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Okay, Buckle Up, Socal Dreamers! Longing for a real beach discharge without the endless bustle and the feeling of fighting for a small piece of sand? Well, go further, because there is a seriously nice beach city, just a little further north that has the tension, the waves and a lot of Redwood -Magie. We are talking about Santa Cruz and trust us, it’s time to give your busy city routine a serious shake-up.
Exchange traffic for promenade voltage
Let’s face it, coming somewhere in Los Angeles can feel an Olympic sport. Hours spent in Gridlock, just to perhaps, possibly find a parking space the size of a stamp? No thanks! Santa Cruz offers a different kind of home -work traffic – perhaps a light -hearted bike ride along West Cliff Drive with the salty air in your hair, or a short jump to the iconic boardwalk of Santa Cruz Beach. This is not a beautiful, exclusive club; It is a classic, old-school amusement park right on the Zand! We are talking about a wooden roller coaster, The gigantic dipperThat gives you butterflies as big as seagulls, plus all cotton candy and arcade games that your inner boy could ever dream of. Forget about fighting crowds for a glimpse into a celebrity; Here the star is the pleasure!
Mountains that hug the coast (covered with gigantic trees!)
Okay, La has hills, we get it. But have you ever sailed along the coast with towering Redwood trees that practically immerse their branches in the ocean batters? Santa Cruz is nestled where the Santa Cruz Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, creating a stunning background, in contrast to everything you find further south. One moment you can build sand castles, the next moment that you wriggle through old Redwood forests, the feeling that you stepped into another world. Walking between giants in Henry Cowell Redwoods State ParkBreathe in that fresh, earthy air and feel your stress melt away like ice on a hot Santa Cruz day. It is the paradise of a nature lover, a stone’s throw from the beach.
Catch a few real epic waves
Of course La has its beaches, but finding a decent wave without a million other surfers can feel that they are looking for a unicorn. Santa Cruz, on the other hand, is a legitimate surf city with breaks for all levels. From the beginners -friendly waves on Cowell Beach to the legendary steamboat strip where the pros are delivering it, you can actually come on it and drive a few real waves. Feel the power of the Pacific Ocean, get a murderous training and perhaps even spot a dolphin or two. Moreover, the atmosphere is much more relaxed. Posing less, more shredding.
Throw the scene, hug the cold
Los Angeles can sometimes feel that everyone is trying to be someone else. Santa Cruz has a different energy. It is a place where artists, surfers, students and families all go together in a wonderfully unpretentious way. You can grab a coffee in a local place and start a conversation with a friendly face without feeling that you are doing an audition for something. The atmosphere is relaxed, the people are real and the focus is on enjoying life, whether it catches a wave, explores a tidal pool or just sees the sunset that paint the sky over the Pacific.
Taste the local flavors and dive into culture
Beyond the tension and the view, Santa Cruz has a lively food and culture scene with a clear local taste. Forget the trendy, too expensive places that you might find in LA; Here it’s all about fresh ingredients, relaxed vibes and supporting local companies. For a real taste of Santa Cruz, go to the Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market (Different locations and days, but the Sunday Market Downtown is a must visit). You can walk around with organic products, artisan cheeses, fresh flowers and a delicious breakfast burrito or a cake for about $ 5- $ 10. It is a fantastic way to enjoy the community spirit and the premium of the region.
Watch out for an informal and iconic Santa Cruz -e experience The picnic basket (about $ 10- $ 15 for a sandwich or salad). Located near the Promenade, it is the perfect place to pack a bite with local ingredients before you hit the rides or the beach. If you feel like fresh seafood overlooking the ocean, The Crow Nest In the Santa Cruz Harbor offers a more luxurious experience (expected starters in the range of $ 20- $ 35), but the view of the sunset and the catch of the day are certainly worth it.
Your next Californian adventure is waiting
So if you feel like an outing in California that offers exciting fun, great waves, breathtaking natural beauty and a refreshing sober atmosphere, it might be time to point your trips to Santa Cruz. Exchange De la Hustle for some real coastal charm, change the traffic jams for promenades and discover a beach city that has much more to offer than just sand and sun. Believe us, your inner adventurer (and your stress levels) will thank you. It’s time to pass, La, Santa Cruz Belt!
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This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
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