Waves and wonders
To many, Santa Cruz is quintessential California—a Central Coast gem renowned for breathtaking natural beauty, easygoing culture and legendary breaks that helped shape surf history. Framed by towering redwoods on one side and the sparkling Pacific Ocean on the other, this vibrant town blends outdoor adventure with creative charm.
I found no shortage of unique locations and activities to enjoy—whether hiking among ancient trees, sipping wine from a local vineyard or exploring the quirky shops and cafes that give downtown its unmistakable character. For meeting and event planners, Santa Cruz offers not just venues, but a full-on sensory experience steeped in authenticity, positivity and that signature California cool.
Meet and Stay
Chaminade Resort & Spa served as a fabulous launchpad for my Santa Cruz adventure, with its stunning grounds, beautifully updated meeting spaces and top-tier services. Since its construction at the turn of the 20th century, the historic property has served over the years as a summer home, monastery and boys’ school before becoming a hotel in 1985 and wowing guests ever since.
Uniquely positioned not only for meetings and events but also team-building and wellness retreats, the property includes over three miles of hiking trails, a luxurious spa and a seemingly daunting ropes course that I navigated in triumph alongside members of the Chaminade team.
Eat
Chaminade is also the home of The View Restaurant and Bar, aptly named as it overlooks Santa Cruz and the Pacific. Some of my can’t-miss menu recommendations are lightly battered calamari with Habanero aioli, fried chili and lemon, as well as the delectable (but not overly heavy) chicken and waffles.
I also had the great fortune of visiting Shadowbrook in nearby Capitola, a legendary dining establishment that features a “hillavator,” an inclined elevator installed in 1958 that ferries guests from the top of a hill down to the restaurant below (and back again). Aside from the exquisite menu, the restaurant’s labyrinthine layout with multiple dining rooms spread across five levels offers a distinct ambiance, from the glass-enclosed Greenhouse Room to the Fireside Room with its hanging balcony. A notable feature is a century-old cypress tree that grows through the roof of one dining area, carefully preserved and integrated into the building’s design.
Experience
No trip to Santa Cruz would be complete without a waterside tour of the bay, so I hopped aboard with Chardonnay Sailing Charters, where I gloried in a gorgeous sunset and a front-row seat to some of the best surfing California has to offer.
Another absolute must is the world-famous Santa Cruz Boardwalk, where I zipped and soared on the Giant Dipper, an historic wooden rollercoaster first opened in 1924. Rides aside, the boardwalk also includes a dazzling array of dining options to suit any tastebuds.
For those searching for an active and efficient way to see Santa Cruz, an e-bike tour by iRide California is just the ticket. Within minutes, I was able to explore can’t-miss landmarks, stunning cliffsides and legendary Pacific Avenue, lined with shopping and dining options. If your group prefers a craft activity,
The Little Shop of Horticulture offers great workshops such as creating floral wreaths and designing succulent arrangements.
