Activities Guidebook
Local Beaches
The closest beach to the house. You can walk for miles in either direction. During a negative tide you can reach Capitola. A paved walkway along the beach is available from Rio Del Mar parking lot (free parking) toward Capitola, pass the pier and SS Palo Alto. Say “Hi” to the hand as you reach the end of the walkway (about 45 min roundtrip at a slow pace).
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Rio Del Mar State Beach
The closest beach to the house. You can walk for miles in either direction. During a negative tide you can reach Capitola. A paved walkway along the beach is available from Rio Del Mar parking lot (free parking) toward Capitola, pass the pier and SS Palo Alto. Say “Hi” to the hand as you reach the end of the walkway (about 45 min roundtrip at a slow pace).
A very popular but a small beach that is home to sandcastle contest (September). Great location to combine with the sightseeing and shopping in Capitola. Parking can be a challenge, but if you come early spots are typically available at the Beach and Village Public Parking lot.
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Capitola Beach Company
131 Monterey AveA very popular but a small beach that is home to sandcastle contest (September). Great location to combine with the sightseeing and shopping in Capitola. Parking can be a challenge, but if you come early spots are typically available at the Beach and Village Public Parking lot.
Sunny Cove
Shark Fin Cove
The picture says it all.
Surfing Lessons
The place comes highly recommended by my daughter and her friend who just completed their beginner lessons. They learned a lot and had lots of fun. “The staff is really chill and the instructors are hot”, if that is important to you 😂.
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Surf School Santa Cruz
3548 Portola DrThe place comes highly recommended by my daughter and her friend who just completed their beginner lessons. They learned a lot and had lots of fun. “The staff is really chill and the instructors are hot”, if that is important to you 😂.
Sightseeing
Beautiful costal drive with multiple stops to enjoy ocean views, birds and seals. At the entrance you will have to pay a fee (about $11) and will be provided a route map with the recommended stops. We usually take Carmel exit after the drive to enjoy a meal there.
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17 Mile Drive
17 Mile DriveBeautiful costal drive with multiple stops to enjoy ocean views, birds and seals. At the entrance you will have to pay a fee (about $11) and will be provided a route map with the recommended stops. We usually take Carmel exit after the drive to enjoy a meal there.
White beach with beautiful ocean views, great restaurants, art galleries, and shopping - Carmel has it all. If your schedule allows, we highly recommend combining 17 miles drive with a day in Carmel.
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Carmel by the sea
San Antonio AvenueWhite beach with beautiful ocean views, great restaurants, art galleries, and shopping - Carmel has it all. If your schedule allows, we highly recommend combining 17 miles drive with a day in Carmel.
Santa Cruz
Santuario de la Mariposa Monarca
250 Ridge RdIt is not quite Carmel, but it is only a 12 min drive away from the house. Capitola is a colorful beach community that is a fun place to shop or window shop, visit a beach, and have a nice meal. Do not miss a photo op with the Venetian Hotel at the Capitola State Beach and a walk along the Wharf to the little shops at the end. Best parking is at the Beach and Village Public Parking lot.
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Capitola
It is not quite Carmel, but it is only a 12 min drive away from the house. Capitola is a colorful beach community that is a fun place to shop or window shop, visit a beach, and have a nice meal. Do not miss a photo op with the Venetian Hotel at the Capitola State Beach and a walk along the Wharf to the little shops at the end. Best parking is at the Beach and Village Public Parking lot.
Hiking
Redwoods only 5 min drive from the house. Nice trails available for an easy walk. Longer and more challenging trails lead to waterfalls.
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El Bosque del Parque Estatal Nisene Marks
Aptos Creek RoadRedwoods only 5 min drive from the house. Nice trails available for an easy walk. Longer and more challenging trails lead to waterfalls.
Parque Estatal de los Bosques de Secuoyas de Henry Cowell
101 N Big Trees Park Rd
Parque Estatal Wilder Ranch
1401 Coast RdZip Line and Aerial Adventure
Mount Hermon Adventures
17 Conference DrReservations needed
Aquarium
Plan to spend 3 to 4 hrs at the aquarium. Jelly fish and octopus are my favorites, but the aquarium has otters, penguins, sharks, and all kinds of fish and sea life.
The cafe is really nice, and is a good option for a break between the exhibits.
Salt water taffies and ice cream at Ghirardelli’s are our family favorites on Cannery Row. But there are plenty of other shops, restaurants, and art galleries along that street if you are not into sweets.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery RowPlan to spend 3 to 4 hrs at the aquarium. Jelly fish and octopus are my favorites, but the aquarium has otters, penguins, sharks, and all kinds of fish and sea life.
The cafe is really nice, and is a good option for a break between the exhibits.
Salt water taffies and ice cream at Ghirardelli’s are our family favorites on Cannery Row. But there are plenty of other shops, restaurants, and art galleries along that street if you are not into sweets.
Amusement Park
Great adventure for the kids, teenagers, and wooden roller coaster aficionados. Parking can be a challenge. Cheap parking is usually available at 56 Chestnut St (about 10 min walk).
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StGreat adventure for the kids, teenagers, and wooden roller coaster aficionados. Parking can be a challenge. Cheap parking is usually available at 56 Chestnut St (about 10 min walk).
Entertaining adventure for kids and adults. Reservations are needed. Parking fee is not included into the admission ticket price.
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El Punto Misterioso
465 Mystery Spot RdEntertaining adventure for kids and adults. Reservations are needed. Parking fee is not included into the admission ticket price.