About Santa Cruz, California
Learn to Surf
Learn with the best! Richard Schmidt Surf School is Santa Cruz’s original surf school since 1978. Enjoy the beautiful waves of Santa Cruz under the instruction of some of the areas top surfers.Santa Cruz Beaches
Miles of sand, park lands and bike paths extend the length of Santa Cruz County. The following is a small sampling of what the Santa Cruz coastline has to offer: Bonny Doon Beach; Capitola City Beach; Cowell Beach; Davenport Landing; Greyhound Rock; Lighthouse Field State Beach; Lincoln Beach; Manresa State Beach; Moss Landing State Beach; Natural Bridges State Beach; Pleasure Point Beach, Red, White and Blue Beach; San Lorenzo Point; Scotts Creek Beach; Seabright/Castle Beach; Seacliff State Beach; Sunset State Beach; Twin Lakes State Beach; Waddell Creek Beach; and Zmudowski State Beach.Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
Located in Santa Cruz, 45 minutes north of the Monterey Peninsula, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers carnival rides, including the 1924 “Giant Dipper” - one of the few wooden roller coasters still in existence, as well as games, shops, miniature golf and more. As the only remaining seaside amusement park in the country, the Boardwalk is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.Historic Monterey - Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf
Once the heart of Monterey’s canning industry, Cannery Row is now a bustling shopping area. There are more than 150 stores located along the six-block stretch of Cannery Row between Reeside and David Avenue. The variety of distinctive specialty items makes for an interesting and fun place to shop! Fisherman’s Wharf is lined with seafood restaurants, fish markets, art galleries, specialty shops, candy stores, a theater and fishing, diving, sight-seeing and whale-watching charter and tour companies.Monterey Bay Aquarium
Be one of the nearly two million visitors to the Monterey Bay Aquarium this year. Home to more than 550 marine species from penguins to jellies to coral, the aquarium is only 40 minutes from the campground. Open 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. daily; 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. summer weekdays and holidays; 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. summer weekends. Admission is charged. Wheelchair accessible.Capitola Village
Capitola Village is dotted with unique boutiques and gift shops as well as dozens of intimate dining hideaways and ocean view restaurants.Monterey Peninsula Visitors & Convention Bureau
http://www.monterey.comRoaring Camp Railroads
A quick (25 minute) car ride gets you to the train station in Felton for a trip back in time. Board the Roaring Camp Railroad’s steam train and embark on a 90-minute journey through redwood groves to the top of Bear Mountain. The Beach Train takes riders on three-hour tours of redwood forests, across a century-old steel bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel.Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council
For more information on local area attractions, get a FREE Travel guide, courtesy of the Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council!Elkhorn Slough Safari
http://www.elkhornslough.com One of California’s largest wetlands and part of a National Estuarine Reserve located in central Monterey Bay, California, just a short trip from the Santa Cruz area and the Monterey Peninsula. The wildlife rich reserve winds inland seven miles and provides an important feeding and resting place for a fantastic variety of wildlife such as playful sea otters, curious harbor seals and hundreds of species of waterfowl and migratory shorebirds. Each season is unique and you may be greeted in nature’s dynamic playground by nesting birds, feeding sharks, giant slugs and endangered animals. Elkhorn Slough Safari is an exciting way to visit this natural, calm water habitat and will provide excellent opportunities to view and photograph wildlife close at hand. These two hour boat cruises include an in-depth look at various aspects of slough ecology, fascinating history, and birding in the company of a naturalist guide. You can relax and enjoy a roomy, stable ride and refreshments on our coast guard certified 27-foot pontoon boat the Safari, departing from Moss Landing, California. The boat tour is ideal for couples, families, groups, business retreats, private photography shoots, weddings and singles. There are special activities provided for children. Moss Landing is a short day trip from the San Jose/San Francisco Bay region.Premium Outlet Shopping
You will find just the right gift at one of the fantastic outlet stores. From premium designers such as Liz Claiborne, Coach, Brooks Brothers to home décor and Gourmet kitchen necessities, it’s all here at the Premium Outlet Mall.World Class Golf
Sonoma and Napa Valley are a golfers paradise. Bring your clubs and enjoy Siverado Country Club, The Chardonney Club, Rooster Run and Fox Tail Golf course just to name a few. Golf Courses range from PGA to Municipal courses. A driving range is located 2 blocks from the campground entrance!Infineon Raceway
Infineon Raceway is located 30 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and serves as the gateway to the beautiful Sonoma Wine Country. The track hosts several nationally televised events, including NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) drag racing, the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Superbike tour, and the IRL IndyCar Series. Infineon Raceway is a year-round motorsports complex with events scheduled 340 days and 50 weekends a year.Wine Tasting
Sonoma and Napa Valley are the heart of the California Wine Country. Napa Valley is the home of such wine legends as Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Stags Leap Wine Cellars, Beringer and Sutter Home. Spend a fabulous day touring the wine country and tasting fabulous wines.Beaches
A peaceful drive leads to some of the most beautiful coastline California has to offer. Enjoy Fishing, or buy some fresh cracked crab straight off the boat. Spend the day with your toes in the sand then have a scrumptious dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants!Six Flags Marine World Africa USA
Six Flags Marine World brings together interactive animal attractions and the best family rides and roller coasters in Northern California. This premier destination offers something for everyone with fast and furious coasters, family rides, sensational shows and more than 3000 animals.Mrs. Grossmans Sticker Factory
One of Americas favorite sticker companies is located right here in Petaluma, CA. Take a tour of the sticker factory and get ideas for your next scrapbooking projectCinnabar Performing Arts & Theater
Enjoy live theater, musicals and operas at the Cinnebar Performing Arts & Theater.Paramount’s Great America Theme Park
The Great America Theme Park has the most hair-raising rides, the wettest water park, the most sizzling stage shows, and tons of other cool stuff everyone in the whole family can enjoy! Located in Santa Clara, California.The Glass Gallery
The Glass Gallery in Santa Cruz is one of the Bay Area’s best kept secrets. They offer the widest range of contemporary glass and paperweights from internationally-famous masters such as Dale Chihuly, to local studio glass and the work of emerging artists.17 Mile Drive Scenic Tour
Experience this magnificent 17-mile drive on foot or by car as it hugs the dramatic Pacific coastline and delves into the lush Del Monte Forest.Sonoma Train Town Railroad
At Train Town you will lose your sense of direction as the steam trains guide you back in time, through 10 acres of landscaped park. Filled with thousands of trees, animals, bridges, tunnels, waterfalls and historic replica structures, Train Town is a unique experience. 45 minutes North of San Francisco.Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle was originally built as the private estate of art collector and publisher W.R. Hearst. Today it is a California State Park. Discover the Castle’s inspiration, design, construction and history!Sport Fishing, Whale & Dolphin Watching, Scenic Bay Cruises, Sunset Cruises
Santa Cruz Wharf, Santa Cruz HarborStagnaro Charter Boats has been a staple in Santa Cruz for more than a century. This family-owned and operated business leads the pack while leading tourists and locals on sea adventures like fishing trips, scenic bay cruises, whale and dolphin watching and private parties.
