STEAMER LANE: The point where talented
surfers shoot the curl, look for that perfect wave and is a legendary
surf spot located in front of Lighthouse Point. Steamer Lane is home
to the famed O’Neill Cold Water Classic Surf competition each
fall, where fearless surfers from around the world gather to compete
for notable prizes. A perfect spot for long boarding, as the waves break
far out.
There are other ways to enjoy oneself at
Steamer Lane besides surfing. Skim boards, boogie boards, surf kayaking
and kite boarding are all very popular activities at this beach. Essentially,
there is something for everyone. Not only is Steamer Lane the place
for hosted surf competitions, the World Surf Kayaking Championships
are held there each spring.
CLIMATE: Moderate temperatures with occasional
fog and rain in winter months. Layered clothing is always recommended.
ACTIVITIES: Surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking,
wind surfing, surf kayaking, walking, bird watching, whale watching,
sun bathing.
A favored attraction located right at Steamer Lane, is the Santa Cruz
Surfing Museum in California, which traces 100 years of surfing history.
Surfboards ranging from the early, heavy redwood "planks"
to today’s lighter, high-tech designs are on display here. Visitors
can also see some of the first wetsuits ever made.
There are wonderful photos - taken from the early 1930s on through today
- that showing the gutsy surfers who challenge the wild sea by riding
its waves. Continuous videos show the ever-changing styles of surfing.
A gift shop within the lighthouse-style museum gives visitors an opportunity
to purchase T-shirts, sweatshirts, books and posters related to the
sea and to surfing. The museum is open from 12PM to 4PM, six days a
week (closed Tuesdays).
LOCAL FLAVORS: Blocks from downtown Santa Cruz, is the famous year round
Amusement park, “Beach Boardwalk,” or the “Mystery
Spot,” is a place that will thrill. There is also a wide array
of shopping and dining in the renovated historic downtown. Plenty to
do and plenty to see while visiting this “surf city,” a
Northern California hot spot!
OTHER ATTRACTIONS:
- Santa Cruz Wharf
- Memorial Lighthouse Museum
- Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
- Santa Cruz Symphony Orchestra
- Santa Cruz Mission
- Historic Victorian Neighborhood Tour
- Cabrillo Music Festival/First week in August
by: Carla Iacovetti
©2006Carla Iacovetti
