In Santa Cruz, our beaches are just the beginning. Give our town a full 3 days to explore all the thrills Santa Cruz has to offer. (For more ideas check out About US, Discounts, & Other Links)
Day 1:
Before arriving at the hostel, make a point of strolling downtown Santa Cruz. With a bevy of eclectic boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and locals you’ll get a quick sense of the “Santa Cruz Spirit”. Check out the Tourist Info Center on Pacific Ave. to pick up some more tips for your trip.
After checking into the Hostel, head to the Wharf for a fresh bowl of chowder and night music provided by barking sea lions. Walk along West Cliff Drive to watch the last round of surfers and the setting sun over the Pacific.
Day 2:
Cook yourself a hearty meal at the hostel and get to know that Scottish couple and family from Australia. Let today be a day for the Great Outdoors!
Rent a beach cruiser and continue your journey along West Cliff to check out the Surfing Museum and Natural Bridges State Park. Here, view thousands of butterflies in fragrant eucalyptus trees before continuing your Monterey Bay education by visiting the Seymour Marine Discovery Center and its 87 foot blue whale skeleton.
Head back to town for a leisurely lunch before grabbing a bus to Henry Cowell or Nisene Marks State Park. Both offer towering redwoods with miles of trails great for walking or hiking.
Get back to the Hostel just in time to share in a community potluck. With themes changing every month, you could be sampling fares from Central America or the Deep South. Yum!
Day 3:
Wake-up early and test your surf skills at Cowell’s Beach. Surf lessons, board rentals, and wetsuits are conveniently located just down the hill from us. After a morning of “hang-tens”, grab a quick shower at the hostel before eating at a local favorite, Zachary’s on Pacific, for brunch.
Grab one of many city buses to check out the University of California at Santa Cruz. With its commanding views of Santa Cruz, arboretum, hiking trails, and outstanding arts & lecture series occurring monthly, you’ll be sure to strengthen your understanding of cultural and world awareness. Or if your in the mood to defy gravity and gorge on cotton-candy, head to the Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park for an afternoon of roller-coasters and fun.
Later that night, hit the hot-spots of Santa Cruz, like the great Kuumbwa Jazz Center and the Catalyst. With live music happening almost every night, it’s a great way to boogie down on your final night.
Day 4:
Time to check-out! Eat breakfast with your new friends and hit the road together to explore more of California’s Golden Coast.
