Santa Cruz has plenty of parks, beaches, and historical locations to keep the outdoor enthusiast entertained, even the ones who’ve said they’ve seen it all. You may even already have a favorite riding trail you found years ago. However, if you haven’t visited any of the following locations perfect for mountain biking or a leisurely ride, you may be missing out.

Let’s take a look at some of the favorite bike riding locations in Santa Cruz.

Wilder Ranch State Park

This state park covers an impressive 7,000 acres and features over 35 miles of biking trails. There are trails for both beginner and advanced mountain biking, so this is a park that can grow as you learn more and more about the sport. You will experience everything from the beaches and cliffs that make Santa Cruz a beautiful place to ride, along with meadows and forests. You can see every bit of the natural surroundings that Santa Cruz has to offer in this one location with over a dozen trails to experience. If you are looking for a place that won’t get boring after a while, this is it.

Contact Info:

1788 Coast Road

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

(831) 423-9703

DeLaveaga Park

If you plan on bringing a dog along on your mountain biking adventures, this is one of the best parks in Santa Cruz. As long as your furry companion is on a leash, they are more than welcome to accompany you on the miles of trails here. Why not ride by the creek and soak your feet in cool water while Fido splashes around a bit. There are four entrances to the trail system: near the restrooms at the lower park facility where there is ample parking, on Branciforte Drive with limited parking available, or on either Park Way or Brookwood Drive where you need to park on-street in a residential neighborhood.

Contact Info:

850 Branciforte Drive

Santa Cruz, CA 95065

(831) 420-5270

Harvey West Park

This park, at just 50-acres, still offers an impressive amount of amenities. If you feel like cooling off after your bike ride, head to the pools for a quick dip. But the mountain biking trails take the cake. There may not be many of them, in fact there’s only one, but it will allow you to bike at your own pace, taking in the scenery and the friendly people enjoying the park along with you. There is a trail entrance in the Friendship Garden as well as at Wagner Grove.

Contact Info:

326 Evergreen Street

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

(831) 420-5270

The Santa Cruz Boardwalk

If you had more of a leisurely bike ride in mind instead of traversing the trails at Wilder Ranch State Park or De Laveaga Park, you might want to head to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. The Boardwalk offers a relaxing ride with the smell of salt water on the air… or is it the smell of salt water taffy being made at the amusement park? The amusement park at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk is one of the two remaining amusement park piers on the West Coast. Take in a bit of fun while cruising along the shops along the beach.

Contact Info:

400 Beach Street

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

(831) 423-5590

With so much to take in from the seat of your favorite mountain bike, why not give one of these Santa Cruz biking locations a try. You might get a chance to see a side of Santa Cruz you never knew existed. Plus, you can enjoy the fresh sea breezes that will get your blood pumping for more time on your bike. Experience all that Santa Cruz has to offer.

By Neal Kearney

There are so many ways to ring in the New Year. From house parties to bar hopping or even staying home reading real estate blogs, most everyone wants to be doing something fun and spontaneous on December 31^st. If you happen to be in Santa Cruz, you’re in luck, as there’s an array of awesome adventures to partake in. Here are five great ways to welcome the New Year in Santa Cruz. Disclaimer-these suggestions do not ensure a New Year’s smooch, that’s up to you! Go for it!

1) Party Like It’s 1987: Chaminade Resort and Spa’s “1980’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” Party

The Chaminade Resort & Spa is well known, luxury, mountaintop retreat in Santa Cruz. The Mission-style resort offers breathtaking views of both the Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Mountains. Primarily a destination for executive meetings and wedding and birthday celebrations, it’s also a great place to just treat yourself to some heavenly rest and relaxation.

One of the Chaminade’s biggest events of the year, the “1980’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” party is a pretty exclusive ticket. Starting at 7PM, guests will be served appetizers and have access to a complete NYE package of beer, champagne, wine, and some select NYE cocktails. Attendees will experience a themed, strolling dinner experience, which lasts from 8pm to 10pm. After that you are free to partake in some rug cutting while the DJ plays your favorite 1980’s tunes, before a champagne filled countdown to 2017, complete with balloon drop. If you’re the type of person who wants to avoid the chaos downtown and have a taste for exclusive events, this party is one you won’t want to miss.

2) Crow’s Nest – Extra Large

The upstairs, bar/patio area of the Crow’s Nest restaurant, located in the Santa Cruz Harbor, is always a safe bet for a killer New Year’s Eve party. You can enjoy the fully stocked bar, which is sure to wet your whistle all night long. If you plan to eat before the party really gets going it would be a good idea to take a gander at their delicious appetizer menu, which contains fan favorites like fresh calamari and their mountainous Nacho plate. If you’re really hungry go for a Crow’s Nest Burger—they’re awesome and come with fries to die for.

At this end of the year celebration, come early, because things tend to fill up quickly. Being in such close quarters is unique as it makes everybody interact and laugh it up with friends, old and new. Local funk/feel good band Extra Large, who’ve been voted “Best Local Band in Santa Cruz County” nine times running. They play a mixture of funk, Latin, reggae and classic rock tunes that are sure to get the dancefloor hot and heated. Starting at 9:30, NYE at the Nest is a warm, safe place to party and boogie down with good people. The $15 cover charge is well worth it.

For more, see http://www.santacruz.org/upcoming-events/event-detail-page/eventgid/8989#sthash.ObYvtul8.dpuf

3) ”Griswoldia” – Light Up Your NYE

If crowds and raucous festivities aren’t your cup of New Year’s tea, there’s a more tranquil and thought provoking option that’s great for a casual date or some peaceful reflection at the climax of this holiday season. I’m talking about “Griswoldia”, a public art project at the Tannery Arts Center; a housing and studio space for artists and rehearsal and performance space for art organizations.

Instead of art being showcased inside the Tannery, this entire December, “Griswoldia” (named after Clark Griswold [Chevy Chase], who hung 25,000 Christmas lights outside his home in 1989’s National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation) will bathe the outside of two apartment buildings (better known as the “silos”) with LED lights and lasers. Installed by local sculptor Geoffery Nelson, and funded and sponsored by the Arts Council of Santa Cruz, the two giant “silos” will serve as a mammoth canvas of sorts.

Nelson will hang thousands of blue LED (light emitting diodes) on strings to achieve the appearance of a cascading waterfall. At the same time, mounted lasers will shoot back onto the face of the buildings and sidewalk below. The lightshow will run all of December, but will remain on until 9PM on New Year’s Eve. If you have a young family or a gap in your schedule of festivities, this is an end of the year memory that will burn itself into your memory.

4) Civil Disobedience – Last Night DIY Parade

Santa Cruz has long been known as a liberal haven, artist enclave, surf city, and home for those who inhabit the fringes of “acceptable” society. Haven’t you ever seen those, “Keep Santa Cruz Weird” bumper stickers? Embracing your oddball or inner geek just scratches the surface. There’s been a long tradition of peaceful protest and unsanctioned and spontaneous Do-It-Yourself events here (think of the yearly takeover/costumed parade downtown every Halloween). New Year’s Eve is no different.

Since its inception back in 2005, the Last Night DIY (Do it Yourself) Parade & Street Party has been marching along Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz without city permits or other bureaucratic red tape. This de-centralized Halloween celebration includes a parade of performers: Stilt walkers, circus acts, puppet shows, musicians, and revelers dressed in their most elaborate Halloween outfits.

The parade starts at sunset around 5 PM near the Saturn Cafe parking lot, Pacific Avenue and Spruce Street in Santa Cruz. Parade takes off around 5:30 pm and ends in a street party at Pacific Avenue and Cooper Street. Remember, this is civil disobedience, so act civil; don’t show up wasted and/or disruptive.

5) Downtown Clock Tower Countdown

Last, but not least, we have the Clock Tower New Year’s countdown. Downtown Santa Cruz has to be the most beloved locations for locals and visitors alike to bring in the New Year. A fan favorite approach to a successful New Year’s downtown excursion is to enjoy the warmth and comfort of one of the many restaurants-places like Assembly, or El Palomar– for some fine dining and drinks.

From there you and your crew will want to bar hop your way down Pacific Avenue-try popular spots like Motiv, Rosie McCann’s, and the Red Room-inching towards your final destination, the downtown clock tower. Every year, the masses congregate around the tower in the minutes leading up to the new year, and every year, the city does something awesome when the clock strikes midnight–from fireworks to laser shows. The crowd always erupts in merriment and New Year’s hugs and smooches are distributed; a feel-good, traditional and communal celebration if there ever was one.

By Neal Kearney

Santa Cruz isn’t exactly the biggest city in Central California, but it’s still home to thousands of college students, thanks to our local community college, Cabrillo College, and the “City On A Hill”, UCSC. Between the two of these learning institutions, there are tens of thousands of college students living in Santa Cruz at this very moment. Every September, scores of undergraduate and postgraduate students settle in for the long year ahead. College is hard work, and both these schools aren’t a walk in the park, despite Santa Cruz’s laid back reputation.

With so much hard work being done, it’s only natural that these scholars need an outlet to spare them from the overwhelming stress of their coursework. Here are five activities suited for local college kids looking for an escape from the tortuous tedium of testing and the mind numbing memorization.

1) Surf City Billiards

With hard work, one must find balance through play. I know that final was hard, but relax man, I know the best place to blow off some steam. Surf City Billiards in downtown Santa Cruz is the perfect place for a crew of young men and women to grab a bite, have a beer, and challenge each other to a number of game like billiards, darts, ping pong, fusbol, and shuffleboard.

The place is clean, roomy, and there are plenty of tables (15) and dart boards (4), to accommodate big groups.  Another bonus are the flat screen TV’s you can use to tune into your favorite sports games. The food is delicious and very fairly priced. My favorites are the sweet potato fries and smoked, pulled pork sliders.

And the drinks! Well, Kelly, the bartender is famous for his killer drinks and eternal good cheer. If you’re over twenty-one, he’ll make you one of the meanest Moscow Mules you’ll ever get the opportunity to get your lips on. All in all, a fun, lively place, perfect for friends to come together, especially big groups.

2) Petroglyph

Sometimes, when the stress and pressure of life as a full time student can threaten to scramble one’s brains, it might be a good time to do something meditative. There are many ways to meditate. Some sit. Some walk. Some chant. Other create! Petroglyph, located in downtown Santa Cruz, is a quirky yet calm space for anyone from pro’s to average Joe’s to appease their artistic side.

To start, you choose a ceramic piece from an extensive array of ceramic pieces. From your standard plates, bowls, and mugs, to intricate figurines, like a menacing dragon or enchanted fairy castle, there are tons of figurines to choose from. From there it’s to the paint kiosk where you choose the colors needed for your particular project. There’s a huge variety of tools and brushes, and eighty different colors to suit your need.

From there it’s time to get in the zone and paint your piece in any way you see fit. When you feel you’ve perfected your masterpiece, you can hand off your work to the on-site team who will glaze it, fire it, cool it, and have it ready for you to show off to your parents on Christmas in two-to three days. This is a great place to take a date or have a group get-together with your colleagues, as playful conversation and moments of focused silence are a welcome change from ninety minute lectures about Sir Frances Drake

Petroglyph Ceramic Lounge

125 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Hours: 10AM – 8PM

http://www.petroglyph.com/

3) Boardwalk Bowl

You’re up. There a palpable hush in the air as you pick up your sparkling weapon of choice. You stride up the lane with the confidence of someone who’s just completed a 200 mile marathon with two babies strapped to their back. You set your target, take those all important strides to the line then…wooosh! The bowling balls leaves your fingers with grace and lands smack dab in the middle of the lane, a guaranteed strike– you’re sure of it.

Slowly, yet surely, your ball starts to veer towards the left and you crumple with defeat as you hear the “clank” of yet another gutter ball. Your friends heckle you for what seems like an hour, yet you can live with another gutter ball: knowing well that you will one day bowl that destined strike. That’s what makes the Boardwalk Bowl, located on Cliff Street, right across from Neptune’s Kingdom so much fun: you can get both competitive and silly with a big group of friends.

Located only just five miles from UCSC, the Boardwalk Bowl has everything a college kid could want; fun games, tasty fast food, and, for those over 21, pitchers of beer. To sweeten the deal there is a karaoke bar where on you and your friends can live out your dreams of being Justin Beiber or Freddie Mercury. Just pray no one is filming.

4) The Catalyst Club

The Catalyst Club, in downtown Santa Cruz, is undoubtedly the gold standard for showcasing both local and international talent at their venue. It seems like every other week there’s some legendary band or artist performing there. From techno to reggae, thrash metal to indie progressive rock, the Catalyst hosts a myriad of different musicians; a perfect platform for college students looking to cut loose and scream till their voices go out.

There are two different rooms within the Catalyst: the smaller, more intimate setting of the Atrium, and the main floor. In the Atrium, considering its size, you are privy to an extremely intimate experience, literally inches away from the musicians. The main floor is standing room only, and spacious enough for a large mass of people dance their brains out.

There’s also a bar, pool tables, and who can forget Rockers Pizza Kitchen, the small hole-in-the-wall pizza joint connected to the club that serves cheap, yet delicious pizza by the slice—perfect to grab after burning all those calories in the mosh pit. Although doors open an hour before the show starts, there tend to be very long lines, so it’s a good idea to arrive there as early as you can. A Santa Cruz staple, the Catalyst should be experienced by every college student, as it offers an unbelievable chance at getting up and close with their favorite musicians.

www.catalystclub.com

5) The Crepe Place

About five miles down the hill from UCSC, is a famous little restaurant called the Crepe Place. Since 1973, they’ve been serving delicious crepes of all types and flavors to the Santa Cruz Community, especially famished students. What is a crepe, you ask? Well, it’s a thin type of pancake made famous by the French, usually made with either wheat or buckwheat.

They can be served for brunch, drizzled with syrup, and laden with fresh fruits. Another favorite is the “Crepe Gatsby” for dinner, comprised of Sautéed Chicken Breast, Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, Spinach, Feta & Mozzarella Cheeses, Fresh Mushrooms, Scallions, and Tomatoes & Garlic. Sprinkled with Romano Cheese. Is your mouth watering yet? These are just a couple options on the extensive menu.

Along with being a cozy and pleasant place to grab some food and chat, they also host a plethora of musicians and performers on both their main stage and the newly constructed, large outside patio/stage. Almost every night of the week, The Crepe Place hosts these entertainers, from jazz to comedy, hard rock to spoken word. These shows are very popular with the college crowd and for good reason! With such eclectic mix of artists, there’s always something new and different to experience. A hip, trendy spot, especially for UCSC students looking for some artsy ambiance and delicious food.

Rainy days can be a bore, but when you are in Santa Cruz, there are plenty of things you can do to make things more exciting. Santa Cruz is known for its near-perfect climate, beautiful coastline and redwood forests. Santa Cruz is the largest city of Santa Cruz County and has many attractions to explore.

Just because it is raining in Santa Cruz does not mean that your day is ruined. If you are vacationing in Santa Cruz, and it is raining, you will be happy to know there are plenty of indoor activities to take advantage of. Even though walking on the boardwalk or surfing might be out of the question, there is still no reason why you and the family cannot have a ball.

Places to Take Your Children

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery

This attraction is a great place to take your kids to burn off some energy. Here, your little discoverers can check out interactive exhibits with hands-on activities. Parents can also join in the fun and explore the beauty of Santa Cruz County through agriculture, ocean and forest themed areas.

Pacific Edge Climbing Gym

This is a popular attraction on the east side of Santa Cruz. Not only is this place fun, but it is also the tallest indoor climbing gym on the west coast. If you do not know much about climbing, they offer training and personal assistance. This place offers hours of fun for climbers of all skill levels.

Petroglyph Ceramic Lounge

Use the rainy day to get creative and make a mug, bowl or vase. All you need to do to have fun here is bring your imagination and they will provide the tools. The environment is very comfortable so you can feel at ease while you create your personal masterpiece.

There are many fun places for adults to go in Santa Cruz. Every year, thousands of people come from all over the globe to take advantage of the weather and attractions. The City of Santa Cruz has a moderate climate and is known for its natural beauty. It is famous for its boardwalk and is also known for being home to the University of California.

Santa Cruz is a hotspot for vacationers. So you might be battling for the perfect spot on the beach, but there is always plenty more to take advantage of in this town. Sunup or Sundown, you can guarantee there is no shortage of fun activities to take advantage of.

Is it Expensive to Visit Santa Cruz?

There are plenty of things to do in Santa Cruz for little to no money at all. There are a number of museums and national parks that do not charge a fee to enter including Wilder Ranch State Park and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Surfing is also another popular activity to take advantage of in Santa Cruz that does not cost any money at all.

Take Advantage of the Nightlife

Santa Cruz is a great place for adults to gather and socialize. When the sun goes down you can guarantee the streets are pulsing with activity. Check out popular bars and clubs including, Motiv and The Redroom.

Places to Eat

• Mediterranean Grill & Go
• Castagnola Deli & Café
• Lillian’s Italian Kitchen
• Linda’s Seabreeze Café
• Laili Restaurant

Most Popular Beaches to Visit

When it comes to beaches, you can rest assured that there is no shortage in Santa Cruz County. Even if you are not a fan of surfing or swimming, you can catch some rays on the sandy beaches of West Cliff Drive. If you are looking for a dog friendly park, consider Seabright Beach. Other popular beaches include, Natural Bridges State Beach, Twin Lakes State Beach and Pleasure Point.

Downtown Santa Cruz has plenty of fun things to do for the entire family. Every year, thousands of people pour into Santa Cruz to take advantage of the beautiful weather and attractions. One famous landmark you should definitely check out is the Santa Cruz Harbor Walton Lighthouse. If you roll into Santa Cruz with an appetite, have a bite to eat at the Windmill Café.

Surfing is another popular activity to take part in when visiting Santa Cruz. If you have never surfed before, a great time to learn would be in Santa Cruz. Instructors make lessons available to beginners for affordable prices.

National Parks to Visit

• Big Basin Redwoods State Park
• Castle Rock State Park
• Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
• Natural Bridges State Park
• Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

Spending Time in Santa Cruz Is Affordable

Recently, Santa Cruz County has made some changes which make spending time there more affordable. There are many free activities that will not cost a penny. If you are vacationing on a budget, Santa Cruz is the perfect place for you.

One thing you should definitely not pass up is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This attraction is admission free and is commonly referred to as the world’s best seaside amusement park. During the summer, free concerts are held as well as other free, fun events.

Places to Eat

One popular place to go grab a bite to eat would be the Mediterranean Grill and Go. This restaurant is well-known because of its authenticity and low prices. If that does not sound appetizing, you can always try the Harbor Café.

Other popular restaurants include Shadowbrook, Lillian’s Italian Kitchen and Café Brasil. Santa Cruz has a lot of dining options to choose from, so choose wisely if you will not be in town for long. Food can be a big expense, but luckily when you are in Santa Cruz, you can dine out for much lower prices than you would expect.

If you will be visiting Santa Cruz during the winter, do not fret, Santa Cruz offers plenty of fun things for vacationers to take advantage of throughout the fall and winter months. Santa Cruz is a great place to spend a vacation during the winter months because of its mild climate and fewer crowds. One other nice thing about spending time in Santa Cruz during the winter is that hotel rates drop drastically.

Places to Socialize and Have a Drink

• Motiv
• We Olive & Wine Bar
• Pour Taproom
• Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
• Brady’s Yacht Club
• Surf City Billiards Bar & CAFÉ
• Poet &patriot Irish Pub
• Callahan’s

Places to Go With the Family

Seymour Marine Discovery Center

This attraction is great for children and adults. You can observe how marine scientists work and even touch a shark. The Seymour Marine Discovery Center sets itself apart from other aquariums because it takes you behind the scenes of scientific research in our oceans. The exhibits are fascinating as well as hands on.

Roaring Camp Railroads

There are many other reasons to check out Roaring Camp Railroads, but the train ride to the top of Bear Mountain is one of many. Here, you can also watch a blacksmith forge tools, see a printing press in action and even see Thomas the Tank Engine. The main attractions at Roaring Camp Railroads are the trains.

Observe Monarch Butterflies

Make a trip to see the monarch butterflies migrate to Natural Bridges State Beach. Not only is it a beautiful sight to see, but there is no admission. Even if butterflies are not your thing, this is still a beautiful sight to behold. Typically, the best time to witness this is during November. 

By Neal Kearney

Whether you are in the midst of a budding romance or trying to reignite that long dormant spark with your significant other, Santa Cruz, California, is a great place for couples. It’s got everything: unbounded natural beauty, a quirky and creative community, as well as an amazing food, art, and live music scene. There are so many romantic activities to share with your partner here, choosing them can be a daunting task, especially if you are only on a weekend getaway. Here are five charming examples of the many ways in which to woo your significant other while in Santa Cruz.

Surfing

Santa Cruz is also known by the moniker, “Surf City, USA”. Our County’s 29 mile long coastline is home to some of California’s most iconic surf breaks, as well as venues suitable for beginners and first timers. Surfing is an activity that can make you feel truly alive. It’s a great workout, you get to mingle with ocean dwelling critters like dolphins and sea otters, and there’s nothing like the rush of speeding down a rolling breaker. If you and your significant other already surf, perfect! Stop by one of the local surf shops like Freeline Design, run by the Mel family, including Peter, who’s a bit of a local hero for his courageous big wave surfing and professional surf commentating gig. If you need gear, as they will rent out wetsuits as well as surfboards, long and short.

Stopping by a local surf shop like Freeline is also a great chance to gather some intel about the best places to surf according to your skill level, browse some surf related merchandise, and make a new friend or two. If going at it alone sounds daunting, don’t worry, there are a number of surf schools in the area with professional instructors who will make your experience safe and enjoyable. A surf date like this is great for bonding. Surfing is an extremely challenging sport, and if anything can bring two people closer, it’s watching your partner take an awkward wipeout, only to resurface with an ear to ear smile. Don’t forget the salty kisses.

www.santacruzsurfschool.com

www.richardschmidtsurfschool.com

www.freelinesurf.com

Spa/Massage Date

 A little cold and sore from that epic surf session? What could be better than a relaxing, private hot tub/sauna/tea date, followed by a yummy massage?  Well Within Spa, is a hidden gem of sorts. Since 1985, this small piece of heaven has remained tucked discretely in the middle of downtown Santa Cruz. Each room overlooks a traditional Japanese garden with a koi pond and hypnotically trickling waterfall.

The tubs are complete with relaxing jets along with a Cedar lined sauna on hand to warm your bones. With soothing music playing in the background, herbal tea for two, as well as a shower with towels, shampoo, conditioner, and body gel, it’s hard not to feel pampered during your visit. This spa experience is perfect for weary travelers; or anyone who enjoys soaking in warm swirling water, while sipping tea with their partner in an enclosed sanctuary where the sound of trickling water is always present. They also offer aromatherapy massage and a “relaxation” facial treatment. A trip to the Well Within sensual and intimate date, one that keeps locals and visitors coming back time and time again.

www.wellwithinspa.com

Wednesday Evening Sailboat Races

Imagine having a glass of wine and some delicious appetizers while watching the sun set with your significant other, while a fleet colorful, recreational sailboats cruise by in droves after leaving your vacation home rentals.  Sounds nice, right? Well, each Wednesday night in Santa Cruz, from April to October, local sailors set sail in the early evening to compete and have fun, all the while providing sea gazers a beautiful scene. This view this awesome spectacle, you can see the action from the beach or any of the harbor’s restaurants.

One of the best ways to enjoy this friendly competition is on the outdoor, top deck of the Crow’s Nest restaurant. The Crow’s Nest has been a Santa Cruz staple for the past 45 years, and the outer deck offers a gorgeous, panoramic view of the harbor, wharf, Steamer Lane lighthouse, and of course, the Wednesday night sailboat races.  It doesn’t hurt that they have an “All-Night Happy Hour Wednesdays”, which begins start at 3:30 pm, where select appetizers are half-price and well drinks, house wines and pints are only $4.75!

If you’d rather opt for the beach vantage point, bring a bottle of wine, some cheese and crackers, and beach blanket to enjoy these vessels as they sail into the setting sun.

http://www.santacruzharbor.org/

Scenic Capitola Picnic

Nestled between Pleasure Point and Aptos lies a quaint village named Capitola. It’s known as the oldest beach resort on the West Coast, and with a fishing wharf, popular beach strip, downtown shopping, and user friendly surf break, it’s arguably one of the most treasured places in all of Santa Cruz County.  Downtown Capitola lies in a cleft between the cliffs, bisected by the Soquel Creek. This popular tourist and shopping area leads directly to Capitola Beach and the finally to a pair of jetties which mark the end of the beach. That’s where you’ll usually find the surfers riding mellow waves, usually on longboards.  Colorful houses and hotels line the slopes of the town leading back up to the clifftops. On the opposite cliff you’ll find Depot Hill.

Depot Hill Stairs, the narrow, steep concrete flight that leads out of the Capitola Village leads to a bench that overlooks the entirety of Capitola Village, the wharf, as well as Opal Cliffs in the background. This awesome vantage point is a great way to enjoy the beauty of Capitola, and is extremely romantic. Plan a stroll with your loved one through the picturesque village, equipped with a picnic platter and some wine. Set your GPS to 104 cliff Ave, Capitola and it’ll get you to top of stairs, where you’ll find the bench with a view to die for. Enjoy a beautiful sunset with some tasty snacks and a drink or two. You’re sure to score major brownie points with this one.

Roller Rink!

How many of you remember being a kid at the roller rink, skating around with your friends doing the hokey pokey or the limbo, with a pop hits playing in the background? Were you ruling the track or flailing like a startled Steve Urkel? Either is fine. So much fun!  In Santa Cruz’s Midtown, there’s a neighborhood known as Seabright. On Seabright Avenue, there remains an old school roller rink, the Santa Cruz Roller Palladium, which has been around for over sixty years.

Roller skating has been found to be a great cardiovascular work out that builds core strength and promotes balance. But really, isn’t it really all about the hilarious wipeouts and licorice filled snack breaks that make the roller rink experience special? This is another great, out of the box date idea that will bring out the inner kid in both you and your partner. Imagine the grin on your loved one’s face as you lace up and bragging about how you are going to lap them, only to fall on your butt half way through the first lap. Just remember to take it easy, we’re not kids anymore you know.

When it comes to having fun in Santa Cruz, it doesn’t take a pocket full of cash to have a great day that will be sure to be etched in your memories for a lifetime. Thanks to the Santa Cruz sun and a wide array of both outdoor and indoor venues, the local scene has a great variety of free things for people of all ages to enjoy day and night. Whether you enjoy attending special events or just relaxing in the wilderness, you are going to love all that Santa Cruz has to offer.

Wilder Ranch State Park

This beautiful state park was once a dairy ranch and since its origin in the 1800’s, it has grown into a popular area for locals and visitors to have fun visiting farm animals, picnicking and walking along scenic nature trails. Hiking through the Santa Cruz Mountains or even along the coastline at the top of the bluffs can all be done from Wilder Ranch State Park. This state park allows bicycles, horseback riding and plenty of outdoor fun for all ages. It’s a great place to bring the family for a free day of fun.

http://www.thatsmypark.org/parks-and-beaches/wilder-ranch-state-park/

Santa Cruz Wharf

The Santa Cruz Wharf is the perfect place to go when you want to take in a close look at the area, do a little window shopping or even sit and watch boats go by on the water. You can walk or ride a bicycle or even cruise down the street in your car while taking in all the natural beauty surrounding the wharf.

While walking, riding or biking is completely free and always fun to do, you may want to take along a little cash when venturing down the road in this area as there are quite a few excellent local café’s, boutiques and small shops and even a few popular lounges right on the water. You can also rent boats or kayaks, spend time on the water watching for whales and much more.

http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/departments/parks-recreation/community-recreational-cultural-facilities/santa-cruz-wharf

Twin Lakes State Beach

A popular mile long stretch of beautiful shoreline where families spend hours at a time splashing in the water, soaking up a little sun and taking time to enjoy lazy days together.

http://www.santacruz.org/Things-to-do/Things-To-Do-Details/ThingGid/82759

Waddell State Beach

If you enjoy windsurfing or flying kites, Waddell State Beach is the place for you. This is also the perfect location for surfers, boogie boarders and sunbathers that like to watch the action on the water from their comfy seats on the soft sand. For a little adventure, the beach is situated just across the street from Big Basin Redwoods State Park where you can enjoy long hikes into the woods or even spend a few nights camping out under the beautiful California star filled sky. The locals usually refer to this beach as Waddell Creek Beach and it is always a fun place to be. Best of all, the beach is free every day of the year.

http://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/waddell-creek-beach/

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

This is a must-see attraction and one that is suitable for the whole family. The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is free to enter but they do ask for a small donation to help them keep the lights on in the lighthouse and to keep the heat on when it’s a little chilly out. The museum has some great pictures of surfers and events held on the water in Santa Cruz for the last 100 years and if you bring a little cash with you, you may just find the perfect surfing souvenir to take home with you when you leave. The museum has been open for more than 30 years and has been a popular place for tourists to visit when in the area.

http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/departments/parks-recreation/community-facilities/surfing-museum

One of the best things about Santa Cruz is that there are numerous places that a person, or family, can head to for some great outdoor fun and adventure without needing to spend a lot of money at all. Free is always nice, especially when you may be on a budget and need to find fun ways to keep yourself or others entertained.

Other free things to do in Santa Cruz

There are always areas where you can spend time walking down the shoreline, taking a quick dip in the ocean, working out for free without paying a personal trainer, or hopping on your board and surfing for a while. There are also free tours at Wetlands of Watsonville where you can spend hours birdwatching or taking short nature hikes along the scenic trails.

One of the most popular locations is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The boardwalk is always free to enter and walk through and features carnival rides, concerts and plenty of food and beverage spots to grab a bite to eat or quench your thirst after a long day in the sun. During the summer, you can even catch a free classic movie right on the beach and best of all, most activities are completely free for all ages.

https://beachboardwalk.com/

Santa Cruz features nearly 30 miles of beautiful shoreline with some of the best waters for surfing in the entire state. No matter where you go in Santa Cruz, you can rest assured that the area will be beautiful and the people you meet will be friendly.