Santa Cruz is a delight for people looking to connect with Mother Nature and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. From incredible surfing opportunities to hiking and biking trails to a myriad of exceptional dining opportunities, Santa Cruz has something for everyone. Fortunately, a host of exceptional hotels near Santa Cruz Beach make it easy and convenient to stay right in the middle of all of the action. The central location of the Hyatt Place Santa Cruz makes it an ideal jumping off point for any adventure in the region. Here are six things to not miss when visiting the idyllic Santa Cruz area:
SANTA CRUZ WHARF
Conveniently located between the vibrant boardwalk and the adrenaline-filled Steam Lane, the Santa Cruz Wharf is the perfect place to take in the magnificent views afforded by the California coast. As the longest wooden pier in the country, this 2,745 promenade stretches over 4,000 Douglas-fir pilings natural to the area. Strolling the wharf is one of the most popular ways to get a glimpse of the famous Santa Cruz barking sea lions.
FIREFISH GRILL
After walking the wharf, you will probably be craving seafood. The Firefish Grill offers ocean view dining right on the famed wharf. With a diverse menu of fresh seafood, steaks, and homemade pasta, this California-style food and drink will satisfy every personal taste and preference. The exhibition kitchen boasts a woodfired grill that allows patrons to see their food prepared by the team of professional chefs.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain bikers will delight in the vast network of trails in Santa Cruz. Just a few miles from downtown is the popular Wilder Ranch State Park, boasting an abundance of mountain biking opportunities with 34 miles of unfettered trails. This historic ranch also gives visitors the chance to experience living history with a variety of tours and demonstrations available.
SANTA CRUZ BOARDWALK
The iconic Santa Cruz boardwalk is a must-see destination when visiting this coastal town. This classic seaside amusement park features two national historic landmarks with the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and the Looff Carousel. The boardwalk also boasts a miniature golf course, an indoor arcade, laser tag, and all of the classic boardwalk treats you would expect to find.
CROW’S NEST
As one of the oldest establishments in Santa Cruz, tourists and locals flock to Crow’s Nest for the majestic views of Twin Lakes State Beach and Santa Cruz Harbor. With four unique dining areas, you can visit Crow’s Nest multiple times for a variety of experiences. A formal downstairs dining room is complemented with an outside patio and an upstairs deck and fireside pub. The main draw of the menu is the fresh local seafood, but visitors walk away equally as impressed with the massive salad bar.
THE MYSTERY SPOT
Get off the beaten trail with a trip to the venerable Mystery Spot. Located just outside of Santa Cruz in the majestic Redwood Forest, this gravitational anomaly will test your perceptions of gravity and the laws of physics. This attraction is perfect for the whole family with its fully guided tour and network of nearby hiking trails.
Posts by SpeakBindas Editorial Team.