Natural Bridges State Beach is a gorgeous place to take in the sights, check out some tide pools, and have a beach day. If you want to get your steps in (or take a drive), walk down West Cliff Drive and enjoy the beautiful ice plant, California golden poppies, cliffs, and surfers! There are loads of benches along the walking path so that you can stop and soak in the sights.

If you've never seen the California Redwoods before, Nisene Marks is a great, easy-to-get-to option for your redwood fix! There are loads of hiking trails (all pretty easy for a novice hiker). Bring a sandwich from Erik's Deli or New Leaf and have a picnic (Pack Your Trash!), play in the creek, or go mushroom or banana slug hunting (please don't consume wild mushrooms or kill any banana slugs, though!). Mabel, Cheyenne, and Matt LOVE Nisene Marks State Park!

The past two winter storms were very destructive and have sadly done a number on this beach, but it's still such a beautiful and unique beach to visit. There's a small museum that displays artifacts and fossils, and there's a cement ship (see picture). The SS Palo Alto is now an artificial reef for all the wildlife, but her original purpose was to be a tanker in World War I. She was launched in 1919 and mothballed in 1929. She has a rich history, including being a party boat and a fishing pier! If you're a ship nerd and don't have the millions of dollars to get yourself in a DIY submersible to check out the Titanic, I highly recommend going to Seacliff State Beach while you're in town!

Elkhorn Slough (pronounced "slew") is an estuary, a natural, brackish area with salt and fresh water, and is an amazing location for kayaking and observing wildlife. Kayak rental shops are all over Moss Landing, the area surrounding the slough. You'll see your first ever "Sea Otter Crossing" signs along the roads. Remember to pack your trash and wear your SPF!

This is NOT your average aquarium! The Monterey Bay Aquarium is easily one of the best in the country. Whether you're looking to see the adorable sea otters (Cheyenne's personal favorite) or learn about all of the beautiful conservation work the Monterey Bay Aquarium does for the marine life in the Monterey Bay, we promise that you'll greatly enjoy this outing. You can make a day of it by visiting Cannery Row (John Steinbeck, anyone?) and Fisherman's Wharf! There are lots of great food options and tourist shops as well.

If you are bringing little ones along (or if you're just a kid on the inside), the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is an awesome option. Take a ride on the historic Giant Dipper, a wooden roller coaster built in 1924 (100 years ago!) or play arcade games, mini golf, or pool in Neptune's Kingdom! Not to mention, it's on the beach!

Roaring Camp is such a fun option for kids and families with train rides, panning for gold, and other activities at the train depot. It's located up in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains and is surrounded by beautiful redwood forests. There are two different train ride options: The Redwood Forest Steam Train and The Santa Cruz Beach Train (which takes you to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk)!

This fun and whacky place is a definite tourist favorite. The Mystery Spot goes way back in Santa Cruz history (check out their website for some funny vintage photos), and the Mystery Spot stickers are on almost every street sign in the county! There are lots of redwood hiking trails up there, also.

Downtown Santa Cruz is fun for food, drinks, coffee, and shops! There's also the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (the MAH). Downtown Santa Cruz is a short walk from the Boardwalk, as well!

Capitola Village is an adorable spot to shop, walk around, eat/drink, and hang out on the beach! The winter storms of the past two years caused significant damage to the Capitola Wharf, which is currently being repaired. The Soquel Creek runs through the area, which makes for some fun water activities as well.

Pleasure Point is a great surf spot with beautiful walking paths and amazing views, nice sandy spots to lay out on, and a busy little strip of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Pleasure Point is very close to Capitola Village, as well, making it a nice add-on to another outing.

If you recognize this logo and/or think it's cool, you'll want to check out the Santa Cruz Boardroom! Santa Cruz is well known for its skateboarding (as well as surfing), and the Santa Cruz Skateboard brand is very well-known worldwide. A t-shirt or sticker from the boardroom makes for a great souvenir or gift.

While we don't have any specific recommendations for surf schools or surfboard rentals, surfboard rental shops and schools are everywhere up and down the coast. If you've ever dreamed of surfing in Surf City, USA, now is your chance! You'll be *shredding the gnar* in no time!

Stand Up Paddle Boarding/Paddling (SUP) & Kayaking are great activities for those looking to enjoy the water in a sporty way! We don't have any specific recommendations for SUP or kayak schools, or rental shops, but they are also everywhere up and down the coast. SUPs and kayaks are best enjoyed in areas of the water that are calmer, without waves, or past the break.

Matt and Cheyenne aren't golfers, but maybe you are! There are ocean views, nice green grass, and beautiful eucalyptus trees lining the course at Seascape Golf Club.