Walking and Cycling in Santa Cruz California
A Runner’s Paradise on the Central Pacific Coast
Jul 20, 2008
Santa Cruz is located an hour south of San Francisco, on scenic California Highway 1. It occupies the north end of Monterey Bay. It is about a half hour north of the vacation spots of Monterey and Carmel.
Santa Cruz has a long legacy as a surfing area, and boasts a beach boardwalk and wharf area with rides and restaurants. Adjoining these areas are two walking trails that run along the bay.
Equally great for running, cycling or just strolling along the water, the walks are wide, open and safe. People-watching is great with young people on skateboards mixing with yuppies and aging hippies in a relaxed California atmosphere.
West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz
The longer trail is located in Santa Cruz and extends from beach boardwalk area along the rocky cliffs of the bay for two miles. The well kept trail winds along the coast until it reaches the Natural Bridges State Park, with fantastic rock structures in the surf.
The scenery along West Cliff Drive is breathtaking. The magnificent Pacific Ocean spreads out into the distance, and every so often, crashes into the cliffs and sand with tremendous force.
There is plenty of free parking along West Cliff Drive. There are benches to relax and take in the beautiful California sunset, and strategically placed rest rooms. Other highlights include a museum dedicated to surfing and views of wildlife, with seals and pelicans plentiful.
Point Pleasant in Capitola
A shorter walkway just of south of Santa Cruz, Point Pleasant offers similar great views. There is less parking here, but surfers abound at “The Hook”, where giant waves appear suddenly.
To reach Point Pleasant from California 1, take 41st north to the ocean.
The Weather on the Coast in Central California
The Monterey Bay area has one of the most temperate climates in the world. It rarely gets very cold, but even summers are cool, with highs in the 60’s F. The brisk breezes are perfect for runners, but walkers will need a jacket or sweatshirt almost any evening. The area is also prone to fog, and many mornings the sun is shrouded by the mist.
There are several points where the intrepid can walk down to the rocky beach, but care should be taken, as the ocean is rough and dangerous, and the stairs slippery. The view from above is spectacular enough.
After enjoying the beach and amusement of Santa Cruz, don’t miss the chance to take in the great scenery on these two great walkways on Monterey Bay.
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