Santa Cruz đ· | The First Stop South of San Francisco
The moment you drive south from San Francisco along Highway 1, the first gem you encounter is Santa Cruzâa coastal town where the ocean whispers rather than roars. Here, the sea is serene, the sand is powdery white, and the waves roll in like a lullaby. And if youâre lucky, a goofy seagull might even strike a pose for your camera! đ Why Santa Cruz? Santa Cruz is the perfect blend of laid-back beach vibes and quirky coastal charm. Unlike the bustling piers of San Francisco, this town moves at its own rhythmâslow, sunny, and full of surprises. đ The Beaches: Natural Bridges State Beach đïž: Famous for its natural rock arch (a dream for photographers!), this beach is also a monarch butterfly sanctuary in winter. Walk along the tide pools at low tide to spot starfish and crabs! 28 Seabright Beach đïž: Less crowded, with soft sand and a historic lighthouse (Walton Lighthouse) framing the horizon. Perfect for sunset strolls. Shark Fin Cove đŠ: A hidden cove where a shark-fin-shaped rock juts out from the water. The steep trail down is worth it for the dramatic views! 1 đĄ Iconic Attractions: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk đą: A century-old seaside amusement park with a vintage wooden roller coaster (Giant Dipper) and a nostalgic carousel. Pro tip: Visit at golden hourâthe pastel rides against the ocean backdrop are chefâs kiss! 110 Roaring Camp Steam Train đ: Chug through ancient redwoods on a historic steam train. The misty forest feels straight out of a fairy tale! 13 Mystery Spot đ: A gravity-defying zone where balls roll uphill and people lean at impossible angles. Silly but 100% Insta-worthy! 4 đœïž Food & Drinks: The Picnic Basket đ§ș: Right by the Boardwalk, their lobster rolls and avocado toast are chefâs kiss. Verve Coffee Roasters â: A local favorite for cold brew and minimalist aesthetic snaps. Shadowbrook Restaurant đ·: Dine in a garden-filled hillside restaurantâyou even take a tiny cable car down to your table! 7 đž Photography Spots: West Cliff Drive đ : A scenic coastal path with surfer statues, crashing waves, and endless ocean horizons. Capitola Village đ: Tiny but photogenic, with pastel-colored beach houses (though donât expect a huge rainbowâitâs a small stretch!). 1 Henry Cowell Redwoods đČ: For moody forest shots under 300-foot-tall redwoods. đ Getting Here: From SF: ~1.5-hour drive via Highway 1 (scenic!) or Highway 17 (faster). Parking Tip: Beach lots fill up by noonâarrive early or bike around town! đĄ Local Quirks: The seagulls here are bold (watch your fries!). The ocean is cold year-roundâbring a wetsuit if youâre surfing! Fog rolls in by afternoon, so mornings = best light for photos. Santa Cruz isnât just a pit stopâitâs a vibe. Whether youâre here for the waves, the woods, or the whimsy, this town delivers. Now, go chase that golden-hour glow! âš #SantaCruz #TravelDiaries #CaliforniaCoast #FujiFilm #Highway1RoadTrip #PacificVibes #BeachLife đââïžđ·đ
