Hailed as one of California’s best beach cities, Santa Crux is attractive both to locals and international travelers. What makes Santa Cruz so special, you might ask. Other places have sunny weather and excellent beaches too. Of course, this is true, but what sets Santa Cruz apart from other travel destinations is the unique atmosphere, proximity to natural areas, and a touch of historic charm. It’s hard to find this combination in other places, so take advantage of Santa Cruz’s singular appeal and come here for your next vacation.
To prepare for your trip, take a look at travel photography packages to ensure the important moments of your trip will be preserved for you to remember in photographs. With the help of a photographer from Localgrapher, you can be sure that the important memories you make while on vacation won’t be forgotten.
For many travelers, destination number one in Santa Cruz are the beaches. Main Beach and Cowell Beach are two of the most popular choices, which both enjoy a sunny, Mediterranean climate perfect for swimming in the beautiful Pacific waters or sun bathing on the golden sand. Right next to Main Beach is another one of Santa Cruz’s most popular activities: the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk which is considered one of the top seaside amusement parks worldwide. People of all ages and interests can find something to enjoy here. Adrenaline seekers will have no shortage of fast and thrilling rides, and smaller children can have fun with the smaller, age-appropriate rides. There are plenty of carnival games and activities, perfect for solo travelers or a fun family outing, and plenty of options for places to eat from fancy sit-down restaurants to ice cream stands. You can easily fill a day or two with fun and delight at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.
In addition to the beaches, many people also come to Santa Cruz for the amazing natural areas. Photographers in Santa Cruz can’t miss the Natural Bridges State Beach, known for its incredible naturally made rock arches and formations. It’s a picture-perfect place, with chances to view several species of seabirds as well as whale migrations during certain parts of the year.
Another amazing natural place to visit is the university-maintained Santa Cruz Arboretum and Botanic Garden, located in the Santa Cruz mountains overlooking the city. Across the 145 acres there are a variety of plants and soil types, displaying different microclimates of the region around Santa Cruz as well as some international species. It’s a great opportunity for an educational experience, as well as a way to explore the natural beauty of California.
City lovers can enjoy the downtown area of Santa Cruz, which is known as being a safe and pleasant place to be out and enjoy the atmosphere. The tree-lined streets and vibrant cultural scene make it a perfect place for vacation photographers to get some iconic shots of the city. Shoppers can browse both big brand-name stores, as well as local boutiques and one-of-a-kind shops found only in Santa Cruz. After a day of souvenir shopping and photos, you can enjoy a meal at one of the numerous downtown restaurants, many of which have open-air dining to better enjoy the perfect climate of Santa Cruz.
With so many wonderful things to explore and do, having good vacation photographs is a priority when visiting Santa Cruz. Whether you’re traveling alone, as a group of friends, as sweethearts, or with the whole family, Santa Cruz is bound to be a place of unforgettable experiences.