wharf, the santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is alive with year-round excitement. Already northern California’s favorite amusement park, the legendary Boardwalk was named “Best seaside Amusement Park,” in the world by amusement industry experts. the Giant Dipper, the park’s centerpiece, is a vintage wooden roller coaster that has thrilled visitors for nearly 90 years. seventy-three hand-carved horses prance proudly to the music from two beautiful antiques, the park’s original 342pipe Ruth band organ and a showy Wurlitzer 165 band organ, at the famous Looff Carousel, built in 1911. All this excitement sits on the edge of the Monterey Bay national Marine sanctuary, one of 14 federally protected national Marine sanctuaries in the country. near the entrance to the wharf, the Monterey Bay national Marine sanctuary exploration Center features an intertidal touch-pool, submarine canyon and other dynamic, exhibits. the sanctuary is a huge source of pride for santa Cruz County residents. Chartered sailing and whale watching tours from santa Cruz Harbor allow you to catch sight of abundant marine life. Kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals are also available at the harbor. each December, the harbor waters are illuminated with festive watercraft during the Lighted Boat Parade, a wonderful way to usher in the holidays. Public art also adorns the harbor, including a human sundial and an artistic rendition of a “shipwreck.” santa Cruz’s standing as the mainland’s birthplace of surfing, combined with its natural beauty, arts, and magnificent beaches have lured visitors throughout the years. Discover for yourself the diversity of this wondrous beach town.

Photo: Paul Schraub Photo: Paul Schraub

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Santa Cruz Travel Guide 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Santa Cruz Travel Guide 2013