Day road trip Santa Cruz to Pacifica, California

[Stumpy]

I took the missus on a day road trip along the Pacific Ocean coastline and to have some lunch. We started in Santa Cruz, Stopped in Davenport, Ano Nuevo, Half Moon Bay then Pacifica. We stopped at many vista points and quite a few beaches.



Stopped for a walk. This is about 6 miles North of Santa Cruz. We went down to the beach.



Nice private beach area just before Davenport



A quick stop at a Bend in the Cabrillo Hwy.



So many incredible tide pools teaming with marine life.



Lighthouse point



Was beautiful day out.



Just past Ano Nuevo



The Missus was in awe of the coast line. Every stop was a great view.



Half Moon Bay harbor. We bought a few freshly caught Dungeness crabs. Enjoyed lunch at a little grotto on the pier and headed a bit further to Pacifica then back to San Jose.

[wasabi]

Nice,peaceful and quiet.

[crocman]

Top pics mate.A beautifully rugged coastline.

[Loombucket]

You have captured some nice pictures and some serious rocks there JPPR2! Love the lighthouse, always wanted to live in one, as a kid.

[Boon Mee]

Beautiful pictures JP!

Northern California beaches are a stark contrast to those from say San Luis Obispo and on down to the Mexican border.

[aging one]

One of my very favorite rides in the world. Thanks a million for the shots.

[Humbert]

Used to spend a lot of time back in the day at Wadell Creek windsurfing. Good pics!

[aging one]

put up the board walk if you have some shots.

[Humbert]

^Geez! That's the 80's. I don't have anything left from back then let alone pics.

[Stumpy]

put up the board walk if you have some shots.

Funny, growing up on Westcliff drive I never took any pictures on this trip but I will on the next trip. I plan on something heading south catching Capitola, Crows Nest at the Harbor, Moss landing etc.

I will say The Boardwalk has not changed all that much. The Big Dipper is still there(I took her on it). The Arcade is still at the far north end. They have added a few newer tech rides but all the old school stuff is still there.

BTW, Steamers lane is still a hoppin place to surf. As I walked with the the missus out there showing her where I grew up I had a huge urge to grab a board and suit and catch a few. The seals were still barking at Seal Rock around the point.

I want to take her to Natural Bridges soon to see the Monarch Butterfly migration....That is a pretty awesome sight.

[ltnt]

Nice job JPPR, I hate you! I had a great life when I lived in Santa Cruz. Be sure to take your GF to see the Monarch butterflies at the end of Westcliff during their migration season. Do the Redwood train ride if you get the chance.

Take some photos of Downtown and the walking street. Zak's for breakfast is always a good starter.

[aging one]

Not the best shot but you get the idea. 6 years ago on the board walk.

[Stumpy]

Here are some pics from early this year



Just south of Steamers lane



Heading towards Natural Bridges



Starting the "Cruise" at the boardwalk. I used to cruise this every Friday night in my 1969 RS Z/28 Camaro back in High School. It was wicked fast and I made lot of money street racing as we raced out at "4Lanes" in Davenport. My Dad used to go to watch me. Great times.



Looking back towards the "Dream Inn" and Santa Cruz Municipal pier.

[Stumpy]

Take some photos of Downtown and the walking street. Zak's for breakfast is always a good starter.

Remember the Catalyst? Fun place and lots of good bands passed through there( Carlos Santana, Journey, Doobie Brothers, Eagles, Joe Walsh )..HAHA

[ltnt]

^Yes, great times there. Always were good musicians coming through. Somehow its all a blurrrrr.