LIGHTHOUSE FIELDS STATE BEACH: Also known
as Point Santa Cruz, this area forms the northern boundary of Monterey
Bay. It is one of the last open headlands in any California urban area.
Surfers, tourists, birds - including the rare Black Swift and wintering
Monarch butterflies are drawn to this area. Sea lions populate the offshore
rocks.
This is one of the places where Monarch
butterflies winter along the California coast. Monarchs are unique because
they migrate each winter to avoid freezing weather. The Monarchs wintering
here come from the west of the Rocky Mountains. Monarchs east of the
Rockies go to central Mexico for the winter. In addition to the butterflies,
the sea life here at Lighthouse Fields is exceptional, abundant and
fascinating. From otters to sea lions, pelicans to gulls, sand crabs
to sea anemones--there's never a lack for natural entertainment at this
beach
The lighthouse is home to California's
first surfing museum and is the location each Christmas for "Caroling
under the Stars," a Santa Cruz tradition which attracts hundreds
of locals and visitors.
The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is in the
Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse at Lighthouse Point on West Cliff Drive.
Overlooking internationally renowned surfing hotspot Steamer Lane, this
museum has photographs, surfboards, and other interesting items tracing
over 100 years of surfing history in Santa Cruz.
NOTE:
This is a day park only.
Lighthouse Field is one of the few California State Parks that
does not accept the Annual Day use pass.
PARK HOURS: 7 am to 10 pm year-round
CONTACT NUMBERS:
PARK: 831-420-5270
SURF MUSEUM: 831-420-6289
SURF MUSEUM HOURS: 12 noon to 4 pm Wednesday
– Monday (Closed Tuesday)
ACTIVITIES: Surfing Museum, trails for
hiking and walking, picnic tables, bicycling is allowed, dogs allowed,
but on leashes at all times. There is an over abundance of sea life
for viewing and the photography is superb.
Climate/Clothing: Lighthouse Fields State
Beach is usually warm and sunny, although sometimes beach fog can appear
suddenly. Layered clothing is advised.
LOCAL FLAVORS: Right in the heart of Santa
Cruz, nothing is far off from this site. The Beach Boardwalk and Amusement
Park is nearby, and the wonderfully restored downtown area, guaranteed
to make the shopper content and satisfied. The famous Steamer Lane,
known for both surfing competitions and large, long riding swells is
a landmark spot.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS:
Santa Cruz Symphony Orchestra
Cabrillo Music Festival in August
Seabright/Castle Beach
Lick Observatory
Santa Cruz Sport fishing
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural Art
Mystery Spot
Santa Cruz Chorale
by: Carla Iacovetti
©2006Carla Iacovetti
