25 minute read
REST & RECREATION
Watching Wavesover the
BY ERIN MALSBURY
For 30 years, a bronze statue has been a symbol of surfing’s legacy in Santa Cruz
BRONZE AGE The surfer statue was installed in May of 1992 with a plaque that reads, “This monument is dedicated to all surfers—past, present, and future.”
One sunny morning in May, a crowd gathered around the surfer statue on West Cliff Drive. As birds glided past and surfers rode waves in the distance at Steamer Lane, people filed into rows of chairs and stood chatting.
Classic woodie wagons and vintage surfboards lined the scene, and a live band played surf-inspired tunes.
The surf statue has become a beloved Santa Cruz landmark. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the Santa Cruz Surfing Club Preservation Society and the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department hosted a ceremony.
Renowned surfboard shaper and president of the Santa Cruz Surfing Club Preservation Society Bob Pearson said a few words about the statue and explained the significance of the historic surfboards on display before introducing an assortment of speakers.
Surfing “patriarchs” Bob 72 »
MAN OF HIS TIME The many looks of the surf statute over the years. He has been dressed up to honor firefighters and mark the pandemic, and to celebrate holidays like Halloween and Christmas.
Rittenhouse Sr. and Harry Mayo—97 and 98 years old respectively—attended, and Santa Cruz Mayor Sonja Brunner proclaimed May 23 as Santa Cruz Surfing Statue Day.
“It is so symbolic and has become so iconic for Santa Cruz,” said Mayor Brunner. “And I just love watching it throughout the year with the different iterations—pumpkin head, t-shirts…” The figure donned a Hawaiian lei for the celebration.
The 18-foot tall bronze figure was inspired by the members of the 1936 Santa Cruz Surfing Club. Members Bob Rittenhouse and Doug Thorne formed a committee in 1987 to create a statue after the death of club member Bill Lidderdale Jr.
To get the sculpture approved, artists had to engineer it to withstand an 8.0 earthquake and 100 mph winds. Thomas Marsh designed the figure, Bill Curtis designed the base and Bill Grace and David Steward shaped a replica 11-foot redwood surfboard used for casting.
Surfing and Santa Cruz have become almost synonymous. Watching one of the dozen spots in town during a swell gives a clear picture of why. But the roots go deeper than that.
During the ceremony, historian Kim Stoner walked the crowd through Santa Cruz’s surf history.
In July of 1885, three teenage Hawaiian princes—David Kawānanakoa, Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana'ole and Edward Keli'iahonui—visited Santa Cruz while on a break from military school in San Mateo. One afternoon, they rode solid redwood Olo boards at the mouth of the San Lorenzo River.
Olo boards were reserved for Hawaiian royalty, and a replica board, displayed in front of the surf statue during the celebration, gave onlookers an idea of just how massive they were.
At 17 feet long and six inches thick, “it’s good to be a king so you got some help bringing it to the beach,” joked Pearson.
That afternoon in 1885 became the first recorded instance of surfing in North America.
Surfing eventually took off in Santa Cruz in the 1930s, with local kids like Harry Mayo shaping boards in shop class. Wetsuits—which became another iconic part of this city’s surf history when they were popularized by local surfer and entrepreneur Jack O’Neill, who started his now world-famous O’Neill brand in a Santa Cruz garage in 1952—hadn’t hit the scene, so surfers in those early years 74 »
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« 72 braved the cold water in sweaters or swimsuits.
Riding waves became a way of life in Santa Cruz. Over the decades, several local legends have contributed to global surf culture. As the legacies grow and continue to shape the town, the West Cliff surf statue quietly stands watch.
AVIATION
Moran Lake
East Cliff Drive, Live Oak It’s one of the nicest beaches in the county, with great views and easy access. A secluded treasure.
Manresa State Beach and Sunset State Beach
La Selva Beach and Watsonville, 831761-1795, 831-763-7062
Specialized Aviation
150 Aviation Way, Watsonville, 831763-2244, specializedheli.com Helicopter tours and aerobatic airplane rides, plus training.
BEACHES
Natural Bridges State Park
2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831423-4609, parks.ca.gov/naturalbridges Natural Bridges is a Santa Cruz treasure. With fascinating tide pools and the monarch butterflies hanging from the eucalyptus trees in the fall, the locale never ceases to inspire generations of beachgoers. Bask in the beauty here.
Capitola Beach
The Esplanade, Capitola Village It typically gets voted best beach in California. And with its close proximity to the Capitola Wharf, plus a slew of great restaurants and bars around, it’s pretty much one big slice of paradise. To avoid the crowds, the beach on the other side of the wharf is usually less crowded. With free shuttle service to your car, you can’t beat it.
Castle Beach
East Cliff Drive at Seabright Avenue The castle may have fallen over, but that hasn’t affected Castle Beach’s great sandy stretch. Located between the Boardwalk and the harbor, it’s a great place to let the saltwater air flow through your hair and the ocean lap over your feet.
Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins that regularly surf the waves, and the priceless sand dollars that wash up on shore.
New Brighton State Beach
1500 Park Ave., Capitola, 831-464-6329
A great campground nestled in coastal cypress and pines makes this a beach-camper’s paradise. The campground is always full in the summer, so making reservations is a must. A good spot for long summer walks, especially during low tide.
North Coast Beaches
Just a few miles north of the Santa Cruz city limits are some of the most beautiful miles of coastline in the world. Most beaches can be accessed by dirt trails or small roads.
Panther Beach
Highway 1, about 1 mile south of Davenport Known for its beautiful rock formations and shiny, clean sand, Panther Beach is a memorable adventure. A takeyour-breath-away beach.
Pleasure Point Beach
East Cliff Drive and Pleasure Point Drive, Santa Cruz A little to the left of the late Jack O’Neill’s green cliff house is a nice protected beach that makes for a sunny spot after the morning fog has burned off. Perfect pleasure.
Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos The surf is milder than Manresa, but that doesn’t preclude the nasty riptides that have towed numerous unsuspecting swimmers into the deep. Great place to tan.
Santa Cruz Main Beach
Beach Street, Santa Cruz Boasting volleyball nets, hundreds (sometimes thousands) of sunbathers and lolling surf, Main Beach, directly in front of the Boardwalk, is pretty much how it used to be 80 years ago.
Seacliff State Beach
State Park Drive, Aptos, 831-685-6500 Surf perch and halibut have been caught off the side of the area’s wellknown cement ship, but this destination stands out for its striking views.
Twin Lakes State Beach
East Cliff Drive at 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz, 831-427-4868 This beach caters to families, kite flyers, picnickers and the like, and it is said to be one of the warmest beaches in the county. It’s also a great place at night around a bonfire.
Waddell State Beach
Highway 1, about 5 miles north of Davenport, 831-427-2288 Rich beachcombing and tidepooling beach, though it tends to get too windy for lying in the sun. Every sort of sport except skiing seems to be practiced here, including hang gliding, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
BIKE PARK/ RENTALS
Bicycle Trip
1001 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2580, bicycletrip.com Choose from cruisers, comfort, mountain, road and kids' bikes, with helmet, handlebar bag and lock. Delivery and pickup within 12 miles.
Current E-Bikes
131 Front St., Suite D, Santa Cruz, 831-621-2309, currentebikes.com At this full-service bike store, you can rent an e-bike before buying. Once you make the purchase, you’ll enjoy free tune-ups for the life of your eBike.
Cycle Works
1420 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-316-7671, cycleworks.bike Your new friends at Cycle Works have everything you need for your biking adventure. Whether you’re cruising along West Cliff or up for some mountain biking thrills, Cycle Works can help it happen with fairly priced rentals or a wide selection of bikes for purchase.
Depot Park Bike Park
119 Center St., Santa Cruz, 831-420-5270
BMX riders unite. The park boasts a bowed 8-foot-high wall ride and jumps, plus street obstacles and zero inline skaters.
Shuttle Smith Adventures
8035 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-234-3383
Mountain bikers can catch a shuttle to the top of Nisene Marks State Park to bike around the Soquel Demonstration State Forest trails. If your exercise plan involves lifting a beer to your mouth, take advantage of their party bus services for safe transit between destinations of your choice.
BOATING
Capitola Boat and Bait
1400-A Capitola Wharf Road, 831-462-2208
Be the captain of your boat when you rent a 16-foot skiff and eighthorsepower motor.
Chardonnay Sailing Charters
790 Mariner Park Way, Dock FF, Santa Cruz, 423-1213, chardonnay.com Multiple sails a day on the iconic, locally designed Santa Cruz 70, with specialty charters including winemaker, brewmaster, pizza and more.
Lighthall Yacht Charters
790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz, 831-429-1970, lighthallcharters.com Up to six passengers can enjoy a voyage on one of the luxurious 34-47-foot yachts for an affordable price. Yachts may be booked for private charters, »
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«lessons, events, or spreading the remains of a loved one at sea.
Monterey Bay Eco Tours
10932 Clam Way, Moss Landing, 831200-3454, montereybayecotours.com Take a 90-minute cruise on a custom electric catamaran through the Elkhorn Slough. There’s restroom on board and children of all ages are welcome.
O’Neill Yacht Charters
275A Lake Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-818-3645, sailoyc.com Sail aboard the custom-built luxury 65' Team O'Neill catamaran. Sailing tours include scenic daytime and sunset sails, local regatta viewing sails, wine and beer tasting sails, and seasonal fireworks cruises. Also available for private charters.
Pacific Yachting Sailing School & Charter Boating
790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz, 831-423-7245, pacificsail.com Pacific Yachting incorporates team building and more on its excursions, with 18 sailboats from 22-43 feet.
Santa Cruz Boat Rentals
15 Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, 831-423-1739
Some of the best variety is found here, with 24 wooden skiffs, 17 feet long with six-horsepower motors.
Stagnaro Fishing Trips
32 Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, 831427-2334, stagnaros.com One of the original local Italian fishing families, Stagnaro offers fishing trips, whale watching and cruises.
GOLF
Boulder Creek Golf and Country Club 16901 Big Basin Highway, Boulder Creek, 831-338-2111, bouldercreekgolf.com The clubhouse is open.
Seascape Golf Course
610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos, 831-6883214, seascapegc.com You can have both 18- and 9-hole courses on more than 6,000 yards, situated between cypress trees. SGC also has an on-site Nike Golf learning center.
DeLaveaga Golf Course
401 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz, 831-423-7214, delaveagagolf.com This gorgeous course surrounded by trees offers an 18- or 9-hole course and driving range plus cart rentals. The driving range has 40 stalls, so you are almost guaranteed a spot.
Pasatiempo Golf Course
20 Clubhouse Road, Santa Cruz, 831-459-9155, pasatiempo.com A semi-private golf club which makes certain tee times available to the public. It offers a driving range, golf carts, golf instruction and club rentals. The course has a mandatory dress code, so be sure to dress appropriately.
KAYAKING
Adventure Sports Unlimited
303 Potrero St., Unit 15, Santa Cruz, 458-3648, asudoit.com Certified dive instructors teach scuba and lead dive trips. Kayak rental and instruction.
Aqua Safaris SCUBA Center
6896 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-479-4386, aquasafaris.com Classes from beginner to instructor level, plus rentals and retail gear.
Kayak Connection
413 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-4791121; 2370 Hwy. 1, Moss Landing, kayakconnection.com A one-stop-shop for all things paddle related, Kayak Connection offers sea kayaking, stand-up paddling rentals, tours, and instruction in Santa Cruz and Moss Landing.
Venture Quest Kayaking
2 Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, 831425-8445, kayaksantacruz.com Bring your kayak or rent one here and explore the bay. Tours available.
RACING
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
1021 Salinas Hwy., Monterey, 831-242-8201
This world-renowned raceway hosts exciting auto and motorcycle competitions.
ROCK CLIMBING
Agility Boulders
1404 38th Ave., Capitola, (831) 322-4590, agilityboulders.com Capitola’s destination for bouldering welcomes climbers of all abilities.
Castle Rock State Park
In the Santa Cruz Mountains, along Skyline Boulevard. A premier bouldering destination.
Pacific Edge Rock Climbing Gym
104 Bronson St., #12, Santa Cruz, 831-454-9254, pacificedgeclimbinggym.com An impressive variety of indoor climbing. Bouldering, face climbs from 5.2 to 5.13, a roof, weight room, even a crack climb.
SCUBA
Aqua Safaris
6896 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831479-4386, aquasafaris.com Explore the world’s oceans with Aqua Safaris.
Adventure Sports
303 Potrero St., Unit 15, 831-4583648, asudoit.com Divers of all skill levels can explore Monterey Bay’s reefs with complete training beforehand.
SKATEPARKS/ SHOPS
Berdels
1233 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-332-7422, berdels.com Berdels offers everything the skating heart could desire from men’s apparel to all skate needs—get your pizzaprinted skate socks here.
Cali Style
222 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-440-1088
Local shop specializing in skate and surf brands in Scotts Valley
Derby Skatepark
508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz Built in 1967, Derby has a long concrete skate run that ends in a big bowl.
Bill’s Wheels Skateshop
1240 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 831469-0904, billswheels.com Since 1977, this shop has featured a wide variety of boards and accessories.
Ken Wormhoudt Skate Park
225 San Lorenzo Blvd., Santa Cruz
This huge park boasts a full pipe, two bowls with pool coping and tile, a practice bowl and street course with steps, hubba ledges, wall ridges, metal rails, and great artwork.
Scotts Valley Skate Park
361 Kings Village Drive, Scotts Valley, 831-426-8424
Here you’ll find lines, rails, and large and small bowls for all skill levels to enjoy.
Santa Cruz Boardroom
825 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-4642500, santacruzboardroom.com Great quality boards and gear, plus tons of community involvement.
SKYDIVING
Skydive Surf City
160 Aviation Way, Watsonville, 31-435-5169
Expertly trained jumpers give you an insane adrenaline rush. »
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Skydive Monterey Bay
721 Neeson Road, Marina, 831-3843483, skydivemontereybay.com Jump out of a perfectly good airplane in the world’s highest tandem skydive for once-in-a-lifetime views of the Monterey Bay and beyond.
STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING
Cal Sup Outlet
719 Swift St., Suite 16, Santa Cruz, 831-332-8503, calsupoutlet.business.site Paddle board, sup and surfboard outlet providing fins and a warranty on all boards as a testament to their quality.
Covewater Paddle Surf
726 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-6007230, covewater.com Covewater is Northern California’s only dedicated stand-up paddle board (SUP) shop, providing stand-up paddle boards, equipment, rentals, and classes.
Stand-Up Paddle Board Co.
Santa Cruz Harbor, 831-818-7225
Unique services offered. Located in the harbor.
SUP Shack Santa Cruz
2214 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831464-7467, supshacksantacruz.com Beginners and pros alike enjoy the year-round rentals and classes offered through this stand-up paddle boarding company, located in the Santa Cruz harbor.
SURF SPOTS SOUTH COUNTY
Capitola Jetty
When the swell is up, this spot is the place to be. A nice left careens in front of the jetty, and a turn to the right can go on forever, assuming your skag doesn’t hit the kelp-infested water.
The Hook
Named for the copious amounts of kelp in the lineup that “hooks” around skags and booties, this nice little point break has a loyal following.
Manresa/La Selva
Manresa is a mélange of peaks, valleys and sandbars, but often the place is epic, breaking left and right and all over. Expect a long, grueling paddle during the wintertime to the outside.
Pleasure Point
Like its moniker, this place is pleasure for just about everyone. As a result, it’s generally crowded with everyone from groms to experts, longboarders to ultra-thin glassed rippers.
SURF SPOTS SANTA CRUZ
Cowell
The bunny slope of surfing gets its fair share of beginners, but it also has nice, sloping waves that go on forever. Easy access and easy attitudes make Cowell stand out.
Steamer Lane
One of the best classic breaks in the world, Steamer Lane more than lives up to its reputation. With four reef breaks rolled into one spot—The Point, Middle Peak, The Slot, and Indicators—the Lane has it all.
Natural Bridges
The best tube rides available if the conditions are just right. It’s a speedy right that peaks over an outer reef and peels toward the beach.
SURF SPOTS NORTH COUNTY
Three Mile
uncrowded (until now), especially during the weekdays. Three Mile, as with most North Coast spots south of Davenport, includes a long walk through brussels sprouts fields.
Scott’s Creek
From long paddles and strong currents to sharky waters and unpredictable peaks, Scott’s isn’t for the faint of heart or arms. But when it goes off, it’s heaven on water.
Waddell Creek
Similar conditions for Waddell Creek as for Scott’s, except during the summer and early fall, when Waddell is one of the world’s premier wind- and kite-surfing spots.
SURF SCHOOLS/ RENTALS
Adventure Out
800-509-3954, adventureout.com Offers many surf clinics, plus mountain biking, backpacking and rock-climbing.
Club Ed Surf School and Rentals, Inc.
831-464-0177, club-ed.com Great for locals and visitors. Located at Cowell Beach between the Wharf and the Dream Inn.
Cowell’s Surf Shop
30 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2355
Surf lessons, rentals and close to the best beginner break in the area.
Freeline Surf Shop
821 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-4762950, freelinesurf.com Surfboard rentals and more— everything from foam or soft-top boards, and fins, flippers, wetsuits and even stand-up paddle boards.
O’Neill Surf Shop
400 Beach St., Santa Cruz, 831-459-9230; 110 Cooper St. # D, Santa Cruz, 831-469-4377; 1115 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-475-4151, oneill.com
You can nab surfboards, rent wetsuits and find brand-new gear.
TOURS &TRAILS
[Editor’s Note: Some popular local trails have not been included because they are still closed due to damage from the CZU Lightning Complex Fire.] UCSC Arboretum
1156 High St., Santa Cruz, 831427-2998, arboretum.ucsc.edu Open daily from 9am-5pm, the revered arboretum boasts more than four decades of excellence in horticulture. But don’t expect to just see native flora and fauna, because the arboretum offers notables from around the globe.
Pacific to Redwoods Loop
Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Old Coast Road, Santa Cruz, 831-423-9703, 831-426-0505, parks.ca.gov A 12-mile loop that offers great views and a wide variety of birds and wildlife along the California coastline.
Neary Lagoon
Bay Street and California Street, Santa Cruz, cityofsantacruz.com Navigate wooden walkways while admiring all sorts of wildlife. Entrances are located at the end of Chestnut Street, the end of Blackburn Street, and the corner of Bay and California streets.
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz A 2-mile coastal walk where you can watch the local surfers and sea otters during the day and view the lights of the Boardwalk at night.
Richard Schmidt Surf School
236 San Jose Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-0928, richardschmidt.com Richard Schmidt won Best Surf »
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«School in our readers’ poll. Note the individual and group surf lessons, plus summer camps.
Surf School Santa Cruz
3548 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz; 345 Swift St., Santa Cruz, 831-428-3647, surfschoolsantacruz.com
Bud Freitas grew up surfing all over Santa Cruz County and has more than 20 years of water experience to channel into his surfing lessons. Board and wetsuit are provided.
SURF REPAIRS
BE Sanding Ding Repair
1336 Brommer St., Ste. A2, Santa Cruz, 831-325-5487, besanding.com This local expert ding repair company services surfboards, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
ZIPLINING
Mount Hermon Adventures
17 Conference Drive, Mount Hermon, 831-430-4357, mounthermonadventures.com
A typical tour is a two-hour foray into the forest, which includes six ziplines and two sky bridges that sit 150 feet in the air.
HOTELS, RESORTS & B&B’S
Adobe On Green
103 Green St., Santa Cruz, 831-469-9866
This quaint, unique B&B offers private, quiet rooms and is a short walk from downtown. Each room has its own bathroom, and no two rooms share a wall. Enjoy lush gardens, top-notch bedding and eco-friendly features.
Babbling Brook Bed & Breakfast Inn
831-427-2437, babblingbrookinn.com This B&B with 13 rooms is on one of the few redwood acres of land in downtown. Modern rooms in separate chalet-style buildings have private entrances, some with jet tubs, fireplaces and decks overlooking a historic water wheel, shade gardens and waterfalls. Full breakfast, and wine and cheese are served in the parlor. Five minutes to the beach, Boardwalk and downtown.
Bayview Hotel Bed & Breakfast
8041 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-688-8654
The most beautiful building in Aptos Village for the last 125 years, the Bayview Hotel’s façade takes you back to the days of horse-drawn carriages and a flourishing logging industry. Restored to the original grandeur of hotel builder Jose Arano, the 11 guest rooms each have their own private bath and modern amenities, including TVs, phones and modem hook-ups, fluffy beds, and fine linens. Extended continental breakfast is served on the veranda.
Best Western CapitolaBy-The-Sea Inn & Suites
1435 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-477-0607
This charming inn is perfectly located in Capitola, near the mall and close to the beach and shopping district. Easy access and fabulous customer service.
Best Western Rose Garden Inn
740 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, 831-724-3367
This inn has fine decor and a great vibe. Located in Watsonville, near Moss Landing and a short drive from Santa Cruz. Close to an array of shops and restaurants in downtown Watsonville, too.
Best Western Seacliff
7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos, 831-688-7300; reservations at 800-367-2003, seacliffinn.com
A short walk from Seacliff State Beach, this 149-room, award-winning lodge features a bar and grill, pool, fitness center, and meeting spaces. Check out Severino’s Bar & Grill, a locally owned restaurant inside the inn with great food and entertainment.
Brookdale Lodge
11570 Hwy 9, Brookdale, 831-609-6010, brookdalelodge.com Take in the mountain atmosphere in this tranquil setting.
Casablanca Inn
101 Main St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-1570, casablanca-santacruz.com
Located across from the Boardwalk, Casablanca is a fabulous inn, featuring 33 elegant accommodations— from rooms and bungalows to a guesthouse. Great for weddings.
Chaminade Resort & Spa
1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, 831-475-5600, chaminade.com Here, you’ll find unforgettable views of Monterey Bay and guest rooms that come with full amenities and room service. Chaminade boasts an excellent conference center and is also ideal for weddings. Meals at Chaminade are created and presented with expert attention. Also check out the irresistible spa.
Cliff Crest Bed & Breakfast Inn
407 Cliff St., Santa Cruz, 831-4272609, cliffcrestinn.com The 1887 Queen Anne Victorian estate overlooks the ocean and mountains. A cluster of redwoods, lilacs, rockroses, bamboo, and jasmine surround the original carriage house. Full breakfast—including fresh fruit, homemade muffins, eggs to order, and tea—is served in the sunny solarium. A short walk to the Boardwalk, beaches and downtown. Each of the five rooms has its own bath, some with original clawfoot tubs and ocean views.
Continental Inn
414 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1221
Just a short walk from the Boardwalk and Main Beach, this inn has great deals and a great location.
Costanoa Coastal Lodge and Camp
2001 Rossi Road, Pescadero, 650-879-1100, costanoa.com It’s just a half-hour north of Santa Cruz and was created for people who prefer a gentler kind of camping. Offers furnished canvas cabins with heaters, down comforters and tent service. You can also stay in the 40-room lodge or in one of the Douglas fir cabins with shared “comfort station” facilities. Note the great spa treatments, too.
Dream Inn
175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 866774-7735, dreaminnsantacruz.com Situated on Cowell Beach, this boutique hotel offers newly renovated rooms with stunning views and close proximity to the wharf and Boardwalk. Each of the 165 ocean-facing rooms has a private balcony or patio. Take a swim in the pool or relax in the spa. Eat at Aquarius, the inn’s popular restaurant.
Fairview Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn
245 Fairview Ave., Ben Lomond, 831336-3355, fairviewmanor.com On the banks of the San Lorenzo River, this country home on three acres features five guest rooms decorated in “country eclectic” decor, all with private baths. Full breakfast, plus it’s close to hiking trails and is a quick drive to Big Basin and Henry Cowell Redwoods state parks, Roaring Camp Railroads and quaint restaurants.
Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
5030 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 831-438-1500, marriott.com Spacious rooms and suites, plus a gym, restaurant and lounge, and complimentary parking.
The Hilton Santa Cruz/ Scotts Valley
6001 La Madrona Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-440-1000
One of the area’s finest hotels, complete with great service, big guestrooms and many amenities. Stonehouse Bar & Grill is the hotel’s impressive restaurant. Not far from Felton and Ben Lomond. »
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« Hinds Victorian Guest House
529 Chestnut St., Santa Cruz, 831423-0423, hinds-house.com Weekly lodging in a historic landmark. It is a self-catered alternative to a standard hotel with full kitchen, laundry, common rooms, cable, phone, free WiFi, dining room, parlor, and sitting room.
Hotel Paradox
611 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-7100, thehotelparadox.com Boasting a style that balances modern edge with welcoming warmth, Hotel Paradox impresses right from the lobby’s front desk, made from a large eucalyptus tree. Other perks: Solaire, the restaurant-bar that offers indoor and outdoor seating, and serves modern American cuisine, with an emphasis on seasonal, sustainable products from local farms and wineries. Fire pits and cabanas surround the pool, and a fitness room is available, too. All that, plus conference rooms, complimentary WiFi, iPod docks and more make this hotel stand out. Take note: the hotel plays off its moniker, so look for some quirky interactive happenings here, too.
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
407 Broadway, Santa Cruz, 831-226-2300, hyatt.com Find spacious rooms and amenities including free breakfast, free internet access, a fitness center, pool and much more.
Inn at Depot Hill
250 Monterey Ave., Capitola, 831-462-3376, innatdepothill.com The Inn at Depot Hill was once the site of the original railroad depot built in 1881. Each of the 12 rooms is beautifully decorated and includes a fireplace, stereo, modem, phone, featherbeds, TV/VCR, robes, and most have private hot tubs on their patios.
Pacific Blue Inn
636 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-600-8880, pacificblueinn.com The Pacific Blue Inn’s nine rooms were built using recycled and reclaimed construction materials.
Mission Inn
2250 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-5455, mission-inn.com A modest Spanish Colonial-style hotel 1.9 miles from the Santa Cruz Wharf, Mission Inn is located on the main travel artery in and out of Santa Cruz in proximity to grocery stores, restaurants and one of the most photographed local icons, Natural Bridges State Beach.
Redwood Croft Bed & Breakfast
275 Northwest Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-458-1939
This cedar home with a wrap-around veranda and rural Bonny Doon setting is a place where pets and children are welcome. All three rooms are plush and clean, each with a fireplace, antiques, leather couches, and quality linens. Breakfast is prepared from allorganic ingredients.
Redwood Reflections Bed & Breakfast
4600 Smith Grade, Santa Cruz, 831-423-7221
On 10 redwood-filled acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this haven features three country-style rooms with decks and woodstove fireplaces. Note the vintage recreation room with a soda fountain, piano and merry-goround. Swimming pool, bonfire pit and trails. Full breakfast, too.
Sea & Sand Inn
201 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831427-3400, seaandsandinn.com Enjoy the scenic location close to the Wharf and Boardwalk as well as complimentary amenities, including free breakfast scones and yogurt.
1 Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos, 866-867-0976, seascaperesort.com Overlooking the bay, Seascape Beach Resort is the perfect place to wind down and relax. This four-diamond, green-certified resort features villalike rooms and two award-winning restaurants: Sanderlings and Palapas. Get a massage or take a fitness class here. Great for weddings.
Ventana Inn
48123 Hwy. 1, Big Sur, 831-667-2331, ventanainn.com Discover a combination of luxury and natural beauty at this Big Sur getaway.
DAY SPAS
The Spa at Chaminade
1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, 831-457-5600, chaminade.com With a vast 1,700-square-foot luxury destination spa and 200+ acres of natural beauty, prepare to indulge in the ultimate journey of relaxation and renewal.
Faust Salon and Spa
1855 41st Ave., Suite B4, Capitola, 831-462-9201 110 Cooper St., #100F, Santa Cruz, 831-420-0701 219 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-706-8960, faustsalon.com Offering everything from men and women’s haircuts to hair rebonding and Brazilian blowouts, Faust can help just about anyone find the look they seek.
Flying Crane
245 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-515-8380; 2381 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-288-5888; 1501 41st Ave., Suite J, Capitola, 831-687-8188, flyingcranemassage.com Flying Crane will help you relax, whether you’re carrying your stress in your neck or your feet. The spa offers acupressure foot massages (also known as reflexology) and very affordable body massage in each of its three convenient shopping center locations.
Kalani Day Spa
245 Mt Hermon Road D, Scotts Valley, 831-600-7116, kalanidayspa.com Relax, review and renew with facials, massage, waxing, lashes and wellness.
2628 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-476-1060, pacificskincaresc.com From facials to waxing, mineral makeup, diamond microdermabrasion, and massage, Pacific Skin Care can make you feel like a new person. Great attitude and service make it stand out. By appointment only.
Santa Cruz Core
317 Potrero St., Suite C, Santa Cruz, 831-425-9500, santacruzcore.com Santa Cruz Core staff are experts in integrative wellness. They offer an array of massage and bodywork services, including Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial release, Thai, shiatsu, acupressure, Tui na, acupuncture, prenatal, hot stone, and aromatherapy.
Skin Care Pleasure Point
871 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-4751001, skincarepleasurepoint.com Skin Care Pleasure Point offers a variety of beauty treatments and skin treatments, in addition to hair removal and waxing services customized for each person’s unique skin and hair type.
Tea House Spa
112 Elm St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-9700, teahousespa.com The redwood decks, private ozonepurified hot tubs with jets, cedar-lined saunas and shoji windows that open into a 1940s Japanese bamboo garden are divine. The Tea House is known for its fine array of green, black and herbal teas. It offers massage in a variety of techniques, and even has a frequent-tubber discount.
Well Within Spa
417 Cedar St., Santa Cruz , 831-458-9355, wellwithinspa.com A retreat in the center of downtown, Well Within is a favorite spot for locals and visitors to soak in tubs set in a soothing, private indoor-outdoor space. Or treat your body to a private sauna, therapeutic massage or facial. Their house line of herbal and aromatherapy products can be purchased.
Yoso Wellness
740 Front St., #110, Santa Cruz, 831-600-8053, yosowellness.com Wellness spa offering facials, massages and peels and more while using only organic products.
