Pacific Avenue
A mere stroll from the beach you will find the central business district of downtown Santa Cruz, known as Pacific Garden Mall. True to its name, this quaint street is lined with trees and greenery as the influence of its proximity is felt in the array of sea-themed products inhabiting various shops and galleries. Sip some freshly brewed coffee in an outdoor bistro or browse the isles of the Santa Cruz Bookshop.

The city architecture blends the remnants its inception in the 1860’s with an artful mix of modern-day angles of eclectic diversity.

O’neill’s Surf Shop sits prominently on a corner showcasing its surf-gear in a contemperary version of what started as the humble beginnings of Jack O’neill in the early 1950’s. The O’neill name became known as a symbol of the surfing lifestyle on the central coast after Jack invented the neoprene wetsuit. This innovation revolutionized the sport worldwide, providing the means to turn this summer sport into an all-season pastime. Santa Cruz also boast its own Surfing Museum located………………..

After several years of decline, the historical Del Mar Theatre was restored in 2002 to retain it’s original characteristics and Art Deco style.. It is now a community performance theatre for lectures, film festivals, and other community uses.

The Town Clock acts as a friendly reminder .... on the far end of Pacific Avenue.

The Catalyst…..

Santa Cruz Metro…
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West Santa Cruz
Beyond the Boardwalk beaches to the north, you will ascend Depot Hill to experience the spectacular views along the cliffs of the West side of Santa Cruz.

Lighthouse Point
Cowell Beach offers gentle, rolling waves that make it a popular spot for those learning the sport of surfing. A bit farther down West Cliff Drive, the prominent Lighthouse, at Lighthouse Point, houses the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. This landmark overlooks the renowned surfing spot, Steamer Lane. The waves at Steamer Lane have been the venue for international surfing events for decades.

Park Hours
7:00am to 10:00pm: Year round
Surf Museum
12:00noon to 4:00pm: Wednesday-Monday, Closed Tuesday
831-420-6289
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Natural Bridges State Park
West Cliff Drive stretches along the coast to Natural Bridges State Park, forming the northern boundary of the Monterey Bay. Named for its naturally eroded, sandstone arches in 1900, Natural Bridges demonstrates the ominous strength and power of nature as only one arch remains.

The irony of nature is not lost as this powerful architecture is surrounded by, and depends on, delicate systems of life. Seals, otters and whales swim in the surf, while sea anemonies, starfish and crabs can be seen in the well-known tidepools at low tide. Plant life abounds as the colorful wildflowers bloom in the surrounding wetlands.

The sandy beaches and ocean life are perfect for family picnics and walks on the beach. Sports enthusiasts enjoy biking, sailing, hiking and water sports in any season.

Natural Bridges State Beach is open
year-round from 8:00 a.m. to sunset.
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Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve
One of the most obvious symbols of the fragility of nature at Natural Bridges is the annual migration of the Monarch to the moderate climate of the California coast.

The Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve provides shelter for this winter event as over 100,000 Monarchs travel approximately 2,000 miles to descend on this area from the west of the Rocky Mountains.

A walk through the preserve provides a surreal experience, as many Eucalyptus trees are barely-recognizable, with several layers of densely-populated Monarchs covering their limbs like a winter coat.

Events:
Enjoy food, music and guided walks during these annual celebrations.
Welcome Back Monarchs Day the second Sunday in October, from 10-4pm
Migration Festival the second Saturday in February from 10-4pm.

Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve Tours are available from 11-2pm on the weekends during fall and winter.
Contact: (831) 423-4609
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