all my favorite spots that are essential for those visiting

• west cliff drive
  • my favorite place to go for a bike ride. a bit crowded on the weekend, but a great atmosphere with even greater views.
  • a car drive will do for those who come without a bike, but a short walk is necessary to complete the experience.
• natural bridges
  • come prepared. water-sport shoes are ideal, or just a small towel to dry your feet.
  • getting to the tide pools can be a bit challenging but it is worth every slippery step.
  • bring a camera to capture the brilliant colors
• 3 mile beach
  • perfect beach during the summer when trying to escape all the tourists
  • don't forget a sweater and towel. it gets quite chilly.
• ucsc campus
  • one of the greatest places in santa cruz.
  • it depends on the person, but ideally i would want to show you the entire campus. of course it is unlikely there is enough time, patience or interest for this, so a brief walk from porter field to the west field track would do.
  • including edible tree sampler in front of the west field house.
  • for those interested, a tour of PICA, the quarry, the garden and perhaps the farm, or at least the meadow.
  • the walk from the quarry to the bookstore.
  • mchenry.. maybe it's weird, but i'm enthralled with our newly reconstructed library. its amazing!
  • the arboretum. interesting and exotic plants to walk around or have a picnic in.
  • upper campus for extended, trail tours. way too much to explore.
  • pogonip. another extension option (that i'm more familiar with), and leads to gorgeous rivers and amazing scenery.
  • a final drive through the perimeter to wrap it all up.
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • uh not crazy about this place, but i understand its famous or something. i hear there is some good special ice cream.

FOOD

• Penny's
  • fresh, creative and delicious ice cream flavors made with local ingredients and always changing.
• Marianne's
  • classic, locally made ice cream thats been around for over 50 years with 60+ flavors
• The Buttery
  • delicious bakery with awesome breakfast.
• Cafe Brasil
  • amazing amazing amazing breakfast & lunch. famous acai bowl. go early, its always packed.
• The Bagelry
  • for all your bagel needs :)
• SANTA CRUZ FARMER'S MARKET
  • wednesday, saturday or sunday. don't miss it.