2013 February Travel: USA – Santa Cruz, California

You’ve probably read in previous posts that I got my US Visa this year and took the opportunity to visit my relatives there. I was so thankful to my mom that she referred me to their travel agent. So when I got a promo ticket to San Francisco priced at $750 roundtrip via PAL, I didn’t hesitate and booked at once.

Luggage Carts in San Francisco Airport (SFO)

This got to be my 2nd trip that I flew by myself to another country. The first one was when I went to Sydney, Australia for a business trip last 2010. I felt mixed emotions every time I fly alone. The feeling of independence was definitely there but the urge of sharing the experience to a friend, getting excited and laughing together is certainly missed.

The limousine driver who was so welcoming with my name “Anne” supposed to be. Hahaha!

Unlike my other travels, I don’t really have a strict itinerary on hand. The only thing I wanted to do is visit my relatives, friends and of course Disneyland and Universal Studios! That’s it. I’m a theme park addict so these places will let the child in me be the happiest again.

Finally arrived at the SFO Airport after 13 hours of fly time.

This USA travel post would probably have lots of pictures with minimal words. I know some prefer more text but some loves to see pictures of new places. I’m one of them. I might give you wrong information if I continue to write about my not so planned travel. So just feast yourself with lots of images.

Santa Cruz (pron.: /ˈsæntə ˈkruːz/, Spanish: Holy Cross) is the county seat and largest city of Santa Cruz County, California in the US. It is located in Northern California As of the 2011 U.S. Census, Santa Cruz had a total population of 60,049.

Santa Cruz is best known to Californians and others for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, since 1907 a popular seaside amusement park, the Coconut Grove ballroom (“The Grove”), and seafood restaurants and cafes. – Wikipedia

Let’s start with the nearby sights that can be found just by walking from where I stayed:

With my aunt in Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz plus the surfers at the sea!
Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz, California

Pleasure Point is a world renowned surf location. I honestly remembered Australia during that time. Surf’s up!

Surf’s Up! Suit up!

Mind you, the temperature that time was 15 degrees Celsius! It was really cold for me since I came from a tropical country. So imagine my astonishment seeing the people suit up and enjoy the waves.

Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz, California
First Jump Shot in the USA! hahaha!
Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz, California

The Village at Capitola is another spot near our place. It’s about 10-15min walking distance. This place I remembered Manly in Australia! Hahaha! Seriously it’s very similar. People are laid back compared to those who are in Los Angeles! The place is so quiet and quaint houses everywhere. A relaxing place for someone who needs a vacation like me!

The Village at Capitola
On my way to the Village and thought it was cold so I was wearing my leggings. I took it off afterwards, you’ll see. 🙂
Capitola Wharf where people go fishing!
Capitola Wharf
The Village at Capitola
Italian inspired hotes near the beach!
Commercial stores at The Village
Surf shop at The Village
Cherry Blossom tree at Capitola
The locals having a good time coz the weather was great that day!
Capitola by the Sea with me without the leggings! hahaha!
The Village at Capitola
Capitola Wharf

Another famous destination here is the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. I really have to separate all about this Boardwalk experience as I have so many pictures to share with you. For now, that’s Santa Cruz, California!

Have you been in Santa Cruz?
What’s your favourite spot?

 

Travel Agent:
SPA Travel & Tours
Unit 411 4/F Vareb Bldg., 1679 A. Mabini cor Malvar St., Ermita, Manila
Tel. (632) 5365861 / 3026583-84 / 381-5399
Tel/Fax. (632) 5368477
Email: spaholidays@pldtdsl.net / spatrvl_mnl@yahoo.com


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *