Alright, buckle up, SoCal dreamers! Craving an actual seaside escape with out the infinite hustle and the sensation of combating for a tiny patch of sand? Well, scoot on over, as a result of there is a critically enjoyable seaside city just a bit additional north that is received the thrills, the waves, and an entire lot of redwood magic. We’re speaking about Santa Cruz, and belief us, it is time to give your crowded metropolis routine a critical shake-up.
Trade the Traffic 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 possibly, probably, discover a parking spot the dimensions of a postage stamp? No thanks! Santa Cruz presents a unique sort of commute – possibly a breezy bike trip alongside West Cliff Drive with the salty air in your hair, or a brief jump over to the enduring Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This is not some fancy, unique membership; it is a basic, 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 internal child might ever dream of. Forget battling crowds for a peek at a celeb; right here, the star is the enjoyable!
Mountains That Hug the Coast (Covered in Giant Trees!)
Okay, LA has hills, we get it. But 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 shocking backdrop in contrast to something you will discover additional south. One minute you could be constructing sandcastles, the subsequent 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 recent, earthy air, and really feel your stress soften away like ice cream on a sizzling Santa Cruz day. It’s a nature lover’s paradise, only a stone’s throw from the seaside.
Catch Some Real Epic Waves
Sure, LA has its seashores, however discovering an honest wave with out 1,000,000 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 Beach to the legendary Steamer Lane the place the professionals carve it up, you’ll be able to really get on the market and trip some actual waves. Feel the facility of the Pacific, get a killer exercise, and possibly even spot a dolphin or two. Plus, the vibe is far more laid-back. Less posing, extra shredding.
Ditch the Scene, Embrace the Chill
Los Angeles can typically really feel like everybody’s making an attempt to be another person. Santa Cruz has a unique power. It’s a spot the place artists, surfers, college students, and households all mix collectively in a splendidly unpretentious means. You can seize a espresso at a neighborhood 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.
Taste the Local Flavors and Dive into the Culture
Beyond the thrills and the views, Santa Cruz boasts a vibrant meals and tradition scene with a distinctly native taste. Forget the fashionable, overpriced spots you would possibly discover in LA; right here, it is all about recent elements, laid-back vibes, and supporting native companies. For a real style of Santa Cruz, head to the Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market (numerous areas and days, however the Sunday market downtown is a must-visit). You can wander via stalls overflowing with natural produce, artisanal cheeses, recent flowers, and seize a scrumptious breakfast burrito or a pastry for round $5-$10. It’s a improbable solution to soak locally spirit and pattern the area’s bounty.
For an off-the-cuff and iconic Santa Cruz eating expertise, try The Picnic Basket (round $10-$15 for a sandwich or salad). Located proper close to the Boardwalk, it is the proper spot to seize a chew made with native elements earlier than hitting the rides or the seaside. If you are craving recent seafood with ocean views, The Crow’s Nest on the Santa Cruz Harbor presents a extra upscale expertise (count on entrees within the $20-$35 vary) however the sundown views and the catch of the day are effectively price it.
Your Next California Adventure Awaits
So, when you’re craving a California getaway that gives thrilling enjoyable, superior waves, breathtaking pure magnificence, and a refreshingly down-to-earth environment, it could be time to level your travels in the direction of Santa Cruz. Trade the LA hustle for some real coastal allure, swap the visitors jams for boardwalk thrills, and uncover a seaside metropolis that is received an entire lot extra to supply than simply sand and solar. Trust us, your internal adventurer (and your stress ranges) will thanks. It’s time to maneuver over, LA, Santa Cruz is looking!
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Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.
