The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is located adjacent to the Aptos Village Square. This 10,000-acre park is a wonderful location to get away from the tourist crowds and enjoy a leisurely walk in the twisted groves of redwoods or take a brisk run through the forest.
Natural Bridges State Beach is an excellent location to view the shoreline wildlife of Santa Cruz County. It is also one of our favorite locations to watch the sunset and explore the tidepools.
Walking down Pacific Avenue in Downtown Santa Cruz is a great way to explore the beach community. There are many restaurants, bakeries, shops with local products, street vendors, and a badass record store.
Pacific Thai on Pacific Avenue is our favorite place to grab a bit to eat in Santa Cruz!
James introduced us to the Harbor Cafe and it has become one of our "must go-to" breakfast locations.
Paula's is a staple breakfast location in Santa Cruz. We highly recommend having your breakfast in the old beach van, there is nothing more Santa Cruz (other than surfing Pleasure Point)!
Nestled between Morlan Lagoon and 41st Avenue is the small unincorporated surf community of Pleasure Point. This is the best location to watch local surfers catch the waves.