Kate Bradshaw

Visitors wade in the water at Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz, Calif., on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2023. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Bored with the Boardwalk? Here’s your guide to exploring a different side of Santa Cruz

This story was first published in The Mercury News on Aug. 7, 2023.

Nestled between sandy coastside beaches and dense redwood forests, the surfer-forward, student-friendly vibe of Santa Cruz can feel a world apart from many of the more bustling, urban Bay Area communities. But it’s only about 30 miles from downtown San José – which makes it an easy destination for the perfect summer day trip.

Of course, planning the perfect summer day trip is a subjective art. Maybe you’re artsy, outdoorsy or a foodie. Perhaps you’re a traditionalist, dedicated to experiencing tried-and-true local institutions for yourself, or maybe you’re just trying to keep the kids entertained as school looms. Perhaps something that does not involve roller coasters and funnel cake?

Consider this a choose-your-own, mix-and-match Santa Cruz adventure with 21 fantastic options.

Full story here.