Living Life...Boomer Style

Text and Photographs By Dawn Bonner

With twenty-nine miles of beach, nearby redwood forests and surrounding organic farms, it is easy to find something to enjoy in Santa Cruz, Calif. Even the drive to Santa Cruz is pleasurable when taking the coastal route following Highway1/Cabrillo. The views are breath-taking, and there are a few must stops on the way if you are driving from the San Francisco, or San Jose Airports.

 

 

At the southern edge of Pacifica Beach is a Taco Bell, sitting beside the beautiful Pacific ocean. This beach is a surfer's haven, and is a great first stop to get your feet in the sand. Wade in the ocean, and watch the surfers ride the waves, take a walk, and stretch your legs.  If you didn't bring your board, you can stop in town a bit up the road and rent boards.

 

Are you a lover of great garlic fries? A bit further down Cabrillo on the left-hand side of the road is Gazo's Grill. They make some great garlic fries. It is a diner with a selection of sandwiches, soups, and steaks. Even hot-chocolate to warm-up the day if the ocean breeze is brisk and cool.

 

 

Just a few blocks south of Gazo's Grill is an Army/Navy store with new and vintage items; such as cool wool pea coats, sweaters and hats. It is a fun place to pick up unusual souvenirs.

Footnote From Editor: I am sorry to say, since the publishing of this article, the Dayle Dunn Gallery has closed this space and is open online.  Good news is that everyone can see their lovely offerings now, bad news--where do I go when now?  But, the good news is, this spot on the road is an absolutely lovely place to take a breather and stretch.

 

Driving Directions Interactive Map, Click on it for driving directions .

Half Moon Bay is home to a fabulous art gallery. The Dayle Dunn Gallery carries sculptures, ceramics, glass and exotic wood furniture pieces. The building was designed specifically for displaying art and is a true show stopper. This is my personal pick for favorite art galleries. It is a wonderful place to purchase special memories of your trip down the coast, where you will find unique, one of a kind dish wear, signed by the artist, and amazingly carved home accent pieces; plus, they pack and ship. This two-story art gallery has a treasure trove of collectibles that will definitely add a WOW factor in your home. Location is 337 Mirada Road at Miramar Beach in Half Moon Bay, Calif. Phone number: 650.726.7667.

There is a tiny road that takes you to the gallery and this is the only thing between you and the ocean. Don't miss the opportunity to sit on the rocks, scan for crabs, and start deep breathing that fresh sea air. By the time you arrive in Santa Cruz, you will be relaxed, well-fed, transfixed by the beauty of the West Coast views, and already have forgotten any pressures you may have carried with you.  Click on the map for a bird's eye view, and/or to get directions from your location to The Dayle Dunn Gallery.

The Santa Cruz county line is the beginning of a huge organic
farming region. In fact, 168 certified organic farms have created
a co-op called Country Crossroads. These farms allow visitors
to pick their own produce and you can find great
buys and delicious food items specially prepared with the fresh
fruits and vegetables. September and October harvests consist
of apples, corn, figs, grapes, pears, pumpkins, raspberries,
tomatoes, and walnuts. Bring your own containers and fill them
up for a snack later at the beach.

 

 

Santa Cruz's Natural Bridges State Park is world renown because it is a migration point for Monarch butterflies. At the peak of the season you can literally see thousands of butterflies at the beach. The season begins around mid-October and continues to about January.

There is an incredible natural arch that forms a bridge. It is an awesome structure sculpted by the ocean. There are multiple forms of marine life: otters, seals and birds. Natural Bridges Beach is great for windsurfing, surfing, and whale watching.

 

Just a mile or two from Natural Bridge's is The Santa Cruz Boardwalk, which is the only amusement park right on the coast, and the first amusement park built in California. Beach volleyball, body surfing, carnival rides and video arcades are available here. The12 acres of rides, food vendors and games of chance at The Boardwalk pretty much guarantee a good time.

Stake your claim beach side, catch some rays, go play a few games, swim, hit the red and white roller coaster with its 70 foot drop and then… do it all over again.  Do bring jackets, or sweaters because when the sun starts getting low, it gets chilly at the beach.  You can feel the Santa Cruz mountain air.

 

 

You can rent pretty much everything at the local surf shops. Bicycles, boogie boards and surf boards, enabling you to travel light and check out some new gear during your visit. You can also hire a pro to teach you how to surf and use the boogie boards, as well as scuba, snorkel, and deep sea fish.

Speaking of surf shops, this is a great place to expand your bathing suit wardrobe. They have the best selection of swim wear in every style imaginable. An annual suit shopping spree in Santa Cruz is a must do for the fashion conscious water enthusiast.

For sailing aficionados, Santa Cruz is a wonderful place because of the continuous winds. If you would like to learn how to sail, there are a couple of sailing schools at Santa Cruz Beach. Or, you can charter a sail boat for a pleasurable day at sea.

Train to the Redwoods

 

Right beside the huge carousel at The Boardwalk is where you can catch the Big Tree & Pacific Train to the Henry Cowell Redwood State Park. This forest is untouched, giving you the opportunity to see what it was like 200 years ago. There are hiking trails and streams in the park, which by the way, is a great place to fish for salmon and steelheads in the winter.

What to Wear

 

When visiting Santa Cruz, it is good to layer clothing as the weather changes throughout the day. It is always windy and that wind has a bite to it in the morning hours, and back again from early evening on.

 

Do bring your swim suits, windbreakers, shorts, slacks and cotton knit tops for evening.  About six in the evening on--you can feel the mountain air combined with the sea air and it has a bite to it.  Even in the summer months.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of things to do while in captivating Santa Cruz. Many artists live in and around Santa Cruz, so it is rich with galleries, museums and art.

Santa Cruz is a great place to stay and play with the wide variety of things to do. It is a wonderful destination for couples, families, family reunions, and a cozy gathering spot for friends to play and visit.

 

Sidebar, Note of Caution

There is a seedy side to Santa Cruz, yet it is fairly safe. We have never had an unpleasant incident in our numerous visits to the boardwalk. Three children and a single mother would make a great target, but we never experienced any problems, we did stay aware of what was going on around us.

Where to Stay

 

Though not the poshest hotel in town, but one that is the most convenient in going to the beach and the Boardwalk is Carousel Hotel. The hotel is a half block from the ocean with straight on access to the seaside. It makes it easier to carry picnic baskets, beach towels and chairs, clothes, and food (all minimum good stay essentials).

It is fairly clean, although the you can see the deterioration from the sea breezes that come through that place. The hotel offers free off-street, gated parking for patrons of the hotel, which is another major convenience.

Call well in advance to ensure the availability of a room. There are several other hotels and B & Bs to offer a selection. Try to stay on the beaten path, as some of the hotels are flea bags. You may also choose to stay at an elegant hotel in Santa Cruz, if so, there are a couple of hotels to satisfy your tastes.

 

 Discover: Santa Cruz, Natural Bridges

 

 

Living Life…Boomer Style Magazine celebrates the lifestyle Boomers have created in music, travel, cars, hobbies, fashion and all things concerning Boomers. The magazine shows the vibrancy of life in its prime—being in your 40s, 50s and 60s is great.