Alright, buckle up, SoCal dreamers! Craving an actual seaside escape with out the limitless hustle and the sensation of preventing for a tiny patch of sand? Effectively, scoot on over, as a result of there is a critically enjoyable seaside city just a bit additional north that is acquired the thrills, the waves, and a complete lot of redwood magic. We’re speaking about Santa Cruz, and belief us, it is time to give your crowded metropolis routine a severe shake-up.
Commerce the Site visitors for Boardwalk Thrills
Let’s be sincere, getting wherever in Los Angeles can really feel like an Olympic sport. Hours spent in gridlock simply to perhaps, presumably, discover a parking spot the dimensions of a postage stamp? No thanks! Santa Cruz affords a unique form of commute – perhaps a breezy bike journey alongside West Cliff Drive with the salty air in your hair, or a brief jump over to the enduring Santa Cruz Seashore Boardwalk. This is not some fancy, unique membership; it is a traditional, old-school amusement park proper on the sand! We’re speaking a picket curler coaster, the Giant Dipper, that’ll offer you butterflies the dimensions of seagulls, plus all of the cotton sweet and arcade video games your interior child may ever dream of. Neglect battling crowds for a peek at a celeb; right here, the star is the enjoyable!
Mountains That Hug the Coast (Coated in Large Timber!)
Okay, LA has hills, we get it. However have you ever ever cruised alongside the coast with towering redwood bushes virtually dipping their branches into the ocean breeze? Santa Cruz is nestled proper the place the Santa Cruz Mountains meet the Pacific, creating a surprising backdrop not like something you may discover additional south. One minute you could be constructing sandcastles, the following you are winding via historic redwood forests, feeling such as you’ve stepped into one other world. Hike amongst giants in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, breathe in that contemporary, earthy air, and really feel your stress soften away like ice cream on a scorching Santa Cruz day. It is a nature lover’s paradise, only a stone’s throw from the seaside.
Catch Some Actual Epic Waves
Positive, LA has its seashores, however discovering an honest wave with out one million different surfers can really feel like trying to find a unicorn. Santa Cruz, alternatively, is a legit surf city with breaks for all ranges. From the beginner-friendly swells at Cowell Seashore to the legendary Steamer Lane the place the professionals carve it up, you possibly can truly get on the market and journey some actual waves. Really feel the facility of the Pacific, get a killer exercise, and perhaps even spot a dolphin or two. Plus, the vibe is far more laid-back. Much less posing, extra shredding.
Ditch the Scene, Embrace the Chill
Los Angeles can generally really feel like everybody’s making an attempt to be another person. Santa Cruz has a unique power. It is a spot the place artists, surfers, college students, and households all mix collectively in a splendidly unpretentious manner. You’ll be able to seize a espresso at an area spot and strike up a dialog with a pleasant face with out feeling such as you’re auditioning for one thing. The vibe is relaxed, the individuals are real, and the main focus is on having fun with life, whether or not that is catching a wave, exploring a tide pool, or simply watching the sundown paint the sky over the Pacific.
Style the Native Flavors and Dive into the Tradition
Past the thrills and the views, Santa Cruz boasts a vibrant meals and tradition scene with a distinctly native taste. Neglect the stylish, overpriced spots you would possibly discover in LA; right here, it is all about contemporary elements, laid-back vibes, and supporting native companies. For a real style of Santa Cruz, head to the Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market (varied places and days, however the Sunday market downtown is a must-visit). You’ll be able to wander via stalls overflowing with natural produce, artisanal cheeses, contemporary flowers, and seize a scrumptious breakfast burrito or a pastry for round $5-$10. It is a improbable technique to soak in the neighborhood spirit and pattern the area’s bounty.
For an informal and iconic Santa Cruz eating expertise, take a look at The Picnic Basket (round $10-$15 for a sandwich or salad). Situated proper close to the Boardwalk, it is the right spot to seize a chew made with native elements earlier than hitting the rides or the seaside. If you happen to’re craving contemporary seafood with ocean views, The Crow’s Nest on the Santa Cruz Harbor affords a extra upscale expertise (count on entrees within the $20-$35 vary) however the sundown views and the catch of the day are properly value it.
Your Subsequent California Journey Awaits
So, in the event you’re craving a California getaway that gives thrilling enjoyable, superior waves, breathtaking pure magnificence, and a refreshingly down-to-earth ambiance, it may be time to level your travels in direction of Santa Cruz. Commerce the LA hustle for some real coastal allure, swap the visitors jams for boardwalk thrills, and uncover a seaside metropolis that is acquired a complete lot extra to supply than simply sand and solar. Belief us, your interior adventurer (and your stress ranges) will thanks. It is time to transfer over, LA, Santa Cruz is looking!
Prepared For Your Journey? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here
↓ Elevate Your Journey↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No advertisements, VIP Content material, Private Journey Concierge, Large Financial savings, Every day Offers, Members Discussion board & Extra!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: The place vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your e-mail handle to subscribe to Journey Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.
This text initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.
