Become a Virtual Tourist Member Today!  Sign Up for Free | Sign In
Santa Cruz Warnings or Dangers
Search:

Santa Cruz Hotels

Real reviews from real travelers.

Santa Cruz Warnings or Dangers

Water Contaminated - Santa Cruz
Water Contaminated
by Anthro
Santa Cruz travel tips posted by real travelers and Santa Cruz locals.
Santa Cruz Map
Santa Cruz Warnings or DangersTips 1 - 10 of 10  
Sort By:  Most Recent | Best Rated
People are chatty
  • Tip Rating:
    • kazander
  • Updated By kazander on January 7, 2005
  • Santa Cruz Page by kazander
    • Surf guidelines - Santa Cruz
    Surf guidelines
    by kazander
    Everyone in Santa Cruz wants to talk to you it seems! Everyone says hello, and some won't let it go at that, they'll chat you up for quite a while. These really chatty types are sometimes homeless people who just want some cash (or a cigarette if you're a smoker). Most people say just a friendly hello.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting Santa Cruz?

    Read reviews about Santa Cruz Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    Banana Slugs
  • Tip Rating:
    • matthieuxjames
  • By matthieuxjames on May 1, 2005
  • Santa Cruz Page by matthieuxjames
    • Banana slug at full speed - Santa Cruz
    Banana slug at full speed
    by matthieuxjames
    When you're walking along here, enjoying the beautiful weather and admiring the view, be sure to also watch where you're going so you don't step on one of our giant slugs.

    They're the second-largest slugs in existence, and they can grow up to 25cm in length. As they slide along the earth, they gobble up leaves and insect poop, and recycle them into soil. Preferring to be alone most of the time, they will usually find a favorite place to go to during dry spells - a place where they can hide out and dream their sluggy dreams.

    The two slender pairs of telescopic tentacles on slugs heads are used to receive sensations from their surroundings. The superior pair, with the dark tips, are used to sense the presence of light. Slugs can't see distinct images (at least not that we know of), but they can sense varying levels of light and darkness. The inferior pair of tentacles are like little noses, picking up smells from along the forest floor.

    Banana slugs can be found in moist forest regions along the Pacific Coast, from California on up to Alaska.

    The Banana Slug is also the official mascot of the University of California Santa Cruz. In the movie Pulp Fiction, you can see John Travolta wearing a UCSC t-shirt with a very yellow Sammy the Slug on it.

    Watch where you step!

    Leave a Comment

  • Website: http://www.metroactive.com/papers/cruz/09.26.01/slugs1-0139.html
  • Other Contact: http://www.ucsc.edu/about/campus
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Crazy Pedestrians
  • Tip Rating:
    • karenincalifornia
  • By karenincalifornia on September 12, 2006
  • Santa Cruz Page by karenincalifornia
    • Pacific Avenue, downtown Santa Cruz, CA - Santa Cruz
    Pacific Avenue, downtown Santa
    Cruz, CA
    by karenincalifornia
    Watch out for pedestrians in Santa Cruz. You never know when one of them will walk directly in front of your car, even when you clearly have the right of way. They are worse than our pedestrians in San Francisco (of which I am one). Not only do the Santa Cruz pedestrians engage in high risk crossings, they are somewhat brainless, too. Drive slowly on Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz. You just never know when suddenly you'll have a pedestrian within 2 inches of your bumper.

    This picture shows Pacific Avenue during a quiet morning, but trust me, it is nothing like this in the afternoon and evening.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Fog
  • Tip Rating:
    • karenincalifornia
  • Updated By karenincalifornia on September 13, 2006
  • Santa Cruz Page by karenincalifornia
    • A cold summer morning in Santa Cruz, CA - Santa Cruz
    A cold summer morning in Santa
    Cruz, CA
    by karenincalifornia
    Santa Cruz, like any other place on the Northern California coast, gets a lot of fog in the summer. When it is foggy, it is usually cold, too, near mid 50's Fahrenheit. We spent 3 days here in early September, and it was foggy and overcast almost the entire time. I had to wear jeans and a fleece jacket as we were walking around town. You'd never know it was the middle of summer! Come prepared. This is not San Diego!

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Being in Santa Cruz
  • Tip Rating:
    • MDH
  • Updated By MDH on February 22, 2004
  • Santa Cruz Page by MDH
    • Homeless are sadly a common sight on Pacific Ave. - Santa Cruz
    Homeless are sadly a common
    sight on Pacific Ave.
    by MDH
    Despite it's ultra laid-back vibe, the city does have quite a few problems that are immediately noticeable. Homelessness is among the city's most pressing issues. Due to its climate, high housing prices, and liberal politics, the city attracts (and creates) a large number of transients, and sadly the city government is often at odds with the business community with what to do with them. However, the homeless are generally harmless and will probably ask only for change or a cigarette. I've noticed some are completely unabashed in asking for beer.

    The area around the Boardwalk, called Beach Flats by the locals, is one of Santa Cruz's seediest areas. The area is the home to many hotels because of their closeness to the beach, but its high crime and drug use rate makes it not a great area to visit in the dead of night. Although murder is rare, it's still probably in your best of interests to avoid it in the wee hours.

    If you have any problems, please contact either the Santa Cruz Police Department or the Santa Cruz County Sheriff. Call 911 if you ever have an emergency.

    Leave a Comment

  • Phone: (831)420-5800
  • Website: http://www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us/pd/
  • Other Contact: http://scsheriff.com/
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting Santa Cruz?

    Read reviews about Santa Cruz Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    Homeless population
    kristen05
  • By kristen05 on January 13, 2007
  • Santa Cruz Page by kristen05
    • Don't let yourself get too freaked out by the large homeless population in Santa Cruz. You'll find them predominately on Pacific (the downtown area) and by the river. I lived in Santa Cruz for 4 years and would often go to Pacific at night by myself and other than being asked for money, I didn't have any problems. Although they're not normally violent (from my experience) don't go down by the San Lorenzo River or San Lorenzo Park (at least, I think that's what it's called) after dark since there is a large homeless population that lives there. Use common sense and you'll be fine.

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Panhandlers on Pacific Avenue.
    Viajara
  • By Viajara on August 31, 2003
  • Santa Cruz Page by Viajara
    • More of an annoyance than a danger.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Water Dangers
    Anthro
  • By Anthro on October 4, 2004
  • Santa Cruz Page by Anthro
    • Water Contaminated - Santa Cruz
    Water Contaminated
    by Anthro
    I always thought the Pacific Ocean was contaminated, and one day, I finally got proof with the numerous signs pointing to contaminated run-off from nearby creeks that lead straight through the sand. Some beaches get new sand to bulldoze over the contaminated bit, but sometimes the water is unsafe for human contact. Mind any signs that are posted. The water is too cold to swim in anyways!

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Poison Oak
    atufft
  • By atufft on May 31, 2008
  • Santa Cruz Page by atufft
    • Poison Oak - Santa Cruz
    Poison Oak
    by atufft
    Poison Oak is endemic throughout the Santa Cruz mountains, so avoid it or expect an uncomfortable rash. Sensitivity varies with individuals and exposure, but the immune response can actually get worse with repeated exposure to the active chemical ingredient. Some individuals severe response may require hospitalization. The plant is dormant in winter, so while it's possible to get a rash from dead twigs, it's less likely. During the active growing season, the leaves are green and tender, much like an oak leaf, and tend to be less potent. In my experience, the worse time of year to get a good rash is during the fall when the leaves turn fall colors. You can also get a good case of the rash by sleeping with a dog who has walked through the forest brush, while the animal itself will not be affected. Seek medical advice if the rash turns into serious swelling or persists for awhile, but often simply reducing the itchy feeling with vinegar will help. The best solution is to avoid walking through the brush. Trails are often cleared of the plant, and with practice, you will learn to identify and avoid it. See the photo and links...

    Leave a Comment

  • Website: http://knoledge.org/oak/
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Traffic in and out of Santa Cruz
    CervantesPete
  • By CervantesPete on July 24, 2006
  • Santa Cruz Page by CervantesPete
    • Santa Cruz Warnings or Dangers
    by CervantesPete, 1 more photos
    Expect there to be tons of traffic on the weekends. There is also major construction on Highway 1 going in and out of santa Cruz. Expect long delays!
    I highly recogmend arriving during the begining of the week to get situated with the area. Try to bring or rent a bike to travel within the downtown area, beaches and along to coast south to Capitola. Quite Senic!

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    1
    More Santa Cruz Tips
    Overview
         		Hotels and Accommodations
    Tips: 19 - Photos: 12
    Things To Do
    Tips: 118 - Photos: 259    		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
    Tips: 8 - Photos: 10    		Packing Lists
    Tips: 3 - Photos: 1
    Sports Travel
    Tips: 4 - Photos: 1    		General Tips
    Tips: 23 - Photos: 16
    Best Santa Cruz Travel Deals

    Santa Cruz Hotels
    Get Our Best Price Guarantee on Any Santa Cruz Hotel at Expedia.com

    Santa Cruz, CA Hotel
    We Will Beat Other Sites' Prices Guaranteed - Reserve Now and Save!

    Research Antibodies
    Santa Cruz Biotechnology, source of 35,800 Antibodies and 29,600 siRNAs

    Santa Cruz, CA Motel
    Motel near Boardwalk & Beaches from $59/nite. Free Breakfast & WiFi.

    SANTA CRUZ CA INN
    Santa Cruz Americas Best Value Inn Save More This Holiday, Book Online

    Sponsored Links

    More Santa Cruz Travel Deals

    Joie de Vivre Hotels
    California Boutique Hotels. SF and Wine Country, To LA and OC.

    Santa Cruz Hotel
    Put your California coast vacation in gear. Book a Santa Cruz hotel!

    Santa cruz california lodging
    Official Site: Santa Cruz Resorts, Hotels, Condos, Villas, & Deals

    Sponsored Links

    Santa Cruz Hotels

    Cheap hotels from
    Cheap flights from
    Cheap car rentals from
    Cheap cruises from
    Cheap vacations from




    About VirtualTourist |  10 Great Things to Do On VirtualTourist |  Contact Us |  Press Center |  Help |  User Agreement |  Privacy Statement
    Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2009 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.