Santa Cruz, CA

LENGTH OF STAY: 25 years... Just Kidding, that's just how long I've lived here! But you could spend a day or years in this town. There is a lot to do!

FOOD: Some of my favorites include...

Tortilla Flats- located in Soquel. Best Mexican Food in Santa Cruz!

http://www.tortillaflatsdining.com/

Saturn Cafe-They have the best french fries and ranch in the entire county. It is a vegetarian restaurant but you would never know. Not one of those hippie places :) http://saturncafe.com/

Marianne's Ice Cream- The greatest ice cream you could ever have! http://www.lovemariannes.com/ 

Coles BBQ: Okay so I don't think its THAT great but a bunch of my best friends love it so I thought I would include it. This place has ribs, tri-tip typical BBQ food but its right near Sunny Cove (see below) so that's a plus. http://www.yelp.com/biz/coles-bbq-and-catering-santa-cruz
the Crows Nest- My absolute most favorite restaurant on this planet. Pretty much a surf and turf place but they have great salads and clam chowder and the most incredible view! http://www.crowsnest-santacruz.com/

ACCOMMODATION: Hotels can be pretty pricey in Santa Cruz. If you have money to spend however, the Dream Inn is very popular. If not the Aqua Breeze is cheap and located near the Boardwalk. Not in the nicest neighborhood, but its affordable and clean. Book early and see my post on hotels.com 

TRANSPORTATION: you really need a car when visiting Santa Cruz. However, the 69 bus does take you from Capitola Mall to downtown and tickets are about $1.50

SITE SEEING: Here is a list of some of my favorite SC places

Best Beaches-

Sunny Cove: One of Santa Cruz's best secret beaches! Park at the Dollar Tree near by and walk to the beach.  http://www.yelp.com/biz/sunny-cove-beach-santa-cruz

Seacliff Beach: Also great for RV camping! http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=543

The Boardwalk-A very famous theme park located right on the water. There is no cost to get in so anyone can just walk around and get junk food. You can also buy tickets to ride just a couple attractions. The Boardwalk is also near the Municipal Wharf which has some great sea food and penny machines. 

Natural Bridges- A place with some beautiful sights and a nice walk along the beach. They also have a monarch butterfly reserve.  

Ano Nuevo- One of the coolest places ever! Located a little ways out of Santa Cruz, but a great place to visit. During certain times of the year there are hundreds of Elephant Seals to view. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523
Pacific Avenue- Not really an "attraction" but this is sort of an outdoor walking mall. There are 4 movie theaters, lots of food (El Palomar is my favorite), shopping and people watching galore!
The Mystery Spot- Okay one of the weirdest places ever but has some pretty cool stuff to see. It is a gravitational anomaly tourist attraction that everyone who visits Santa Cruz should see. http://www.mysteryspot.com/ This place was even featured as a Penny Collector Location of the Month!
The Monterey Bay Aquarium: About a 40 minute drive but still awesome! http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/

PENNY MACHINES:
The most penny machines are located on the wharf. There is also one at the Mystery Spot and a few in Monterey!