Is Santa Cruz CA worth visiting?
Coming to Santa Cruz CA can be a dream come true for tourists who desire tranquility and a bit of wildness.
Whether you want to come for leisure or business, I believe Santa Cruz CA will satisfy you.
In this article, I will discuss why you should come to this part of California.
I will let you know why people come to this town.
What is Santa Cruz most known for?
Santa Cruz is well known for its large beaches and some of the best off shore breaks in the world.
It also has a rich surf culture, spectacular oceanfront walks, fun beach boardwalk and a laidback strip of shoreline.
Situated in the redwood forest outside Santa Cruz, California, the Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly with a circular area effect of around 150 feet in diameter.
Around the Mystery Spot, you’ll definitely question all the theories and laws of physics.
A group of surveyors discovered the Mystery Spot in 1939 and made it accessible to the public in 1940.
Hundreds of people from all over the world were stunned and captivated and have returned time and time again to experience these confusing yet applaudable exceptions to the laws of gravity, height and perspective.
Some theories have been made about the Mystery Spot.
Some people speculate that cones of metal were secretly brought and buried by the earth as guidance systems for alien spacecraft.
Another assumption is that the spacecraft itself is buried deep within the ground.
Other theories about the cause of this Mystery spot are:
- The highest dielectric bio cosmic radiation in the world
- Radiesthesia
- Carbon dioxide permeating from the earth
- A hole in the ozone layer
- Magma vortex
People of all ages can come to the Mystery Spot as it is a family friendly destination where you can spend a few hours from the 45 minute fully guided tour to our wonderful hiking trail.
Is Santa Cruz CA worth visiting?
Santa Cruz is well known for its large beaches and some of the best off shore breaks in the world.
It also has a rich surf culture, spectacular oceanfront walks, fun beach boardwalk and a laidback strip of shoreline.
This place has its charm and you may even consider staying here for longer than planned.
Monterey also offers hiking and biking trails in the many state parks where you can explore the ecosystem, the exquisite dining options and wine tasting.
You can have the best time of of your life in any of these towns.
Get a sense of surfer history
It is known that surfing was first brought into the United States when three Hawaiian princes paddled out in Santa Cruz.
There are several photographs, artefacts and old school boards which have been used to honor the city’s surf history in the Santa Cruz surfing Museum.
Get your kicks on a wooden roller coaster
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk was built in 1907 and is regarded as the Coney Island of the west.
It features a seaside amusement park which promises nonstop entertainment and a never fading style.
There are many fun things to do at the boardwalk.
Here, you can get on the thundering wooden roller coaster with a 70 foot drip or the Looff Carousel which has real horse hair and a 342 pipe organ.
Feeling hungry?
You can grab some snacks and win stuff at an arcade game before taking a walk along the wharf.
Hike among the giants
Located in Boulder Creek, Big Basin Redwoods State Park provides easy access to view the ancient redwoods.
The 3.
4 mile, out and back hike to Sempervirens Falls also has 300 foot tall redwoods along the way.
The short 20 mile drive north on California State Route 9 will show you a totally different side of Santa Cruz.
This drive will take you from the sandy beaches to shaded sequoia groves.
Experience easygoing luxury at the Dream Inn
The Dream Inn is situated very close to the beach and was constructed on the site of Jack O’Neill’s very first shop.
This 1960 era hotel has 165 rooms which provide some of the best views of the ocean.
The hotel also has private balconies for each room with surf inspired decor that give it a beachy look.
Whether its listening to the crashing waves while floating in the heated water at the beachfront pool or just admiring the beautiful sunset through picture windows at the on-site Jack O’Neill Restaurant, you’ll surely love every second of your time here.
Take an at-sea animal adventure
You can get an entirely different view of Monterey from the water.
Rent a vessel fronVentiee Quest Kayaking and paddle out from shore.
Here, you’ll come across sea lions sunning themselves on rocky outcroppings and pelicans overhead.
Other marine residents you may possibly come across include:
- Seals
- Otters
- Dolphins
To explore the sea caves, you can book a guided tour at Wilder Ranch State Park.
If you want to get a close up view of the 50 foot long gray whales, then you should definitely visit Monterey during their migration season which is from March to May.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should I spend in Santa Cruz?
There are several outdoor activities, amazing restaurants with delicious menus, unique attractions and stunning scenery in Santa Cruz.
You may not be able to make an exact decision on how long you’d stay as days may become weeks here.
However, three days is ideal to hit the highlights and see some of the best places here.
What are two interesting facts about Santa Cruz?
Here are some interesting facts you should know about Santa Cruz:
- Santa Cruz was founded in 1791 by the Spanish.
This occurred when Fermín de Lasuén established Mission Santa Cruz.
- After this, a settlement grew up coose to the mission called Branciforte, which is now known across Alta California for its lawlessness.
Is Santa Cruz considered the Bay Area?
Generally, Santa Cruz County is located in the Central Coast of California south of the San Francisco Bay Area region and comprises of the following areas:
- CA Metropolitan Statistical Area
- The Santa Cruz-Watsonville.
