Santa Cruz Town
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Positives
- Wide swell window
- Spot variety
- Frequently offshore
- Convenient and easy
- Easy access and lodging
Negatives
- Cold water year-round
- Extremely crowded
- No south wind spots
- Great white sharks
Santa Cruz Town surf travel guide
Two California beach towns are forever squabbling over the right to each call themselves “Surf City.” Huntington Beach has miles of ho-hum beachbreak surf and plenty of people, but Santa Cruz has a huge variety of surf spots and perhaps the finest set-up of any zone on the West Coast. Hence, plenty of surfers. Situated just inside the northern point of the half circle of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz enjoys all the benefits of a southern exposure, yet W, NW, and N swells wrap into the town and fire on several reefs, points, and beachbreaks. For surfers, the rocky green coastline around Santa Cruz is a cold-water paradise that more than deserves the title Surf City. Situated about 120km (75mi) south of San Francisco, Santa Cruz has a somewhat unique beach-town vibe but rampant gentrification and an increasing population. Millions live in the Bay Area cities to the north and east.
Surf spots in Santa Cruz Town
Research the 15 surf breaks in Santa Cruz Town and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in Santa Cruz Town.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Santa Cruz Town
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Santa Cruz Town.
It is like a tsunami! Storm waves in Santa Cruz, California, flood a beach and cause big damage
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Visas
Due to Covid there are special restrictions so it is essential to check the latest news before booking any trip. Normally most Europeans, Aussies, Kiwis and Japanese are part of the Visa waiver program so do not need a visa to enter the USA for up to 90 days, but they do need to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) which costs US$14.
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta.
Other nationalities need to check as the rules are constantly being adjusted.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_the_United_States
Getting There
Most international flights land in LAX (7hrs drive to Santa Cruz), or San Francisco (2hrs drive).
Getting Around
Public transport is bad. If you can’t rent a car, stay in Santa Cruz on the West Side. Rental cars start about $160/w. You need to be over 21. The road systems can be confusing, but are fairly efficient.
Accommodation
There are dorm rooms (Carmelita Cottage) for around $30, but a motel room by the beach is $70-250 (Super 8, Dream Inn, Coastview Inn, Motel 6, Pacific Blue). There are dozens of options. Fast food is cheap ($10-15/meal), but restaurants are pretty expensive. Try the locally grown artichokes.
Activities
Visit the Lighthouse Surf Museum or the Shakespeare Santa Cruz Museum. Tour the university or hike in the redwoods. Take a stroll along the Wharf or the beach boardwalk. Santa Cruz has some cool nightlife, ranging from dive bars to proper nightclubs; check out the Catalyst, Moe’s Alley, Motiv, Blue Lagoon, etc. The Swift/Ingalls Street Courtyard is a hip hangout with lots of shops and eateries.
Hazards & hassles
Prepare to encounter lots of other water users. Some rock hazards and steep trails or stairs to beaches. To the south in Monterey Bay there is usually less crowd pressure and also north of town, but beware of white sharks and wind. If it rains much, rivermouth beaches can become polluted, but the sandbanks can be good (rare).
Handy Hints
There are plenty of surf shops like the O’Neill HQ on 41st Ave. Arrow, Haut, Freeline, Sawyer, etc. A new shortboard is around $700; you’ll need a gun in the winter for tackling juicy rights. As a beginner, go to Richard Schmidt or Club Ed surf schools. Longboarding and SUP are popular.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.