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the sea, the sea - Santa Cruz
the sea, the sea
by yooperprof
Tips and photos for Santa Cruz vacations and tourism, posted by real travelers and Santa Cruz locals.
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Ever present fog
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  • karenincalifornia
  • By karenincalifornia on September 12, 2006
  • Santa Cruz Page by karenincalifornia
  • Fog behind Big Basin State Park, California - Santa Cruz
    Fog behind Big Basin State
    Park, California
    by karenincalifornia
    Fog is present on the coast of northern California pretty much from June to September, with some clear days mixed in when we get that rare offshore breeze. On many days the fog moves into the inland areas. The rainy season is November to March or April. These weather patterns are the reason the Santa Cruz mountains (and other part of coastal northern California) are thick dense Coast Redwoods forests. The best time to visit are those narrow slices of great weather in between the rainy season and foggy season, and even then it is a guessing game. Best chances of hitting great weather are in May and October, for sure.

    The Santa Cruz mountains are high enough that we often see fog here in the morning and clearing by mid morning, and the fog burns off to the coast. In this picture, you can see the fog sitting on the coast in the distance. If this were a clear day, we'd have a view of the brilliant blue Pacific Ocean. It does happen sometimes and it is utterly remarkable when it does!

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    You must check out the...
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  • Updated By sarasue on August 26, 2002
  • Santa Cruz Page by sarasue
  • Santa Cruz General Tips
    by sarasue
    You must check out the beaches. If it is watching the surfers on West Cliff, people watching or basking in the sun -the beaches of Santa Cruz are ones you should definetly not miss.

    One of my fondest memories of Santa Cruz is a night out during finals week where my two best friends and I bought a bottle of wine with the intention of relaxing at a somewhat secluded beach. It was really great . .. the sunset, the company and the ocean.

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    On the Beach boardwalk is a...
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  • By ggonzo on August 26, 2002
  • Santa Cruz Page by ggonzo
  • On the Beach boardwalk is a must, and the must is the Giant Dipper roller coaster. Just before they closed I was able to ride it 10 times in a row. IT WAS AWESOME!!

    Relaxing on my patio overlooking the beach with family.

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    Happy Memories of Santa Cruz
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  • Kiisu
  • By Kiisu on August 24, 2002
  • Santa Cruz Page by Kiisu
  • Watching the morning fog burn off for a fantastic summer day. The aroma of the eucalyptus trees, and the restful solitude in the redwood groves at Big Basin Park. Early morning surfing at Pleasure Point, and late-night campfire beach parties in Davenport. Driving aimlessly through the Santa Cruz mountains and finding breathtaking views.

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    Go to Hobie's downtown to eat....
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  • roadyman
  • By roadyman on August 24, 2002
  • Santa Cruz Page by roadyman
  • Go to Hobie's downtown to eat. There food rocks and you can get bee-itchin veg and vegan meal there.

    Watching surfers at Steamers from the light house area. Also the sunset at Natural Bridges.

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    Santa Cruz General Tips Tip (Untitled)
    g_beli
  • By g_beli on August 26, 2002
  • Santa Cruz Page by g_beli
  • My road trip with high school friends to the Boardwalk and The Mystery Spot!

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    the wharf!
    PINK17
  • By PINK17 on August 24, 2002
  • Santa Cruz Page by PINK17
  • The athmosphere! the people are very relaxed and the surf culture is great

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    General things
  • By SantaCruzCruz on July 8, 2008
  • Santa Cruz Page by SantaCruzCruz
  • Folks, Bikes, and Metro

    Train tracks plus dessert

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    Surfing the Internet in Surf City USA
  • By SantaCruzCruz on July 8, 2008
  • Santa Cruz Page by SantaCruzCruz
  • Santa Cruz travelers often find themselves needing to surf the internet. WiFi is available around town. Although, if you didn't bring a laptop, Cruzio (http://cruzio.com), a local internet service provider, offers in-store computer/internet rentals, printing, and even travel information.

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    You must check out the Long...
  • By Dink-RJT on August 24, 2002
  • Santa Cruz Page by Dink-RJT
  • You must check out the Long Marine Lab operating by USCS. they have wonderful exhibits on marine life. It is an training facility that gives tours. They have lots of sea life from the Monterey Bay area, touch tanks, aquariums, dolphins, seal lions and even an elephant seal. It is very reasonably priced.

    The beach and the ocean.

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    More Santa Cruz Tips
    Overview
     
    Hotels and Accommodations
    Tips: 19 - Photos: 12
    Things To Do
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    Nightlife
    Tips: 9 - Photos: 12
    Transportation
    Tips: 10 - Photos: 11
    Restaurants
    Tips: 53 - Photos: 44
    Shopping
    Tips: 6 - Photos: 7
    Off the Beaten Path
    Tips: 41 - Photos: 83
    Tourist Traps
    Tips: 7 - Photos: 8
    Warnings or Dangers
    Tips: 10 - Photos: 9
    Local Customs
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    Packing Lists
    Tips: 3 - Photos: 1
    Sports Travel
    Tips: 4 - Photos: 1
    General Tips
    Tips: 23 - Photos: 16

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