Santa Cruz, CA is located thirty miles south of San Jose, on the north side of Monterey Bay.  Families seeking fun usually head to the Beach Boardwalk, the only major seaside amusement park on the West Coast. There is the cliff walk that leads north from the Boardwalk and Wharf that is perfect for strolling, along with an extensive citywide network of bike lanes and paths.

The Monterey Bay has the distinction of being a designated Ocean Sanctuary. The views all around the bay are spectacular, whales, otters, pelicans, gulls, and seals can be seen from the shore.  About an hour north of Santa Cruz is  the largest Elephant Seal breeding area in the world, (Ano Nuevo Reserve) , (seasonal access).  Your front yard is home to seals, dolphins, whales, sea otters, and many, many more ocean creatures.