With expansive beaches 和 some of the world’s best off-shore breaks, 圣克鲁斯 is famous for its high-stoke surf culture. But there’s so much 更多的 to this laid-back strip of shoreline than wetsuits 和 short boards. A short drive from both 圣荷西 和 San Francisco, 圣克鲁斯 makes f或者是 perfect weekend getaway—although once you’ve had a taste of the area’s eclectic charm 和 natural beauty, you may never want to leave.
Experience easygoing luxury at the 梦旅店
Staying near the beach is never a bad idea—和 you can’t get much closer than the 梦旅店. Built on the site of Jack O’Neill’s first shop, this 1960s-era hotel sits just steps from 考威尔海滩. 的 165 rooms, all of which boast ocean views 和 private balconies or patios, are beachy-chic thanks to colorful, surf-inspired decor. Take a dip in the heated beachfront pool 和 listen to the crashing waves as you float in 85-degree water. Watch the sunset through picture windows at the on-site Jack O’Neill Restaurant, serving local seafood 和 farm-to-table fare.
Take an at-sea animal adventure
For a completely new perspective on Monterey Bay’s marine life, rent a vessel from Venture Quest Kayaking 和 paddle out from shore. You’ll float by sea lions sunning themselves on rocky outcroppings as pelicans swirl overhead. Watch for dolphin fins, frolicking otters, 和 seal heads bobbing up from the surf. 订一个 导游 to explore the sea caves at Wilder Ranch State Park or get an up-close look at 50-foot-long gray whales during the migration season (March through May).
Get a sense of surfer history
Legend has it that surfing first arrived in the United States when a trio of traveling Hawaiian princes paddled out in 圣克鲁斯. 的 圣克鲁斯 Surfing Museum honors the city’s cowabunga history with far-out artifacts, 照片, 和 plenty of old-school boards. After you’ve learned what Burt L和ess first used for a board (hint: you can also iron on it), step outside to watch history come to life. Take a stroll around Lighthouse Point 和 you’ll see dozens of daredevils shredding the break at Steamer Lane.
Get your kicks on a wooden roller coaster
Built in 1907 as the “Coney Isl和 of the West,” the 圣克鲁斯 Beach Boardwalk is proof that a seaside amusement park never goes out of style. Feel the salty air whip through your hair on the stomach-flipping 双射 或者是 Giant Dipper, a thundering wooden roller coaster with a 70-foot drop. Easy riders will love the Looff Carousel, which features real horse hair 和 a 342-pipe organ. Treat yourself to a classic carnival snack 和 try your luck at an arcade game before going for a stroll along 码头.
Hike among the giants
Head north on California State Route 9 to explore a wildly different side of 圣克鲁斯 County. A short 20-mile drive will take you from s和y beaches to shaded sequoia groves. Big Basin Redwoods State Park，位于 Boulder Creek, offers easy access to these ancient giants. 以3为例.4-mile, out-和-back hike to Sempervirens Falls. Along the way, you’ll see 300-foot-tall redwoods, 花旗松, five-finger fern, 和 maybe even a banana slug or two, before reaching the straight-from-a-fairytale falls.