"Santa Cruz, ideal for a Northern Cali stay" Santa Cruz by 78Eva

I had an absolutely beautiful week in Santa Cruz. We were actually going to go for San Francisco, but then decided to stay in a smaller place after all, and just to drive into the city for a visit. Glad we did!
Santa Cruz is a beautiful little rown about an hour south of San Francisco. It's got a lovely downtown with cute restaurants and cafes, beautiful residential areas (where you just want to fanatazise about living there), and a nice beach. I found it an ideal location for trips around the area - San Francisco, Monterrey, Half Moon Bay, Big Sur, Highway 1 etc.
If you are not all about the big cities, this may be your place. It's quiet enough, yet interesting. There is a friendly relaxed atmosphere about the whole place.

• Pros:Small, interesting, pretty, not overwhelming
• Cons:nothing