圣克鲁斯

的 ultra-mellow beach town of 圣克鲁斯 along 1号公路 有明显的人格分裂, 与冲浪者, 加州大学圣克鲁兹分校的学生, 和 visitors who come for the culture 和 a little fun in the sun all contributing to the vibe.

圣克鲁斯必做之事

首先，有家庭娱乐 圣克鲁斯海滩木板路, a yesteryear-style esplanade lined with arcade games, corn dogs, 和 a historic carousel. 的 star of the show here though is undoubtedly the 巨大的七星 roller coaster, a wooden behemoth of a ride that’s been thrilling beachgoers since 1924. 还有 圣克鲁斯市中心-沿着太平洋大道漫步, where college students browse for vintage 和 boho chic, gallery owners invite passersby to browse art, 和 down-to-earth restaurants focus on healthful meals made of organic, 当地的原料. On Wednesdays year-round there’s a 农贸市场 where prepared foods such as El Salvadoran pupusas 和 fish 和 chips can be had as well as all types of produce, 和 第一个周五, local artists team up with local businesses to showcase their art. If you’re in town during the month of November, don’t miss the 十一月葡萄酒之旅.

圣克鲁斯自然与野生动物

If you love nature, 圣克鲁斯 makes an excellent launching pad. Board a boat tour from the wharf for 观赏鲸鱼灰色, 蓝调, 或座头鲸, depending on the time of year—or take a winding drive in the 圣克鲁斯 Mountains to see the ancient trees at 大盆地红杉州立公园 和 亨利考威尔红杉州立公园. Another place to take in nature about 48 miles to the north is Purisima Creek红木保护区, where the Purisima Creek Canyon beckons hikers with the preserve’s namesake trees, as well as a creek 和 lush ground covering of ferns 和 wildflowers. ( 半月湾 和 the coast from here alone are worth the trip.) And there’s another nature-inspired gem tucked in these hills: a generous selection of 酒庄, most specializing in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, 和 Cabernet Sauvignon.

圣克鲁斯的冲浪场景

But at its heart, 圣克鲁斯 is a 冲浪小镇, dating back to 1885 when three visiting Hawaiian princes rode the local waves on redwood planks, 和 where today’s top surfers seek out quintessential California breaks at 轮船巷 和 快乐点. 需要更多证据? 的 late legendary surfer Jack O’Neill, wetsuit pioneer 和 elder statesman of everything surf-related, 把圣克鲁斯当作自己的家. 的 奥尼尔冷水经典 和 other international surfing contests take place here every year.

的 圣克鲁斯码头 和 the 圣克鲁斯海滩木板路

的世纪 圣克鲁斯码头 is the longest wooden structure of its kind on the West Coast—a staggering 2,701 feet long. Walk to the end to get a bird’s-eye view of 轮船巷 surfers to the north, or come at dusk to watch the lights glow on the colorfully lit 圣克鲁斯海滩木板路. Along the waterfront, you can rent kayaks, st和up paddleboards, or motorboats. Stroll past the fresh fish restaurants 和 souvenir shops 和 strike up a conversation with fishermen angling for perch, 岩鱼, 和大鱼. 更好的是，加入他们. You don’t need a license to fish from the pier, 和 local tackle shops can get you outfitted.