Santa Cruz Vacation Rentals
Start off your California coastal vacation by heading just 75 miles south of San Francisco on the legendary Highway 1. While exploring the picturesque coastline you will be lead you right into Santa Cruz. Besides the fine sand beaches, Santa Cruz professes to have California's only beachside amusement park. Santa Cruz is also a non-touristy region and you will discover that when you reside in a ocena front vacation rental. So slip on your swimsuit and flip-flops and make your visit to Santa Cruz the best vacation yet.
Santa Cruz Beaches
Next to the world-famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and pier, you´ll find Cowell Beach. This beach is the place to try your hand at surfing as beginners are welcome here. More advanced surfers hang ten at "The Lane" nearby the lighthouse. This area is considered having some of the best surfing in Northern California. Kayaking, sailing, day cruises, fishing expeditions as well as gentle wave beaches can be located at the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and Beach. At the Twin Lakes State Beach, the visitor will find a fully equipped beach with windsurfing and other water sports equipment available to rent.
Santa Cruz Activities
The amusement park is a thrilling place with over 30 exciting rides for the whole family to enjoy. It's free to get in, and you only pay for rides you want or with unlimited ride passes. A wild bird sanctuary sits at the Schwan Lagoon. You can view flocks in their natural habitat while rowing a canoe along the lake.
Golfers can tee off on several of the links in Santa Cruz. The number of course will exceed any duffer.
On The University of California´s campus opens to the public their Lick Observatory. Besides a 15-minute presentation about the observatory, visitors can experience its other attractions such as gazing through telescopes as well their Music of the Spheres Summer Concert series.
Harley Davidson fans as well as those who enjoy items of distinctive vintage dating as far back as the late 1920s can head to the Motorcycle Museum. In addition to antique bikes, exhibits, and authentic memorabilia are available.
Entertainment can be found at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium anytime of the year. Opened during the 1940s, the auditorium is the scene for concerts and expos. Downtown Santa Cruz is always a point of interest for visitors. The city has a rotating exhibition of public sculpture and art displays dotted along its streets.
Santa Cruz Dining
Santa Cruz proves that organic food has gone mainstream. The region grows much of the seasonal produce, sustainable seafood and fine wine that are served in restaurants throughout Santa Cruz. Head downtown or near the pier for many enjoyable dining options. Most special diets can be accommodated and the choices are endless from Asian Fusion, Brazilian, Mexican, vegetarian, Italian and much more. The best part is you can eat in or take out and dine in your ocean front vacation home.
Santa Cruz Shopping
Centered on Pacific Avenue for eight blocks in Downtown Santa Cruz, has over 200 retail shops for the shopaholic. Antiques, art, collectibles, apparel, jewelry and the renowned Santa Cruz wine are some of the items available for purchase. Of course, no visitor should forget to buy some freshly made salt water taffy along the pier.
