Santa Cruz, California, is one of the United States' rare spots that caters to every whim. Bordered on one side by tall redwoods, and on the other side by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Santa Cruz is a place where Mother Nature has chosen to display all of her talents. Santa Cruz, located 60 miles south of San Francisco, is a recreational lover's paradise. In addition to its miles of beaches, the county's state parks offer an abundance of historic redwoods, which provide shade for campers, hikers and bikers. Local wineries, located on the surrounding mountains, invite visitors to sample their products.
Tourists travel from winery to winery by bike or by car.
And an eclectic mix of retail shops and galleries line the coast, inviting visitors to explore the work of local artists. You'll get the opportunity to see a wide variety of unusual wildlife. At the Ano Nuevo State Reserve, visitors can take a guided walk to view northern elephant seals, followed by a trip to Natural Bridges for a look at bridge created entirely from the whims of nature. Climb to the top of the cliff, and you'll enjoy a bird's eye view of the region's birds, whales, seals and otters. At Lighthouse Field State Beach, you can tour an historic lighthouse which is still partially operational.