Are you having a hard time imagining what your life could look like if you call Santa Cruz home?
While you may be daydreaming of sandy beaches, sun soaked days and breathing in the salty sea air, the fun only begins at the beach!
So, let’s discover what it’s really like to live in this quintessential beach town.
A Day In The Life Of A Santa Cruz Local
To prepare for the day ahead of you, it’s important to start it off right, and there’s no better place to start than with a tasty breakfast.
Take your pick from the following three restaurants, but just beware, each boasts an equally as delicious menu as the last – it’s no wonder locals frequent these spots!
- Firefly Coffee House: swing by this funky little hangout spot, where locals love the craft coffee drinks and baked goods.
- Pacific Point Market & Cafe: if you fancy a good breakfast burrito, Pacific Point Market & Cafe is just your spot!
- The Picnic Basket: for a quick bite to each, the Picnic Basket is the perfect place for a meal to go. The counter service cafe is conveniently located near the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and features classic American eats.
Cowell Beach
Once your stomach is full, work it off with a stroll along Cowell Beach.
With a great view of the pier, enjoy some people watching, where volleyball is often the sport of choice on these sandy shores.
And, when the conditions are just right, you can even catch surfers riding the waves! As the surf tends to be calmer at Cowell, it’s a good spot to start your surfing journey.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
If you need a break from the sun, the nearby Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center is a great choice. Even better yet, it’s free!
Featuring exciting exhibits and intriguing interactive displays, you can enjoy a unique underwater marine experience.
As the Center is only steps from the Santa Cruz Wharf, it makes perfect sense to take a page out of locals books, and make this your next stop!
Santa Cruz Wharf
With over 300 games at the Casino Arcade, a great selection of rides, and even two National Historic Landmarks, the Looff Carousel and the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, the opportunities for fun are virtually endless. Just remember, no trip to the wharf is truly complete without a spin on the coaster!
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
To truly embrace the Santa Cruz lifestyle, a visit to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is in order.
Established in 1986, the museum documents the history of surfing, with a historical account of Santa Cruz’s surf scene!
Steamer Lane
Unsurprisingly, the museum is conveniently located overlooking the quintessential Cali surf spot, Steamer Lane.
The cold-water point break features several distinct wave zones, each with incredible consistency, courtesy of the optimum swell exposure and protection from dominant northwest winds. It’s no wonder experienced surfers flock to the area!
Take some time to soak in your surroundings as you watch over the talented surfers. If you’re ready for another bite to eat, the nearby Steamer Lane Supply is a great choice with healthy offerings.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
After having some food, you’ll be ready to head to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab.
If you didn’t get your fill of fascinating marine life exhibits at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center you certainly will after a visit here.
Natural Bridges State Beach
For some more adventure, swing by the Natural Bridges State Beach. Featuring a stunning natural bridge, prepare to have your breath taken away!
Finally, there’s no better way to end your day than with a tasty cocktail.
Try a trip to Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen or West End Tap and Kitchen. The first features expertly crafted cocktails, whereas the second may appeal more to a beer-lovers palate.
As you can see, an active and fun lifestyle awaits when you call Santa Cruz home.
So what are you waiting for, start your search today!
You’ll be living like a local in no time.
Posted by Lauren Spencer on
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