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Located at the end of highway 17, Santa Cruz is a relaxed yet vibrant beach town. The town has a liberal mix of surfers, students and interesting characters. Located north of Monterey Bay and about 1.5 hours south of San Francisco, there are lots of nice beaches and costal redwood forests. Popular places to visit within Santa Cruz are its active downtown area as well as the Santa Cruz Board Walk.
Top Attractions in Santa Cruz
There are 26 Things to Do in Santa Cruz
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Top Hotels in Santa Cruz
There are 49 Hotels and Hostels in Santa Cruz
Top Restaurants in Santa Cruz
There are 23 Restaurants in Santa Cruz
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Travel Tips from people who've been to Santa Cruz
015best coffee shop/bar: theperg.com
best spa: teahousespa.com
best dive: avenue bar and cigars
best bar: redsantacruz.com
best nude beach: gocalifornia.about.com/cs/clothingoptional/p/scbonnydoon.htm
best tacos: jalepenos taqueria
best produce: santacruzfarmersmarket.org/
la esperanza market
best events: santa cruz antique street fair
guerilladrivein.org/
best place to know people: casfs.ucsc.edu/
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062This is one of my favorite places to go even for just a day. There's plenty to do and see. It's a lot of fun to just spend the day walking around on the beach and even going on some of the rides on the boardwalk. Whenever I go, I have to eat at one of the restaurants on the peer. If you get a good seat, it's an awesome view.
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04320I love this place. Very chilled! Great friendly people. Good beach - surfing place. Go for breakfast on a Sunday - may have to wait on the street but cool because you get chatting to loads of people whilst you are waiting. One of the only places where the YHA hostel is a good one.
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