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DestinationsOther |
Santa Cruz CaliforniaSun-drenched and very laid back are the signatures of the inhabitants of this sea fresh coastal town on the Pacific Californian Coast. Santa Cruz has the honor of being where Hawaiian Royalty first showed the eager population of North America "how to surf." The area was founded in 1769, By the Spanish explorer Don Gaspar de Portola, and is located 75 miles south of San Francisco and 30 miles from San Jose?. It is home to the University of Santa Cruz?, which opened in 1965. One of the most unique things aboutSanta Cruz is the "Santa Cruz Boardwalk"--it is a wildly exciting carnival with rides, cotton candy and games, and a great place for people watching. The carival is a lot of fun, but bring comfortable shoes--strappy sandals cut your feet and make blisters. Comfy shoes or flip-flops are the way to go. A fun fact: the movie "The Lost Boys" was filmed in Santa Cruz, and anyone who has lived there will recognize many areas and locations. It is fun to watch the movie and see all the old haunts. Off one end of the Santa Cruz Boardwalkis Santa Cruz Pier, a perfect spot visit at sunset, with awesome views and excellent photo opportunities. There are several shops and restaurants along the way. Downtown Santa Cruz is full of fascinating shops, with everything from risque clothing to hand carved beads and restaurants, local cuisine to Irish Pubs (Rosie Mccanns), movie theaters, galleries, bars and nightclubs, and one of the best music/bookstores I have ever seen. There is something for everyone, and people watching in Santa Cruz is very interesting as there are lots of "original" people. Places to see: 
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