Check out these “Top 5 Waterfront Walks” in Santa Cruz. My parents particularly enjoy two of the items on this list. (They haven’t done the others): “West Cliff Drive” You can drive the entire way or walk parts of it too. Absolutely beautiful drive right along the coast. They also recommend the "Santa Cruz Wharf” for its many restaurants plus viewing areas for the community of noisy sea lions that live under the pier.
This is where Shannon and Jason got engaged! (It's about 60-90 minutes south of Santa Cruz--a great stop on your drive up or back from the wedding.)