LAGUNA CREEK BEACH: Laguna Creek Beach
has wonderful dunes and is a great beach for bird watching, surfing
or enjoying a nice picnic or a simple walk. Nude bathing is allowed,
but usually it is at one end of the beach or another. While nudity may
be allowed, it is strongly advised that the laws of California are understood,
because the fines for such bathing can be steep.
ACCESS: Drive North on Hwy 1 from Santa
Cruz. At the corner of Hwy 1 and Laguna Road, walk across the highway
and onto a dirt trail. Walk about .5 to the beach. It is about a 15-30mn
walk. While this is a public beach, it is more difficult to find and
the access is not easy. Because of the accessibility, crowds are unlikely
and almost null during the week.
CLIMATE: Typically, moderate with rain
and some marine layers during the winter months and layered clothing
is recommended.
ACTIVITIES: Hiking, walking, bird watching,
surfing, nude bathing allowed.
LOCAL FLAVOR: Santa Cruz offers an array
of things to do beside beachcombing. Home of the world famous Santa
Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a year-round amusement park loaded with arcade
games, fast food, a wonderful roller coaster guaranteed to give you
a thrill and a view from the top! The boardwalk is located at the Santa
Cruz Wharf/pier, which is an historic site. The Mystery Spot is another
popular tourist attraction, where gravity is defined and curiosity runs
ramped. Downtown Santa Cruz has been completely renovated and it is
guaranteed to provide a wide variety of shopping to the consumer. If
you are not in the mood for the beach, the Santa Cruz Mountains are
literally moments away. The smell of coastal redwoods and pine trees
are intoxicating!
OTHER ATTRACTIONS:
Santa Cruz Mission
University of California at Santa Cruz
Memorial Lighthouse Museum
Surfers Museum
Pasatiempo Golf Club
Aptos Village/Aptos
Capitola Village/Capitola
Long Marine Laboratory
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
by: Carla Iacovetti
©2006Carla Iacovetti
