What's there to do in Santa Cruz in December?

[maveric]

I've been in San Diego too long, where the beach areas are still jumping during winter. All I see now are scary lookin mexican dudes in groups, and a few college types. I'm staying by the boardwalk and most of the businesses are closed. Only three restaurants open down here. Two taco shops and the Bar&Grill at the bowling alley.
Is that all there is?
Any Santa Cruzians <?> DUers that can direct me to decent restaurants and night life?

[maveric]

1. From the lack of replies,my suspicions are being confirmed.

There aint nuthin going on here in December!

[DrDan]

2. visit the Santa Cruz Guitar Co

maker of some of the finest acoustic guitars around

http://www.santacruzguitar.com/contact/index.html

[Taverner]

3. THE HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRAIN!!!!!

Taking Tavernertoddler on this this weekend!!!

[maveric]

6. Thats right in front of my fleabag, I mean motel.

The Wharf id right here too. Is that worth seeing?

[Taverner]

12. It's ok

Better to rent a bike and bike along the coast...up to the lighthouse

[AlCzervik]

4. what about Capitola? Lots of good restaurants there.

http://www.capitolachamber.com/categ/dining.html

[Whoa_Nelly]

5. There are some attractions to check out

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g33048-Activities-Santa_Cruz_California.html

Also, get the Santa Cruz Sentinel and check the local event ads.

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/

BTW, your trip pics are great! Have taken the Hwy. 1 route many times over the years, and it always has me in awe. :hi:

[maveric]

7. I'm continuing on Rte 1 to SF tomorrow. Two days there, then Pt. Reyes.

Then Berkeley, then wherever I feel like driving to.

[AlCzervik]

8. you should check out Bodega Bay of you get a chance.

[maveric]

9. I dont know...are those damn "Birds"still there?

:silly:

[AlCzervik]

11. yes but i'll call them off for you. I actually met Tippi Hendren there

she was there for some anniversary of "The Birds", she was very nice and really lovely to look at.

[gardenista]

15. Be sure to check and see if there's anything happening at the Dance Palace

in Pt. Reyes Station. They often have interesting performances. Go to the Olema Inn for lunch, if you are in the mood for a splurge. Or if not, the Station House in Pt. Reyes Station is also good.

Take a walk on the quake trail near the Pt. Reyes Visitor Center, and see how the area shifted 20 feet in a few seconds. Amazing.

And most people don't know about the elks out at one of the furthermost points on Pt. Reyes. Worth the drive.

The whales may be passing by the lighthouse, too...

Also, when you're in SF, check out the Ferry Building if you get a chance.

Oh, and if you want to skip the fleabag motels, check tripadvisor.com before you book.

Have fun!

on edit: If you like oysters, stop at the oyster farm in Pt. Reyes, or head out to Tomales Bay and check out the oyster farms in Marshall. And the little snack shop at Drake's Beach has the best oyster stew in the world.

[Whoa_Nelly]

18. The Haight, Golden Gate Park and the Exploratorium!

http://www.sfgate.com/traveler/guide/sf/neighborhoods/haight.shtml



Golden gate Park..and more:
http://www.sftravel.com/ggpark.html


The Exploratorium...I LOVE this place!
http://www.exploratorium.edu/

[maveric]

21. Im meeting my brother in "The City" on Saturday. And we'll be doin up...

"The Haight". My hotel is in the Ocean Beach area, so we'll be taking the bus to Haight Ashbury. I love that place!

[swag]

10. Hippie chicks.

[Gormy Cuss]

13. Hey mav --- check your other Santa Cruz thread

I listed a few things to do for ya.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=4447382&mesg_id=4447589

You are so right about the seedy night scene near the Boardwalk in winter.

[maveric]

14. Cool! Thanks to all! I'm taking off in a little while.

And will check out some of the sites you've recommended.

[ET Awful]

16. I'd say go with your name and go surf Mavericks, but it doesn't really

start going off until March or so :P (although 12 foot days in December aren't unheard of).

[maveric]

17. I'm heading out to "Natural Bridges" State Park.

It looks like a pretty cool area.

[Kickin_Donkey]

19. Santa Cruz Books in the downtown ...

Pacific Avenue.

It's an independent bookstore in the best tradition. (Don't confuse it with the huge Borders on the same street; Santa Cruz Books is a few blocks north, on the right side of the street as you walk north).

There are other boutiques that may interest you, if you're into that sort of thing.

[Shine]

20. Dude, I live in the Santa Cruz mountains and I know of what I speak

Off the top o' my head, here are
My recommendations for the Santa Cruz area:

First of all, get a hold of the Good Times, which is a local entertainment weekly, it comes out on Thursdays. That'll give you ideas for restaurants, music, movies, and other sorts of activities.

You should definitely take a walk along West Cliff, overlooking the ocean, and by the Lighthouse. We take all our visiting friends there. Gorgeous!

Restaurants:
Cafe Cruz, at the end of 41st Ave. Good wines.
Crow's Nest, by the harbor. They also have live music on w/e's
Mobo Sushi
The Hindquarter Restaurant (major meat, if you're into that)
Dharma's in Capitola (a fully vegetarian restaurant)
Pearl Alley Bistro

Check out The Catalyst or Moe's Alley for live music and nightlife.

There's lots of fun and funky shopping stores along the Pacific Garden Mall.

Monterey Bay Aquarium is fantastic and beautiful

Nisene Marks State Park and Henry Cowell State Parks have great hiking

Santa Cruz Mystery Spot, off of Branciforte. Very unique place.

Roaring Camp Railroad, up in Felton, if you're into that sort of thing.

Feel free to PM me, if you'd like, and I can give you more details. Hope you have fun, whatever you end up doing!

:hi:
Shine