If you're going to Santa Cruz, you'd be foolish to look elsewhere. Troy's place is a real gem, hidden in a secluded and quiet spot just behind his own house. It's a block back from the best beach in the area which seems to be populated by super friendly locals rather than by tourists. However, if you're looking for more of a tourist scene, Capitola and the Santa Cruz boardwalk are moments away. We walked to the beach each day and took the chairs and boogie boards provided by our hosts. We watched whales, seals and birds feeding - you could sit on the beach all day just watching. We BBQ'd in the evenings and sat around the fire pit. The house also has a fantastic outdoor shower which is so useful for washing away the sand of the beach. We couldn't have loved this place more. Missing it already. If you don't want to BBQ yourself - get a takeout from Coles BBQ just up the street. Fantastic!