Alright, buckle up, SoCal dreamers! Craving an actual seashore escape with out the limitless hustle and the sensation of combating for a tiny patch of sand? Effectively, scoot on over, as a result of there is a severely enjoyable seashore city just a bit additional north that is acquired 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 severe shake-up.
Commerce the Site visitors for Boardwalk Thrills
Let’s be trustworthy, getting wherever in Los Angeles can really feel like an Olympic sport. Hours spent in gridlock simply to perhaps, probably, discover a parking spot the dimensions of a postage stamp? No thanks! Santa Cruz affords a special form of commute – perhaps a breezy bike trip alongside West Cliff Drive with the salty air in your hair, or a brief jump over to the long-lasting Santa Cruz Seaside Boardwalk. This is not some fancy, unique membership; it is a basic, old-school amusement park proper on the sand! We’re speaking a wood curler coaster, the Giant Dipper, that’ll provide you with butterflies the dimensions of seagulls, plus all of the cotton sweet and arcade video games your internal child may ever dream of. Neglect battling crowds for a peek at a star; right here, the star is the enjoyable!
Mountains That Hug the Coast (Coated in Big Bushes!)
Okay, LA has hills, we get it. However have you ever ever cruised alongside the coast with towering redwood timber 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 not like something you may discover additional south. One minute you may 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 sizzling Santa Cruz day. It is a nature lover’s paradise, only a stone’s throw from the seashore.
Catch Some Actual Epic Waves
Certain, LA has its seashores, however discovering a good wave with out 1,000,000 different surfers can really feel like looking for a unicorn. Santa Cruz, then again, is a legit surf city with breaks for all ranges. From the beginner-friendly swells at Cowell Seaside to the legendary Steamer Lane the place the professionals carve it up, you may truly get on the market and trip some actual waves. Really feel the ability 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 attempting to be another person. Santa Cruz has a special vitality. It is a spot the place artists, surfers, college students, and households all mix collectively in a splendidly unpretentious method. You’ll be able to 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.
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 may discover in LA; right here, it is all about contemporary components, 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 unbelievable technique 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). Positioned proper close to the Boardwalk, it is the proper spot to seize a chew made with native components earlier than hitting the rides or the seashore. When you’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 nicely value it.
Your Subsequent California Journey Awaits
So, in case you’re craving a California getaway that provides thrilling enjoyable, superior waves, breathtaking pure magnificence, and a refreshingly down-to-earth environment, it may be time to level your travels in direction of Santa Cruz. Commerce the LA hustle for some real coastal appeal, swap the site visitors jams for boardwalk thrills, and uncover a seashore metropolis that is acquired an entire lot extra to supply than simply sand and solar. Belief us, your internal adventurer (and your stress ranges) will thanks. It is time to transfer over, LA, Santa Cruz is looking!
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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.
