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Santa Cruz Boardwalk – The Boardwalk (popular
with families since the 1860's) has something fun for all ages – little
ones will enjoy the old-fashioned Looff carousel and Bulgy the Whale,
riding the glow-in-the-dark train ride or bumper cards, for bigger kids,
soar above the waves on the Giant Dipper roller coaster or the Skyglider,
arcade games, miniature golf, laser tag, and bowling for everyone in the
family. |
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There's also a flat sand beach in front of the boardwalk,
restaurants and snack shops, plus ice cream and cotton candy. There are
shops to buy sand toys if you're traveling light. A visit to the Boardwalk
can be a day in itself (don't forget to bring your suits and towels). |
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 Beach
Train to Roaring Camp – Take a trip back in time, to 1875, when
this train transported passengers from the beach at Santa Cruz, up to the
redwoods. Get on the train at the Boardwalk, chug through the redwoods,
and get out at Roaring Camp, once a rip-roaring logging camp in the 1880's.
You can run around for several hours, then return on the train to the Boardwalk. |
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Boogie boarding and surfing – Santa Cruz has beaches
that are great for kids to boogie board, or learn to surf. Club Ed, at Cowell
Beach, just beyond the Santa Cruz Wharf, has surf lessons (wet suit and
boards are provided). Rent boogie boards and wet suits at the O'Neill store
(plenty of kids sizes) at 41st Ave in Capitola. |
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Beaches – For swimming in the water is Twin
Lakes Beach, right near the Santa Cruz Harbor. There are also fire rings,
so bring your picnic supplies, and roast hot dogs or marshmallows at the
beach |
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Whale watching – Monterey Bay is a super locale
to go whale watching – in winter, there are gray whales in migration,
at other times of year, the humpback whales are delightful. On a cruise,
you'll also see harbor seals, sea lions and adorable sea otters. Cruises
are available from Stagnaro's on the Santa Cruz Wharf or MTM Sport Fishing
at the Santa Cruz Harbor. |
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Farmers Market – There are two farmers markets,
right in Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz Community Farmers' Market , at the
corner of Lincoln and Cedar St. is every Wednesday afternoon year round.
May to October, on Sunday mornings, also visit the Live Oak Farmers'
Market, corner of 17th Ave. and East Cliff. The markets have fresh fruits,
vegetables, breads, pastries, crepes, cheese, locally made chocolates, everything
you need for a picnic. |
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Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History – If the
weather isn't sunny and warm, check out this charming little hundred year
old museum, with displays about the animals local to Santa Cruz. Nifty dioramas
of animals that live in chaparral (bobcats, jackrabbits, hummingbirds),
wetlands (great blue herons) and redwoods (yellow banana slugs, raccoons,
squirrels, owls), plus local amphibians (toads and tree frogs) a touch tide
pool. In summer there are workshops on Saturdays – learn about live
bats and snakes, make plaster casts of local animals, and more. The museum
is located on 1305 East Cliff Dr., closed on Monday. |
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