• USA Guide

  • Introduction to the USA
  • Weather
  • Things not to miss
  • Getting around
  • Money
  • Entry requirements
  • Public holidays

• Explore USA

  • The Mid-Atlantic
  • New England
  • The Great Lakes
  • The Capital Region
  • The South
  • Florida
  • Louisiana
  • Texas
  • The Great Plains
  • The Rockies
  • The Southwest
  • California
  • The Pacific Northwest
  • Alaska
  • Hawaii

• Cities

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  • Montgomery
    
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  • New Orleans
    
  • New York
    
  • Oklahoma City
    
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  • Philadelphia
    
  • Phoenix
    
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  • Rocky Mountain National Park
    
  • Salt Lake City
    
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  • Santa Fe
    
  • Seattle
    
  • St Louis
    
  • St Paul
    
  • Tampa
    
  • Tucson
    
  • Washington DC
    
  • Yellowstone National Park
    

USA Guide

California

Santa Cruz

• Accommodation
• Eating
• Nightlife

In many ways the quintessential California beach town, Santa Cruz, 75 miles south of San Francisco, is sited at the foot of thickly wooded mountains beside a clean sandy beach. With a strong leftover 1960s vibe, it's also surprisingly untouristy: no hotels spoil the miles of coastline, and roadside stands are more likely to sell apples or sprouts than postcards and trinkets.