Santa Cruz is located in the state of California and has a lot of culture to offer as well as great sights and interesting destinations. So if you’re planning a trip to Santa Cruz, you’ve come to the right place!
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Vacation in Santa Cruz
If you’re interested in a summer vacation with an urban flair, look no further than Santa Cruz, California. Just a short drive from San Francisco, this beach town has everything you need for a relaxing – or adventurous – getaway.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the place to be for some oldfashioned fun. Opened in 1907, it’s the oldest surviving amusement park on the West Coast and one of the few seaside parks in the country that still operates a wooden roller coaster. In addition to the coaster, the park has 12 other rides, including a historic carousel and a log flume. Hungry? There are plenty of food options, including the famous Marini’s Candies, where you can watch handdipped chocolates being made.
If roller coasters and cotton candy aren’t your thing, Santa Cruz still has plenty to offer. Stroll down Pacific Avenue for some window shopping, people watching, and grabbing a bite to eat. Street performers are a common sight, so be sure to have some small bills handy if you want to show your appreciation. For a different kind of shopping experience, check out the Capitola Mall or one of the many independent boutiques in town.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Santa Cruz as well. The mild climate makes it a great place to hike, bike, or go for a run yearround. There are several parks and trails to explore, or you can head to the Santa Cruz Mountains for a more challenging workout. The Santa Cruz Wharf is also a popular spot for fishing, and you can rent equipment if you don’t have your own.
If you’re looking for a place to relax, Santa Cruz is home to several spas and massage studios. You can also grab a drink and soak up the sun on one of the many patios and rooftop bars. Or, take a short drive to one of the nearby wineries for a wine tasting.
No matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for, Santa Cruz has something to offer. From the historic Boardwalk to the beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone in this California beach town.
Sights in Santa Cruz
As the university town of Santa Cruz, California, is best known for its laidback atmosphere and liberal values. The town is situated on the north coast of Monterey Bay, about 70 miles (110 km) south of San Francisco. Downtown Santa Cruz is small and compact, easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. Despite its small size, the town has a happening downtown area with a lot to see and do. The main attractions in Santa Cruz are the Boardwalk, the UC Santa Cruz campus, and theredwood forests surrounding the town.
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is the most popular tourist destination in town. The Boardwalk is an oceanfront amusement park with a vintage feel. It opened in 1907 and is one of the oldest surviving seaside amusement parks in the United States. The Boardwalk is home to two wooden roller coasters, the Giant Dipper and the Undertow, as well as a number of other rides and attractions. The Boardwalk is open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and on weekends only from September through May.
The UC Santa Cruz campus is located just outside of downtown Santa Cruz. The campus is set amidst towering redwoods and offers stunning views of the Monterey Bay. UC Santa Cruz is a highly rated research university, and the campus is home to a number of worldrenowned scholars. Visitors to the campus can take a selfguided tour, or participate in one of the many programs and events that take place throughout the year.
The redwood forests surrounding Santa Cruz are some of the most beautiful in the world. There are a number of hiking and biking trails through the forests, and visitors can also go horseback riding, picnicking, or wildlife watching. The forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, bobcats, and rabbits.
History of Santa Cruz
The Ohlone people are the first known inhabitants of Santa Cruz. The Ohlone, who settled in the area now known as Santa Cruz, arrived around 3,000 years ago from the Sierra foothills and the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1769, the Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolá claimed the area for Spain and established a mission there. Santa Cruz was the site of the Battle of Santa Cruz during the American Civil War.
In 1866, Santa Cruz became the county seat of Santa Cruz County. The city was incorporated in 1866 and named after the Catholic saint, Father Junipero Serra. Santa Cruz grew rapidly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Between 1900 and 1930, the population of Santa Cruz increased from 11,000 to over 35,000. During this time period, the city also experienced a significant amount of growth in terms of infrastructure and development. Santa Cruz was known as the “Natural Bridges Capital of the World” during this time period, as natural bridges were a major tourist attraction in the area.
In the mid20th century, Santa Cruz began to experience a decrease in population as people began to move to other parts of the state. However, the city has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with a population of over 60,000 as of 2016. Santa Cruz is now known for its liberal politics, alternative culture, and scenic beauty.
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