My Guide to Santa Cruz

I am fortunate to have both lived and worked in Santa Cruz, California. Its always been right there, over Highway 17; just thirty minutes by car or an hour by bus you could find yourself in Santa Cruz. I would spend summers and birthdays and special occasions in the beach side oasis. 

When I lived there I was fortunate to be a block away from West Cliff Drive. I had my dog with me and I rented a room. I worked two jobs and most days were spent walking to and from on West Cliff Drive. I had a truck at the time but, I could have taken a bus. I remember the summers full of people and tourists renting out homes pretending to be locals. I remember winters of wind and rain then the sun comes out and Santa arrives on a surfboard. 

Its really simple time spent taking a minute to relax, enjoying the gratitude of what you have and accepting that is what you need. There is a gazillion dogs, a rare parrot and some felines that will either follow and stare at you from a window sill. 

So, when you go just remember to relax, count all your blessing, pack your trash, and by all means dream of a better tomorrow.

Here is the itinerary for a simple trip to Santa Cruz and yes, you need to take the Highway 17 bus to appreciate it. 

Once you arrive in Santa Cruz downtown by Trader Joes where the bus let's you off. Get your bearings as I usually get in about 8:30 am. Perfect time to head over to Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting shop on Pacific Avenue. 

Wow! Pacific Avenue has changed so much since I lived in Santa Cruz. There was a time it was dive bars, movie theaters, thrift stores, and The Books Inc store. Today, its in the midst of another transition where more housing is being built and the Sea Dubs stadium is at one end. 

Once you have had your coffee, start your trek towards the Santa Cruz Wharf walking West on Pacific Avenue or if you insist grab a bike rental at Epicenter Cycling and start on your way to West Cliff Drive. There you will find yourself entranced by the water and the sound of sealions as you walk up to the Lighthouse where surfers young and experienced test their skill in freezing waters. You will see a FOOD banner, that is the perianal Steamer Lane Supply that will refresh and refill you with Fire Water as you meander over the benches and watch children, dogs and the occasional bird play. There are other goodies but, the Fire Water is just warm enough to last the rest of the walk to Natural Bridges Park where you can sit on the beach or hike the trails or turn around and head back to go to the Santa Cruz Wharf  I usually walk 5 miles a day so, this jaunt along West Cliff Drive is nothing but usual fare but if you go along you can sometimes spot resident porpoises playing in the waves and surf. There is always a random sea lion or sea otter poking their head out of the water. Just be careful of the cliff it is suffered a lot of damage and is not to be foolish around, stay on the path.

 As you head down to the wharf don't forget to take a minute to stand by the surfer dude statue. He's usually adorned with seasonal greetings a lei or Santa hat. This is always a good spot to look out at the Santa Cruz inlet and on clear days you can see the Moss Landing Smoke Stacks. Walking onto the wharf is the most economical and feasible. It also allows you to stop and chat with the variety of fishermen along side the wharf or watch the sail boats out of the boat harbor make their 2 hour tour around the Bay. The first stop you have to check out is all the history by the bait and tackle shop. You will be tempted to purchase something and you can always look into renting a pole too. As you make your way through the shops take a minute to think about your budget and maybe go ahead and get that Surf Sun Sand sign. Just know after the first three shops you may have spent your rent money. Thus, I always recommend walking down once then on the way back pick your meal and get some great deals ( there is always one store with a $10 tshirt deal ) but, you can't leave without stopping at Marini's Candies and grabbing some salt water taffy or Chocolate covered bacon!  

From Woodies on the Wharf to riding in the sunset bike parade you may find yourself sunburnt and tired by the time you leave the Wharf. Here is the plan for the best way to enjoy that ...Go on a roller coaster ride. No, sincerely its a cure all ...okay maybe not for all. If you can't get on a roller coaster, grab the Skunk Train for a quick trip, otherwise hop on a bus to avoid the out of towners traffic and head downtown for the Catalyst Club 

Usually, I am either a picnic at Natural Bridges or heading the Wharf and that is where you can choose. As spending the day on west cliff drive is sometimes preferred but, there is more to Santa Cruz than that one way. The other is to head up to University of California Santa Cruz and take a tour complete with banana slugs. Or head south in Santa Cruz to the Mackenzies Chocolate where history and craft are on display. You can go to the Mystery Spot but, honestly, I have spent more than my fair share walking through the downtown to historic Branciforte Adobe  

Oh, if you are wondering where I would spend my money for dinner, there is always Pizza My Heart 

Now, I have probably walked about 10 miles and my legs hurt so, I am either going to catch a Sea Dubs game or climb onto the Highway 17 bus and head home.