Backroads & Byways of Northern California by Michele Bigley

Author:Michele Bigley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Countryman Press
Published: 2012-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

By this point, the young-uns are probably itching to get to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. For over one hundred years, this beachfront amusement park has appealed to kids of all ages. Whether you fancy riding the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster; getting dizzy on the century-old carousel; letting the munchkins drive cars, boats, and planes; playing miniature golf; dancing at Dance Dance Revolution; or just sunbathing on the sand, this collection of fun promises to enchant the entire clan.

After spending hours on the prowl for fun, wander out on the pier for a big plate of oysters and a beer at Riva Grill. Quite popular with locals, who populate the bar and then leave with heaping scoops of fresh gelato, you may have to wait for a table by the window, but you won’t regret it. Just be sure to stick with the more traditional dishes; occasionally the chef gets a touch too creative with the menu, and I always find these dishes inconsistent, unlike the grill’s fish-and-chips.

Jump back in the car for one last beach outing and follow the signs to Natural Bridges State Park. This beloved beach and nature trail shelters the annual butterfly migration that descends upon the central coast in the late fall and winter. Plus, the picturesque stretch of sand, noted for its natural rock bridge (hence the name), attracts birds, passing dolphins, and families camping out for the day. I often come here to watch the sunset over the sea—you can get great photos from the roundabout just above the parking lot.

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