Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz harbor

I’ve been to Santa Cruz a few times over the past 10 years and been fortunate to stay in several different places. If you’re planning a trip down, you may consider checking-out Air-B-n-B because then you can have the amenities of home and your own space. If you’re staying for less than a week, I recommend a hotel.

Some of my family rent a place for the month of July (they’ve been doing this for the past 20+ years). Having the ability to cook your own food, do laundry, and be able to relax in the living room make having you own place worth it, but be prepared: rentals in Santa Cruz can be pretty pricy if you want to be even remotely close to the water.

While you here, here are a few places you must visit:

• Donnelly Chocolates - I’m not a big chocolate fan, but this place may have changed my mind. Everything is fresh. The Scotch malt balls are a must to try.

• Aldos Bakery and Cafe - a great little place to grab breakfast or brunch and enough the view of the marina. Their Bloody Marry is delicious.

• The Crow’s Nest - A fun place to grab dinner or lunch; right on the water.

As for housing, I’ve stayed a two different hotels during my stays.

• The Dream Inn Santa Cruz - This is my most stayed hotel. The rooms are pricy, but your room can overlook the ocean and, if you like, leave the balcony door open to hear the waves crash against the beach as you drift to sleep and waking-up.

• Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection - I only looked at this hotel because it was in the Marriott family (my preference of hotels). It was great for sleeping—I got back to my room around 8pm nightly and out the door around 8am as I was visiting family at their beach house during the day. The place has a nice pool and as long as you’re fine with sharing it like sardines in a can, you’ll love it.