Before even visiting Monterey, just after arriving at our hotel after our long drive up, my husband and I took our kids straight to Santa Cruz for a little taste of beach life. We headed to West Cliff Drive, a beautiful road on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There's a path here for bike riders, roller bladers, walkers, and joggers. Parking at one end, you can easily walk to the other end in about 1 hour's time. The road is lined with small beaches, gorgeous beach houses, and a cute little lighthouse that doubles as a surf museum.
At the northern end of the approximately 2 mile walk is Natural Bridges State Beach. While not the easiest beach to access (the walk down to the beach is significantly easier than the schlep back up the massive sand dune), this is perhaps one of the most beautiful. Here, you can picnic, explore the tide pools, wade through the waves, and check out local wildlife, including occasional sightings of whales, sea lions, otters, and more. In the winter, monarch butterflies also make this park their home. To park onsite, you need to pay, but your money will go directly to supporting our state beaches. As an alternative, you will see that some people choose to park on a nearby road and walk in, but please be cautious as many roads do not allow parking without a permit. There are very few exceptions.
Beaches and Santa Cruz in general can be unpredictable in terms of weather, so wear layers. For example, when my family and I were here this past trip, it was at least 85 degrees outside and undeniably hot, especially combined with higher humidity. When I was there alone a month before, I was almost cold as the temperatures never got above 65. By layers, for those of you not from California, I mean a t-shirt or tank top (possibly both) covered by a light hoodie, and in the winter possibly even a jacket. On the bottom, you can wear shorts, but depending on how easily you get cold, maybe bring some pants in the car. Definitely wear long pants in the winter.
The University of California, Santa Cruz, or UCSC, is also a great place to explore. While the university itself is much like any other university in terms of buildings, lecture halls, and dorms, UCSC is something special. Built on roughly 2,001 acres, UCSC makes use of the nature around it. From sprawling fields to lush forests, there's a little bit of everything here. If you can get to campus early in the morning before the masses of students awaken from their slumber, you can enjoy quiet walks and hikes along the paths between colleges, areas of campus housing and lecture halls themed based on 10 core concepts, such as social justice, globalization, and environmental awareness. The campus also back up to a wildlife reserve, giving you plenty of chances to become one with nature. It's common to come across deer, a variety of birds, and yes, even banana slugs (the campus mascot).
Our other main point of exploration on this particular trip was the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. If you come in the summer, plan to spend at least one day here. There is plenty to do. In the winter, depending on weather, consider only half a day. There are indoor activities including a miniature golf course, pool tables, and a truly massive arcade, but the real fun is outside at one of the best seaside amusement parks in the United States, if not the world. Highlights include the Loof Carousel, built in 1911, and the Giant Dipper, one of the oldest roller coasters in the United States, which opened in 1924. Both are historical landmarks and both are must-ride attractions. The carousel is one of few remaining with opportunities to reach for the brass ring. The roller coaster, though old, is one of the most thrilling wooden coasters in existence. For Disneyland enthusiasts, compare this classic to California Screamin' at Disney's California Adventure. While I cannot find any evidence to support my claims, I swear some elements were taken straight from the Giant Dipper. Other interesting rides include the classic Cave Train, great for the kids, a standard Ferris wheel, and other rides you would typically see at a carnival. The food offerings at the Boardwalk are generally pretty typical carnival foods such as garlic fries, funnel cake, hot dogs, and even deep fried Twinkies. But, if you're looking for something special, Marini's will satisfy your sweet tooth with freshly pulled saltwater taffy and other delicious candies. On this past trip, I think I even spotted a Dole Whip cart, again, for all of the Disney fans out there.
In the summer, the Boardwalk offers free movies on the beach every Wednesday night, free concerts on Fridays, and bargain nights with cheaper prices. If you're going to this area, there's really no better place to be. If I sound like a commercial, I apologize. I worked there once upon a dream.
In terms of food, there are about a million fantastic little places in Santa Cruz and the surrounding area. While we were there, we ate 2 meals at Las Palmas Taco Bar, one of our favorites from when we lived in the area. Everyone has a different opinion on Mexican food, but to me, this place hands down has the best tacos I have ever had. The burritos, enchiladas, and other items on the menu are also quite good. As an added bonus, this is one of the few places I know of that sells RC Cola instead of the mainstream soda brands.
So, that sums it up. Everything we did on our brief tour of Santa Cruz and Monterey and then some. I hope you enjoyed it and that it inspires you to take a road trip, either here or to some other distant location. Explore with your children. There is so much fun to be had.
