West Cliff Drive in the Winter

Winter time in Santa Cruz, California supplies some of the most beautiful (and crisp!) days with blue skies and low temperatures. West Cliff Drive is a top spot for locals and tourists alike, for obvious reasons. The six-mile round trip sidewalk (spanning from the Dream Inn to Natural Bridges) provides some of the best views of the Monterey Bay, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Municipal Wharf. Along the way, you will see the world famous point break surf spot Steamer Lane, the state beach and butterfly grove Natural Bridges, and a dozen more hidden coves and beaches.

Also, West Cliff Drive includes some of the most impressive houses in Santa Cruz, each with a unique charm and unobstructed ocean views. While the walk can feel crazy packed during the summer season, it's refreshingly spacious during these winter months — just remember to bundle up to fight the cold winds! Passing time while walking & talking with friends down West Cliff is a weekly activity for me. It always reminds me why I love my hometown so much!