Families Can Unwind Together in Santa Cruz County, Familieswhere Kid-Friendly Beaches and Fun Attractions Can Make Today’S Vacation Tomorrow’S Precious Memory
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3-Day Itinerary for Families can unwind together in Santa Cruz County, Familieswhere kid-friendly beaches and fun attractions can make today’s vacation tomorrow’s precious memory. GETTING HERE: Arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and drive approximately 70 miles/113 km south to Santa Cruz County (recommended: drive via Scenic Highway 1 – Pacific Coast Highway). Boardwalk was named “Best Seaside and a behind-the-scenes peek at the Amusement Park,” in the world by lab’s facilities and Younger Lagoon Spend the day at Roaring Camp Rail- amusement industry experts. Ride the Natural Reserve. Or check out the roadsDay in Felton One and take a nostalgic ride Giant Dipper, a vintage wooden roller admission-free Monterey Bay National through the redwood trees of the Santa coaster that has thrilled visitors for Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center. Cruz Mountains aboard a vintage steam over 90 years. And take a spin on one Nearby, Natural Bridges State Beach locomotive. Stroll along the “town” of seventy-three hand-carved horses is an ideal place for tidepool explora- with old west storefront facades. Enjoy on the famous Looff Carousel, built in tion. Bring your binoculars for seasonal dinner on the Santa Cruz Wharf at any 1911 as they prance proudly to the music visits to this picturesque spot, home of a number of family-friendly restau- from two beautiful antiques, the park’s to California’s only state park butterfly rants. At the end of the Santa Cruz original 342-pipe Ruth band organ and preserve. Each fall marks the return of Wharf, watch the lumbering sea lions a showy Wurlitzer 165 band organ. Opt thousands of monarch butterflies that suddenly acquire a ballerina’s grace for a self-guided walking tour of the spend their winters in a protected grove the moment they hit the water. Stop Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s nearly inside the park. Or head over to the by Abbott Square in Downtown Santa 20 points of interest. Indulge in Board- Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Cruz, a vibrant, creative public space walk fare with all- American corn dogs, a sweet spot for little ones. Pick your where community events and hands-on funnel cakes and cotton candy (hey, it’s own berries and apples at local farms, interactive exhibits draw children and your vacation!). OVERNIGHT IN SANTA CRUZ or take a picnic lunch to the grounds families. Unwind at the Capitola Mall, COUNTY of the Agricultural History Museum in where family-friendly activities are Watsonville, where educational exhibits always on tap. OVERNIGHT IN SANTA CRUZ chronicle the history of local agriculture COUNTY throughout the past 150 years. DEPART Young marine biologists will enjoy the SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SeymourDay Marine Three Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab, on Santa Cruz’s VVisit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Westside. Explore the touch tanks and setDay along Santa Two Cruz’s Main Beach and aquariums, or take a docent-led tour adjacent to the wharf. The legendary Visit Santa Cruz County • 303 Water Street, Suite 100, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 • 800.833.3494 • www.visitsantacruz.org.