Thirty-plus miles south of San Jose in the curving shoulder of Monterey Bay sits Santa Cruz, famous for its astonishing beauty, recreational opportunities and social activism.
Visitors are drawn to the same things that make residents glad they live here, starting with the funky downtown scene along Pacific Avenue and surrounding streets. It’s full of diverse businesses, places to nosh or dine and people to watch. Here one can find everything from surf gear and art galleries to the venerable Bookshop Santa Cruz. There’s even a bustling farmers market every Wednesday off Center Street.
Families seeking fun head to the Beach Boardwalk, the only major seaside amusement park on the West Coast. There’s also the cliff walk leading north from the wharf, perfect for strolling, along with an extensive citywide network of bike lanes and bike paths.
The campus of UC-Santa Cruz, on the north end of town, is nearly a thousand acres wide, much of it redwood forests. Cyclists and hikers alike are welcome to enjoy their pursuits amidst this glorious backdrop.
Although many of the city’s historic buildings suffered damage or were destroyed in the Oct. 17, 1989, Loma Prieta earthquake, reconstruction of the downtown is an ongoing project. Santa Cruz remains one of the most picturesque and inviting big-small cities on the Northern California coastline.
Population: 54,593
Average household income: $50,605
Average household size: 2.44
Median age: 32 years old
Parks: 39
