Santa Cruz, CA: Surfing Hot Spot

I like the ocean. Let me rephrase this. I am an ocean addict. When I look back at my personal day trips around the San Francisco bay area, I find one trip that I frequent every few months, year after year.

What is my favorite region? Every trip is special. I always find one feature that pulls at me. There is one place I consistently return to every few months.

I like to walk and watch the surfers along Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, CA

Reasons why I enjoy:

• Up close – I stand on the cliff edge (behind the fence) that is immediately above where the surfers gather in the water to practice. This is where the Monterey Bay reaches the Pacific Ocean.
• Easy access – I drive my own car and park in one the many parking areas on Cliff Drive. If I am lucky, I get a parking place by the Surfer Museum Lighthouse. I advise leaving before 8 am during the summer months to avoid traffic and leave early afternoon around 1 pm. (or make advance hotel reservations and spend the night)
• Free – So far, knock on wood, it is free to park and walk. 
• It is a great place to stop and talk with people. I find people from everywhere around the world because of the fabulous vista point. And, I like the fun stories from the local surfers too.

I know my family in Central USA might think I am nuts that I spend most of my leisure time watching these surfers at this vista point. Perhaps they tire of my surfers pictures that I keep posting every year. When I go I find something different - weather, people, events. The wind was blowing so much on this day I took the video that it was difficult to hold my camera.

This is where I relax and an escape. Is it because I grew up in the middle of USA without the ocean? I enjoyed going to lakes, the ocean is different. The vast, endless body of water without a shoreline across from you – the unknown surprise of what it brings to you.

I love watching this water sport. I admit I am not interested in participating, I am a spectator. Surfers are independent, they watch and decide which waves to ride and pass, yet they are social with their friends while they wait.

I share videos and pictures on Instagram, this video is one of my top two posts with views and likes.

What makes you want to engage with this video? 

Surf History

Wait for the Right Waves!

  
 This is a picture from my Instagram feed:

Santa Cruz, CA - Bay meets Ocean


Watching the surfers along Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, CA, my favorite escape ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Remember Santa Cruz CA

I am without words today while I watch the the coverage happening in San Jose, CA at the HP Pavilion ...somber day.  Santa Cruz Police good byes. Communities come together....

Santa Cruz, CA (Courtesy of DW)

Remember our Santa Cruz community today ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Chasing Mavericks, Santa Cruz CA - 5 Stars

Santa Cruz, CA:  I give Chasing Mavericks the movie - 5 stars.

I went to see the movie, Chasing Mavericks, that was released on Friday, Oct. 26.  It is the story of a local surfer legend in Santa Cruz, Jay Moriaty. I really enjoyed it and would like to see it again on the big screen!   

I talked with people as I was walking out after the movie who shared my enthusiasm.  This is rare for me to stop and talk to strangers about a movie as I leave. There is something about the movie which pulls at you.

Surfing in Santa Cruz - by DW

I was concerned after I watched this movie review by Don Sanchez (local ABC news - San Francisco) who gave it a "half a bucket of pop corn."  Sanchez mentioned the waves were the stars and said the remaining movie didn't have much dialogue and was slow moving.

I disagree.

I do agree about pictures of the huge waves were stars - the plus is that you become acquainted with a sample of people from this town which is so different from Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and Sacramento. 

I share many discoveries of this small beach town every chance I get. I escape the city-life and find places to relax and talk with the locals in Santa Cruz to learn about this "other life" that surrounds the world of surfing.  Everyone goes to work - there is always time to catch a few waves before going home.  And, the movie features recent events so many people remember.

This movie gives an in depth look at this simple, local community life in this favorite beach town which I am spellbound with each I visit.   It is fresh look showcasing the genuine life of people in Santa Cruz.  The story-telling of surfing life is one that has not been shown. 

Chasing Mavericks - Santa Cruz CA by DW

The Second Message 

The movie provides a lesson of how to stay focused, patient,  and resilient when your are enroute to accomplishing what you want to achieve.  Achievements are different for everyone.  Moriaty had many chances to drop his goal to ride the big one (wave) - he stayed on his path and achieved what he wanted to do in a short amount of time without a huge expense.  He found people who helped in their own ways along the path.

Santa Cruz is well known globally - as the town grows during the summer months with visitors - yet I find an unusual ambience with each visit. 

If you want to visit the same sights as you see in the movie - you may find information from Santa Cruz website.

Live Like Jay!

Be sure to go see this movie - and share your thoughts here! The Fun Tour Guru

[Ad] Buy the DVD now.

 
 

At the Top: Santa Cruz CA Beach Boardwalk Roller Coaster

Today's travel tip:  Don't delay your plans. You never know what may happen in the future.  If you want to go somewhere special - make your plans and go. 

These are some fun pictures of the Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, CA. I am lucky to be 30 minutes away and I take off and head "over the hill" every chance I get. 

What happens in the split second you reach the top of Roller Coaster?  Please share your story with me - I enjoy reading your comments! 


Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - Giant Dipper 2012 by DW



Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - DW



Giant Dipper Roller Coaster Santa Cruz CA - DW

Unusual roller coaster pictures from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk ~ The Fun Tour Guru


Find news, destination information and travel ideas at Lighthouse Travel & Tours

Don't Forget About Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Passport Day

Update:  Passport weekends are still available - prices and rules have changed. Be sure to verify of the wineries available directly with the Santa Cruz Mountains Wineries Association.     

“Summertime and the livin is easy” by George Gershwin lyrics are playing over and over in my mind. It is July already, boy the years zoom by.  I always remind everyone each summer of this favorite event, wine tasting on Passport Day, in July, in the Santa Cruz Mountains.   

By now you know that I am a wine enthusiast, yet I am not a wine sommelier.  I have my own ways to taste wine and enjoy traveling (and writing) in many regions. Yes, I do visit many Napa and Sonoma wineries for the day or weekend getaways, and I visit other favorite wine regions around the world. 

David Bruce Vineyards - Santa Cruz Mountains

I am very partial and passionate of our Santa Cruz Mountains Wineries. One of the oldest Appellations in USA, and of course, many of these wineries are close in proximity – less than 30 minutes away from Silicon Valley (San Jose). The wineries are smaller. You may even be able to talk directly to the wine owners and wine makers when you visit Monday – Friday. 

These Wineries are sprinkled throughout mountains, be careful, as sometimes they are difficult to find on these windy, mountain roads – each winery has a unique ambiance of their own.  The mountain roads definitely made arranging group wine tasting trips a bit of a challenge.

Currently, I write and taste about wine now, (what a life, heh?) and I only arrange a handful of small group wine tasting tours. I do know excellent local wine tour companies which I refer smaller groups less than 14 people that want to visit these mountain wineries.

Wine Passport Day, 4 times a year

Passport Day on Saturday four times a year and used to be one of the best kept secrets of the Santa Cruz Mountain Wine region.  It is the third Saturday of January, April, July, and November. 

Byington Vineyard & Winery, Santa Cruz Mountains - Pacific Ocean view (maybe)

Passport Day is when wine enthusiasts, like me, may take their wine passports to get commemorative stamps from favorite wineries. You may visit each winery once, get your stamp, and the passports never expire.  Purchase the official wine passports through the Santa Cruz Mountain Wine Association, (831) 685-8463, with a donation, or at the wineries the day of, while their supplies last.  Each passport covers tasting fees at participating wineries for one person on these special Saturdays (only) four times a year.

This is a special day because a few of the boutique wineries are not open to the public except on these Saturdays and many of the wineries offer special pours or barrel samples.  I highly recommend these special events. 

Santa Cruz Mountain Grapes

Insider secret, my favorite Santa Cruz wineries:

Bargetto Winery, Beauregard Vineyards, Burrell School Vineyards, Byington Vineyard & Winery, Cinnabar Vineyards & Winery, David Bruce Winery, Clos LaChance, 
Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyard  (let your kids ride horses here), & Winery, Ridge Winery, Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards, and Thomas Fogarty.

David Bruce Winery, Santa Cruz Mountains

You may find more participating wineries during Passport Day. 

Don't miss these other wine regions nearby:

There are more wineries in Santa Clara Valley (near Morgan Hill and Gilroy), Monterey and San Benito counties.  So be prepared to include more wine tasting trips to keep you busy this summer.

Which of these Santa Cruz Wineries are you acquainted with and have been to? Comment below.

Be sure to get updated with more information the Santa Cruz Mountain Wine Association website.   

Love Santa Cruz in the Summer! 


Need to contact me?  Be patient, I may be out tasting wine
this summer!  The Fun Tour Guru

Vintage Cars in Santa Cruz, June 2011

"Hey, those are neat cars!" 

As I promised, more pictures of a few of the "stars" at Woodies on the Wharf.  I don't think I have to include too much commentary.  A challenge to pick which pictures to share with everyone.  Enjoy, as I did!

Woodies on the Wharf June 2011 'Queen of the Beaches'

 

Woodies on the Wharf June 2011

 

Woodies on the Wharf June 2011

  

Woodies on the Wharf 2011

Woodies on the Wharf June 2011

Woodies on the Wharf June 2011

Woodies on the Wharf June 2011

Off the beaten path, always ~~~The Fun Tour Guru

(Images by DW)

Why Ask a Tour Professional?

Sometimes you have to return to favorite regions to verify if there are any changes. Local tour professionals are wonderful resources who may know about changes or they may even visit for you.

One place I recommend along the coast, and you will find this is in many guidebooks, is to stop at Gayle's Bakery in Capitola-by-the-sea (5-10 minutes south of Santa Cruz).  

I stop to get a small snack-to-go of delicious items from desserts to breads (a fave is the Garlic Cheese Stick). You may also pick from yummy entrees, salads, and sandwiches. On weekends, it is crowded, they work quickly to assist everyone.  I enjoy browsing their daily specials and desserts if there is a wait. There is a sunny patio available to eat or you may take the food with you for munchies while you are relaxing next to the beach, watching the surfers, or on picnic during hikes.  I always take some home with me to enjoy later (or back to my hotel).  It is definitely a great stop and still really delicious food. Remember to explore Capitola too.

I always stop and buy saltwater taffy on the Santa Cruz Wharf next to Santa Cruz Boardwalk.  The restaurants have delicious fried artichokes which are great with a cold mug of beer. 

If you have minimum time, one "show" I recommend is to park your car along West Cliff Drive by the Lighthouse - Surf Museum and watch the surfers.  There are usually surfers everyday and sometimes you catch some great views.

It is free to watch these experts.

Lighthouse Surf Museum & surfers


I had fun getting acquainted with couple traveling from the east coast who were in town (San Francisco) for their daughter's sporting activity and exploring Northern California. I love to hear the stories of their days trips and experiences! And, I shared tips and stories with them which validated their own great experience on their journey. More new friends!




We sometimes take for granted the fabulous surroundings around us, while we get so focused on our daily activities. 

 

 
Take time out & explore! You never know who you will meet or what you will see! ~ The Funtourguru, Follow me online or on a trip 

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Ed. Note: Pictures belong to the FunTourGuru