Friday, November 3, 2017

Escape to Santa Cruz : Coney Island of the West

Travel guide for Santa Cruz, CA
  
As you know, I am a huge fan of California. I love all of the beaches. Most of the ones I have visited are in Southern CA. There are some NorCal beaches though, that are not to miss! Santa Cruz is full of color, views and excitement!
I've been to Santa Cruz many times, but have never stayed overnight.  This past July, I stayed for the day and night with some friends . We got a hotel room and spent two days exploring the boardwalk, and chilling on the beach.



Travel Guide for Santa Cruz
History

The beach and boardwalk at Santa Cruz, have been amusing visitors since 1907. This beachfront paradise, is one of the last classic amusement parks in the U.S. The park is also considered one of the best in the world.

The boardwalk first started out as a public bathhouse in 1865. Other businesses started to open bathhouses locations in the same area. Soon thousands of tourists started flocking in. They all came to enjoy the healing powers, of soaking in salt water. This lead to let to a boom of activity at the beach.

Several concessions , restaurants  and shops sprang up.  Back in that day, Fred Swanton, ( a well known entrepreneur) drew up plans for casinos and boardwalk.  The Coney island vibes  of New York came west!


Mini travel guide for santa cruz, Ca


Mini Travel Guide for Santa Cruz

Amusements

The boardwalk offers fun for the whole family. There are tons of fun rides, even a log ride similar to the one at Disneyland. Hang on to your hat if you decide to ride the "Great Dipper".  This classic wooden coaster has Hollywood fame.  It has been seen in several movies such as: "Sudden Impact", "The Lost Boys" and "Dangerous Minds."

 Neptune's Kingdom is a kid's paradise offering: ping pong, pool, air hockey  and miniature golf. Also shop til your drop in variety of shops and clothing boutiques.

*Neptune's Kingdom

  • Laser Tag
  • Shopping
  • Casino Arcade
  • Rides 



Mini Travel Guide for Santa Cruz Ca-


Mini Travel Guide for Santa Cruz, Ca-

Where to Stay

*Sand and Sea Inn: A view from every room

*Carousel Beach Inn : Just a few steps from the beach. The rooms are decorated bright, colorful and have nostalgic vibe.

*Casablanca on the Beach; This one is is also just steps from the beach , and for you - if you are looking for a romantic getaway.  This location offers beach style cottages with old world charm.

What to Eat

Anything you are craving is yours to munch on! Don't miss out on one of the huge yummy corn dogs- to die for!

* Coaster's Bar & Grill - A spot to check out if you love live music and karaoke.  A beautiful patio view for lunch, and entertainment await you.


Mini Tour guide for Santa Cruz CA


The Beach

The Pacific Ocean view, will mesmerize you for hours. The water is a bright aqua marine blue, calming and restful. If you are into paddle boarding and surfing , you will be right at home. These are popular water sports  in Santa Cruz. As with any CA beach, be wary of sharks. Not long after I left,  a surfer left the beach with a huge chomp out of his surfboard!

Located on the far right end of the beach, is a long dock with several eateries and shops. This time I took a stroll to check it out.  It was a long walk, but very relaxing.  The view captured from the dock was quite amazing!

The water is not very warm, and sometimes the breeze is cool. Be prepared with warm clothes, after you take a dip!

mini travel guide for santa cruz CA


Mini Travel Guide for Santa Cruz Ca

Have you been to Santa Cruz yet? 

If you are a fan of California and love all things about the Golden State, do check out
more destination guides here. You can also follow my latest travel journies on Instagram.


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  1. I've been to Santa Cruz before! I thought it was such a blast. I love the nostalgic fair/smells/rides etc. It's such a fun place to feel a bit like a kid again.

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    1. Yes Exactly Rachel...it does bring back all the kid memories!!

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  2. I've driven through Santa Cruz, but I have never stopped. Next time I'm close by I am definitely going to check it out.

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    1. Hey Mary, yes I hope you can stop its so much fun ! I love all the colors there!

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  3. I think the biggest surprise for people that visit California is how cold our water is. At any rate, I love Santa Cruz but that is mostly because my oldest son lives there.

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    1. Yes you are sooo right on that, even most of the beaches in SOCal are freezing, Coranado is the only one the water is tolerable..ha ha

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  4. I've been to Santa Cruz, but only to a few quite beaches. It's beautiful. I need to check out some of the more lively activities next time!

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    1. Yes its so fun there, I hope you get another chance to go!

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  5. Great tips! I've never been to Santa Cruz, but I'd love to visit. :)

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  6. I have yet to go to Santa Cruz, I've heard great things! Great read :)

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  7. I've not been to Santa Cruz, but will definitely have to check it out! Looks fun.

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    1. Hey Kristi, hope you make it there, the downtown area has lots to explore too!

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  8. Love this, i didnt know all the interesting history about SC! Thanks for all the amazing recommendations as well - I'm going later this month and it should come in handy! And the style recs are great also!

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    1. Awe Thanks Kimmie, I am so glad it will be helpful for your upcoming trip!

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  9. Santa Cruz is totally the Coney Island of the West! Santa Cruz is one of my favorite spots to hit up during the summer time. We often go once a month or more during the summer months.

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    1. Wow Lucky you Nie, I usually only make it there every 2-3 years, I need to move to CA..since everything I love is there!

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    2. Wow Lucky you Nie, I usually only make it there every 2-3 years, I need to move to CA..since everything I love is there!

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  10. What a fun area of Santa Cruz. I have not been, yet. Need to start planning that summer trip!

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    1. Yes you do..it's really a place you can do on a budget..so much fun@!

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  11. Lovely! I have always felt attracted by San Diego, and Sta Barbara, but I had no idea that Santa Cruz could be so lovely! It seems like a perfect place to spend a day relaxing and forgetting about it all! Thank you for sharing!

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    1. thank you for stopping by, yes it is very relaxing there and the scenery is to die for..I hope you go!

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  12. Never been to Santa Cruz but wow this looks so fun! Thanks for the informative post, I will know where to stay and what to do when I go :)

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    1. Hi Steph..

      I am so glad it was helpful and I do hope you can go soon!

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  13. Yes I love Beaches and Santa Cruz would be awesome to explore. Love how you mentioned Everything in detail about where to eat and what to wear. Helpful article ��

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    1. The beaches in CA are the best...NorCal beaches are just as lovely as the south..just not as warm...I am so glad it was informative and helped out!

      Valerie

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