Walk (or rent a beach cruiser for) the clifftop path past lighthouse, surf breaks, and Natural Bridges before the crowds — the walk that shows you what Santa Cruz actually is.
What to expect
Starting near the Municipal Wharf, the path hugs the cliff edge past Lighthouse Point (home to a small surfing museum), the arches at Natural Bridges State Beach, and dozens of informal lookout benches locals use daily. Surfers, pelicans, and the occasional sea otter raft are constant companions. It ends, if you go far enough, at Natural Bridges' tidepools.
Good to know
Go early morning for the clearest light and thinnest crowds; rent a cruiser bike from a shop near the wharf if you want to cover the whole stretch and still have time for lunch downtown.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Santa Cruz — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.