Ruthie Ridley

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5 Things To Do In Santa Cruz

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Stay At A Good Hotel

Every time we go to Santa Cruz we stay at the Hyatt Place.  The location was opened up in October of last year and they have done such a beautiful job! We have been so impressed with the staff and the service every single time.  It is the best hotel we have found in the area at a very affordable price.  Not to mention, the location is very central to downtown and the boardwalk.  I can’t see us booking anywhere else when we visit for a long time.

5 Things To Do In Santa Cruz

5 Things To Do In Santa Cruz

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5 Things To Do In Santa CruzGo Boogie Boarding

Gosh, my kids had an absolute blast boogie boarding! Even though it was freezing cold  it was the most fun I have seen them have in a long time! They were out there for hours! I highly recommend pleasure point beach Santa Cruz Very family friendly.  If you have a pup you can bring them and the tide wasn’t too high! I loved it because there were so many surfers way out on the waves.  The kids loved watching them!

5 Things To Do In Santa Cruz

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5 Things To Do In Santa Cruz

Walk Down Pacific Ave

I loved this area.  So much culture, music and creativity all around.  We enjoyed all of the unique restaurants, ice cream shops and coffee spots the area had to offer.  We spent several mornings and afternoons walking up and down Pacific Ave, during our stay.  There is truly a lot to do! Including shopping! Parking is only 50 cents an hour and the area is so chill.

5 Things To Do In Santa Cruz

5 Things To Do In Santa Cruz

Visit The Abbott Square Market:

This was a gem! We were on the hunt for coffee one morning.  Ben always finds me the best coffee spots when we travel.  I am never satisfied with Starbucks on our vacations.  We stumbled across Cat and Cloud coffee which was inside the Abbot Square market.  The coffee was delicious.  We also noticed that the market had other food venues that would open up later in the day.  We were sure to come back.  Ben, myself and my father-in-law got poke and the kids got soup and pizza! All so good! It looks like the market also hosts quite a few events year round! I can’t wait to come back and see more.

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5 Things To Do In Santa Cruz

5 Things To Do In Santa Cruz

Go to Mission Hill Creamery

They have been named “America’s Top 5 Artisan Ice Cream Makers.”  All of their ice-cream is locally sourced and produced on site! We loved every bit of our experience there and their value for making and selling REAL food! A must visit!!

5 Things To Do In Santa Cruz

5 Things To Do In Santa Cruz

5 Things To Do In Santa Cruz

5 Things To Do In Santa Cruz

5 Things To Do In Santa Cruz

I always look forward to our trips to Santa Cruz.  It is easy and fun.  I love that there is something to do every single day! I hope this little guide was helpful.  I hope even more that if you are ever in the area you make it to Santa Cruz! Thank you as always for stopping by the blog! xo

 

 


Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Katie says

    I’ve never thought, “hey let’s vacation in Santa Cruz.” Well maybe I will now! IT looks like you had so much fun. I also love Hyatt HOtels! I feel like they are next gen. Marriots ya know? I’m also ALWAYS up for anything that involves an artisan creamery. YOur kids look like they’re having the time of their lives!

  3. megan says

    This looks like such a great trip! We have been wanting to travel up there. xo ~ Megan

  4. Cathy says

    How fun! I love Santa Cruz, it’s our favorite day trip during the summer. I’ll have to try the creamery, we haven’t gone there yet.

    XOXO
    cathy

  5. Torey says

    You’re making me want to take a trip girl! That hotel looks so nice and clean. x

  6. Shannon cairns says

    Such fun ideas for a trip! Ill have to keep this in mind for an upcoming family vacation.

  8. Jessica says

    This looks like one amazing trip! I love finding unique and different places to see.

  9. Gabby says

    Love this Ruthie! I am such a coffee snob on vacay. i love finding the local joints. we just got home from kauai and my kids loved surfing, body boarding and snorkerling. the ocean is just the best.

  10. Beth says

    It looks like your family had a great time there! I’ve never been to Santa Cruz, but it seems like a charming area with a lot of fun stuff to do!

  11. Logan Can says

    I’m all about going to get ice cream no matter where we are vacationing! haha That hotel looks so nice! I hope to visit Santa Cruz one day.

  12. AmberLynn says

    You can’t beat 50 cent parking! I’ve never heard of paid parking being so cheap. I’d love to visit, it looks beautiful, and there is plenty to do.

  13. Jay | Life of Creed says

    Looks like everyone had an amazing time! Hotel looks nice, I’ve only stayed at one hyatt place, but do like the hyatt brand of hotels. Thanks for sharing!

  14. sharon says

    This looks like one amazing trip! The boogie boarding and time at the beach looks especially fun.

  15. Patricia @ Grab a Plate says

    What a great spot! I’ve been to santa cruz, but it’s been waaaaay too long! Loving your photos & tips!

  16. Trina says

    Everything looks so beautiful, I would love to visit Santa Cruz one day with my family!

  17. gerome of G&D Blog says

    My husband David and I were just talking about this earlier. this place is memorable for us coz this is where we spent our first trip after we got married.

  18. Indya | The Small Adventurer says

    I’d definitely go to that ice creamery! there’s a chocolaterie/ice creamery near me and it’s always such an awesome experience when we go. It’s amazing to see so much sweetness in one place.

  21. janice says

    It looks like you really had fun there. There’s so many things to do for families. It’s definitely our kind of place to visit too.

  22. kallie says

    I think I know where I’ll visit next time I’m in CA. I LOVED all the photos

  24. Chelsea Pearl says

    I grew up going to santa cruz a lot, and these spots are all new to me! So many great things to see beyond the boardwalk.

  30. Greta says

    All of these activities look like so much fun! So nice that everything is so kid friendly!

  31. Molly says

    I haven’t ever been to Santa Cruz, but it looks like a pretty perfect summer getaway! On another note, we stayed at a Hyatt Place a couple of months ago and loved it. Hope you guys did, too!

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