TripAdvisor ranks it as Santa Cruz’s top attractions.
Yelpers give it five stars.
The local tourism office recommends walking the entire length of it.
Many visitors describe it as the “highlight of their trip.”
In spite of all those indicators, I wasn’t all that enthusiastic about the West Cliff Drive.
After experiencing the stunning beauty of Monterey County’s coastline (Big Sur, Point Lobos, Pacific Grove), I wasn’t expecting amazing rocks formations or multi-hued cliffs.
And, Santa Cruz is famous for surfing. Right? If the waves are good, the aesthetics of the place doesn’t matter.
The West Cliff Drive is a 3 mile path connecting the Natural Bridges State Beach to the Boardwalk. It is equipped with a bike path and part of it is wheelchair accessible (the path is relatively flat).
This is confession time. I was wrong. This drive is absolutely gorgeous and I ended up impressed. I lost count of the stops I made during the short drive.
It all starts (or ends) at the Natural Bridges State Beach, famous, as the name implies, for a tall, natural arch and for being a hotspot to see Monarch butterflies during their migration.
The road then passes coves, massive headlands, colored cliffs, other arches and many surfing spots.
Between the ends of the drive, you pass thru the Lighthouse Field State Beach. The area is home to the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse which houses the world’s first surfing museum. The lighthouse is named after the surfer who died in the nearby (and famous) Pleasure Point break.
The museum has exhibits about how Hawaiian princes brought surfing to the continental United States using Santa Cruz as a spring board. Of course, you know Santa Cruz claims to be the original “Surf City USA” (disputes the title with Huntington Beach).
The path ends by reaching the Wharf and the Boardwalk.
I do not want to keep describing the drive with words. I will leave the rest to the pictures.
What is you favorite coastal drive?
Pin it for later?
Anna says
it looks a very scenic route and it’s nice that you can walk there! Still I find the Bid Sur coastline far more fascinating but it’s different because Big Sur doesn’t have urban environments!
On other notes I didn’t know that Santa Cruz was considered Surf City USA (and I only found about Huntington Beach recently)
Ruth says
Agree Big Sur is totally different. In terms of beauty, it is difficult to rival it. I am not saying that I prefer this drive. I am just saying it has a beauty that has to be considered in spite of its neighbors.
And, yes, Huntington Beach and Santa Cruz dispute the Surf City USA title.
Eileen says
The coastline is simply beautiful! Gorgeous series of images!
Enjoy your day!
Ruth says
Thanks Eileen. It was fun to discover this coastline!
image-in-ing says
Wonderful shots.
I’ve never been to a beach where there are cliffs or rocks leading to the water. I’d be impatient to get to the bottom!
Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/06/falling-water.html
Ruth says
I only had the opportunity to get to the Lighthouse Field Field Beach (but is is relatively easy to get there). However, we have a lot of beaches here in California where you have to descend thru steep cliffs.
Helena says
I loved the Big Sur which was a bit more varied. There’s beauty in most parts of a coastline! I’m visiting from #mondayescapes
Ruth says
Thansk Helena. You are right the California Coast has a lot of beautiful places. Hard to pick a favorite.
Sarah says
Amazing photos which bring back memories of when I walked part of the West Cliff Drive on a particularly windy (but sunny) day three years ago!
Ruth says
Glad to remind you of the walk. When I visited it was kind of chilly so I decided to drive. I would have loved to walk or bike.
Emily S says
Santa Cruz looks beautiful! We haven’t made it to that part of the state during our time here, but I would love to make it there one day!
Ruth says
Yes, you should go. I still have parts of the coast to discover and I didn’t have time to explore the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Sally@Toddlers on Tour says
Loving the pictures of trip down the West Coast of USA highway – it is reminding me of my time there.
Ruth says
Great! What places you visited in California?
Packing my Suitcase says
Wow this place is stunning!!! I’ve been to California before, but unfortunately didn’t have the time to go to Santa Cruz. Next time I need to go there, looks like exactly the kind of place I love 😀
Thank you for linking up with #MondayEscapes
Ruth says
California has so much to see, so, I understand why you didn’t make it to Santa Cruz. At least, you have an excuse to return ;0)
Molly says
Beautiful coastline, I love those little coves
Mollyxxx
Ruth says
I like the coves too. I am also looking for sea arches.
Muza-chan says
Lovely place…
Ruth says
Thanks!
Gin says
I’m just crazy about road trip, I love to discover a new country while driving around. This place sounds terrific, and I love your pictures !!! I’ve spent several weeks in California 2 years ago, but there is so much to see ! We checked out Yosemite, Mono lake, Lake Tahoe, LA, San Francisco and Sacramento ! I hope to be able to go back there anytime soon 🙂
Ruth says
Gin, good to know you have experienced a lot of California. From the places you mentioned on your trip, I have only been to San Francisco. I am going to Yosemite in two weeks though.
Vlad says
Amazing photos! It reminds me a lot of the scenery on the coast of Portugal, so naturally, I want to go there! 😀
Ruth says
Thanks Vlad. I have never been to Portugal but I have seen photos of the coast. I have always wanted to visit.
bettyl - NZ says
The ocean and coastline are always gorgeous, no matter where you are. Some parts remind me of New Zealand, and then some parts are quite different. I love the differences.
Ruth says
You are right. Just being close to the coast makes me happy. Interesting that you find this coast similar to some areas of New Zealand.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
It’s such a beautiful area, and I bet those houses in the background have a fantastic view. My fantasy is to one day rent a convertible and drive up the Pacific Coast Highway with the top down. On the other hand, I’d be so busy looking at the view that I might drive right off the road.
Ruth says
When you drive along the coast, you see a lot of convertibles. So, you are not the only one dreaming of that ;0) I am scared of some parts of the coast so I relay on my husband to drive those parts.
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
Drives like these are always popular for a reason, you usually just have to do them to see for yourself.
Thanks for joining in #wednesdaywanderlust this week
Ruth says
Yes, that is right. If it is highly recommended, I will definitely take a look.
Todd @ Visit50 says
I want to visit all of these!
Ruth says
I know Todd. Each of these spots are so inviting.
Paula McInerney says
It’s good when you are wrong and something exceeds your expectations. Nice one
Ruth says
This happens to me sometimes. I am working on lowering my expectations and enjoying the moment. Every moment of travel is a good moment anyway.
samiya selim says
These images are stunning! We loved the Big Sur, Montery coastline, we drove from Morro Bay to San Francisco last year, was really wonderful. The colours here are stunning, so many beautiful places around the west coast, USA!
Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard 🙂
Ruth says
I am sure you guys had a wonderful time driving the California Coast. It is truly a spectacular places. It keeps pulling me.
Julie Small says
Wow that just looks stunning. I love coastal drives and walks and living in Australia we have plenty of them. This one is now on my ever growing bucket list! Thanks for the great post 🙂
Ruth says
Julie, I know, there are many amazing places I want to visit around the world. The good thing is that there are plenty of options no matter where you are located.
Linda Bibb says
Years ago I lived in LA and was able to travel around a bit. Even so, I never had the opportunity to visit the area around Santa Cruz. It never popped up on my radar, probably because I’m not a surfer.
What made you choose this destination? TripAdvisor? Yelp?
Ruth says
Linda, I am trying to explore the entire Californian Coast little by little. Last year, we did Big Sur and part of the Monterey Peninsula. This year it was Santa Cruz’s turn. Next time, I want to hit Northern Santa Cruz County and the small towns of San Mateo County.
Anda says
Living in California I’m pretty well acquainted with this area. However, every time I read about it I want to go back for a visit. Very beautiful pictures!
Ruth says
Thanks Anda. I know how you feel. I am always torn between visiting a place I have been or going to a new place.
Jen says
You know, I’ve found that i often have to do it myself to find out why so many people like something. I think sometimes I want to avoid looking like I’m just following the crowd. The truth tends to be that so many of those places are popular for a reason.
You’ve captured some amazing vistas! Thank you for joining us for Photo Friday again this week!
Ruth says
Thanks Jen. I am the same way. I am curious by nature and prefer to find out by myself if I like a place or not.
Christa says
WOW! WOW! WOW! I would love to make that drive. When you have a chance, drive along the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. I think you will enjoy it.
Ruth says
Thanks for the recommendation. I will definitely like to explore the coast of Nova Scotia. Canada is one of my favorite countries.
Bryna says
Great photos! I love driving scenic routes when I have the chance, even if it means a longer journey! There’s nothing like driving through a beautiful place, with your favourite songs playing from your car!
Ruth says
Ha, ha. That is exactly how I like to approach the driving situation. Sometimes, I prefer to take the longer but scenic road. My husband makes sure we have good music for the trips.
Lauren says
It’s absolutely gorgeous. I love that natural archway, and all of those seals on that rock! Thanks for linking up with #WeekendWanderlust!
Ruth says
Thanks for stopping by. I do not get tired of taking sea lions and seal photos even though we have tons of them in California.
Lisa Wood says
Oh wow – look at the colour of the water, and the cliffs. I so would be stopping to take heaps of pics as well. Gorgeous.
Kinda reminds me of down in New South Wales Australia. From Kiama and then further down in Eden the cliffs are like that.
Thanks for sharing – love the pic where the Seals are sitting in the middle of the sea on the rock – looks like they are sun tanning themselves 🙂
Ruth says
I am sure the area of Australia you are describing is beautiful. Would like to go one day to drive around.
Kirralee @ Escape With Kids says
What wonderfully dramatic scenery! So beautiful! Those seals are adorable too. I love a coastal drive and particularly love the Great Ocean Road here in Australia, which I am well overdue a trip along. From #teamwanderlust
Kirralee @ Escape With Kids says
I love a coastal drive and this one looks beautiful. Such gorgeous dramatic scenery and I love those seals. I’m way overdue for another trip along the Great Ocean Road here in Australia. From #teamwanderlust
Kirralee @ Escape With Kids says
I love a coastal drive. Reading this makes me want to get back to the Great Ocean Road in Victoria (Australia) that I haven’t been to in many years. Love all those dramatic landscapes. From #teamwanderlust
Marc says
Beautiful pictures. I’ve been there and done that. I always have the nostalgia when I see these beautiful pictures. It’s time for me to take a small road trip. Thanks for sharing.