Sights in Santa Cruz
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University of California at Santa Cruz
In the hills above town, the University of California at Santa Cruz has 13,000 liberal-leaning students, a redwood-studded campus, architecturally interesting buildings – many of recycled materials – two top-notch galleries and a beautiful arboretum (831-427-2998).
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk dates from 1907 and is the oldest beachfront amusement park on the West Coast. The boardwalk has a glorious old-school Americana vibe, with the smell of cotton candy permeating the salt air, punctuated by the distant squeals of kids hanging upside down on carnival rides. Its most famous rides include the half-mile-long Giant Dipper, a vintage-1924 wooden roller coaster, and the 1911 Looff carousel – both National Historic Landmarks. For kids, the Cave Train is unexpectedly fun for its portrayal of cavemen in modern times. But the thing that’s so great is its proximity to the beach, where parents can wait while teens explore. On Friday nights…
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Mystery Spot
A kitschy, old-fashioned tourist trap, the Mystery Spot has scarcely changed since 1940. On a steeply sloping hillside, compasses seem to point crazily, mysterious forces push you around and buildings lean at silly angles. Make reservations, or risk getting stuck waiting. It's 3 miles north of town. Parking costs $5. Don't forget your bumper sticker!
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Surfing Museum
- Santa Cruz, USA
- Sights › Other
About 1.5 miles west along the coast road, the tiny Surfing Museum, which is inside the old lighthouse, is packed with memorabilia, including vintage redwood boards. The museum overlooks experts-only Steamers Lane andbeginners' Cowells, both popular surf breaks.
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Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach bookends the scenic drive, about 3.5 miles from the wharf. There are tide pools for exploring and leafy trees in which monarch butterflies hibernate from mid-October to late February.
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Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Santa Cruz, USA
- Sights › Other
A 45-minute drive north of Santa Cruz into the mountains via Hwys 9 and 236, Big Basin Redwoods State Park protects 20,000 acres of redwood forest and 80 miles of trails, one of which drops to the Pacific.
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Blue Ball Park
Local moms and dads call Blue Ball Park, north of Soquel Dr, the area's best playground, so named not for the husbands of breast-feeding mothers, but for several giant blue balls that appear to be rolling uphill.
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Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Santa Cruz, USA
- Sights › Other
TheHenry Cowell Redwoods State Park has riverside trails through old-growth redwood forests.
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Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab
Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab has cool interactive exhibits for kids.
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