I will be traveling with my 9 1/2 yr old daughter, her first time on a plane or to the ocean or Cali. She would love to see Dolphins or whales or something like that. Any suggestions on plans we should make while we are out there? We will be staying with a relative a couple of blocks from the boardwalk. We have a limited amount of spending money while we are there. Any suggestions?
2006-06-11 17:52:17 · 8 answers · asked by tumnjun 2 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ San Jose
There are quite a few "kid friendly" AND wallet "friendly" things to do and see in Santa Cruz and the surrounding area.
While the Boardwalk is a huge attraction,and is FREE to enter though it can also be costly if you eat (pack a picnic and eat on the beach) there and decide to go on the rides.. You can purchase wrist bands for unlimited rides & a couple attractions or just for rides. Tickets are available for extra rides or if you only want to ride a couple without the expense of a day pass. You can normally find discount tickets locally (have your relatives check for you now) through grocery stores, sometimes through Pespi (on the back of the can) andthrough AAA's.
Other kid friendly things to do are to take a ride on the Roaring Camp Railroad (in Felton).It's an old steam engine that goes through the Redwoods with a docent telling you what you're seeing and what the train wasused for back in the 1800's.
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (in Monterey) has a multitude of things to see and do from hiking to whale watching.
The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park features one of our California Missions. Mission Santa Cruz was settled in 1791 and is a great palce to seek out a little history especially if your child is or has studied the CA Missions in school.
The Santa Cruz Mystery Spot is one place that I would say is a must see for any age!It's a vortex of craziness that hasn't really changed since the day it opened 65 plus years ago. You'll leave wonding "how can that be?"
Whale watching can be seen from the coast line depending on the time of year. You can also go out on a chatered whale watching boat from various location up and down the coast.
There's tons of things to see and do aside from the actual SantaCruz/Capitola/Monterey area. If you drive further north on Highway 1, stop in the Half Moon Bay area though traffic can be a bear right now due to the closure of Devil's Slide.
Remember that while we're known for sun and fun in CA, Santa Cruz is on the coast which means bring a sweatshirt with you at all times. Once the fogs lifts, it's awesome though not always as warm as it looks.
About all, enjoy your trip. Pick up a free guide of what to do and see at any local store. Take advantage of the 2 for 1 coupons and the freebies around town such as music at the Mall and things such as that.
Above all, enjoy your safe and be safe!
2006-06-12 05:56:36 · answer #1 · answered by Travelers2 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Traveler 2, lots of great info...
If you'd like to just hang out at a nice beach, ask about 4-mile, it's very scenic and mellow, away from the crowds.
There are beautiful Redwoods there too.
I think the thrift stores in Santa Cruz are way neat, fun to trip around.
No whales or dolphins, but there are the sea lions at the end of the pier - there's also a nice museum, but I forget what it's called, your relatives will be able to tell you.
Have a wonderful time in Santa Cruz!!!!
Oh yes, I believe the Garlic Festival is happening the end of July, but that can get pretty pricey... maybe not the thing for a 9 year old, but if you can get away, it's wonderful to walk around and see.
2006-06-20 17:52:21 · answer #2 · answered by LittleFreedom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Santa Cruz is not the California you see in the movies. It's likely to be cold...way colder than you expect. No whales-wrong season. Plenty sharks. I recommend staying out of the water-which is freezing and you will need a wetsuit-since your daughter has no knowledge of how to read waves. If it's warm day, the beach behind the Boardwalk is good.
Definitely check out the Redwoods. If you have transportation, go to Monterrey. There is a nice moderate beach across from McDonalds on Del Monte Avenue. Don't miss Dennis the Menace Park, kinda behind the McDonalds, but across the street. That aquarium will cost $.
2006-06-14 08:22:57 · answer #3 · answered by limendoz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seymour Marine Discovery Center in Santa Cruz
Visit a working marine laboratory. Exhibit halls, aquarium, touch tanks, tours to marine mammal research overlook, Ocean Discovery Shop, and unsurpassed vistas of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Hold a sea star — marvel at the world's largest whale skeleton — think like a scientist!
Days and Hours
Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM
Sunday, noon to 5 PM
Closed Monday
(831) 459-3800
2006-06-12 12:28:15 · answer #4 · answered by truckee_dark 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take her to the Boardwalk! then go down to Monterey and check out the Aquarium, Then back into Santa Cruz to Pacific Ave and check out our Hippies, then into Felton and check out Roaring Camp. Take her hiking in the mountain, Like Nisene Marks in Aptos, There is a heck of alot to do here in the 831.
Jump on a whale watching boat out of Santa Cruz Harbor or Moss Landing. Hang out at the beaches and chill.
Have fun in my Home Town area of the 831 oh yeah don't forget to check out the Mystery Spot !
2006-06-12 03:32:29 · answer #5 · answered by Magikmann 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
-Beach Boardwalk
-Monterey Bay Aquarium
-Roaring Camp Railroads
(Located in the mtns, this train offers 3 or 1 hr. rides through the forest)
-Santa Cruz Surf Museum
(minimal cost)
2006-06-23 14:50:58 · answer #6 · answered by crunkmyfunk5 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We did this whale watching cruise on the 4th of July and actually still saw whales.
http://www.montereywhalewatching.com/
The crew was fantastic ... as was the food.
Have fuN!
2006-06-21 08:45:59 · answer #7 · answered by bigred1_Y2K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Travelers2 is right on the money
2006-06-19 13:15:49 · answer #8 · answered by ♥monamarie♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋