On Friday I had to take Z to a jazz festival in Santa Cruz. While he was performing with his bandmates, I snuck away and visited Seacliff State Beach and Capitola, both just moments away from Santa Cruz.
The main feature at Seacliff, aside from its lovely beach of course, is the long pier which protrudes into Monterey Bay. At the far end of the pier is the scuttled Palo Alto, a World War I era supply ship. The ship was purchased by an amusement company and then sank off the pier; oddly enough an arcade, dining room, dance hall and even a swimming pool were built on the ship. The company went out of business years ago, and since then, the ship has unfortunately been in a rather deteriorating state.
Then I headed over to colorful Capitola, which is just a few miles north of the state beach. It was packed with young people on spring break...out enjoying the warm sunshine, beautiful beach, quaint stores, and eclectic restaurants...
Next time you find yourself in Santa Cruz, be sure to drive the short distance south and visit these charming spots.
Next time you find yourself in Santa Cruz, be sure to drive the short distance south and visit these charming spots.
