CALIFORNIA
REGIONAL SECTION // SEA MAGAZINE EDITED BY STEPHANIE SHIBATA
QUICK ESCAPE
SEASIDE AMUSEMENT
AND MORE!
SANTA CRUZ IS A SLEEPY BEACH TOWN
WITH A RICH AND UNIQUE HISTORY.SANTA CRUZ EMITS A DEFINITE beach vibe. It’s a surfing hotspot, its pier is still active
and attractive, it’s close to Monterey and the San Francisco area — which means beer
and wine country — and it was recently awarded the top spot in California in the Gallup-
Healthways Community Well-Being rankings. Santa Cruz really needs to be experienced
with all five senses.SEAMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2017 CA-1FIND A BERTH
Boaters approaching Santa Cruz Harbor
will spot a classically designed lighthouse
greeting them on the breakwater. This
is the Walton Lighthouse, named after
local businessman Charles Walton, who
contributed much of the construction costs
in honor of his late brother, Derek, who was
a merchant seaman.
Guest berths are available on a first-
come, first-served basis, and overnight
rates range from $0.75/foot to $2/foot, with
a $35 minimum. Head to the harbor office(^1) , which is next to the fuel pier, to register
and pay. The harbor authorities warn boat-
ers to pay extra heed between November
and May, because the entrance to the
harbor is prone to shoaling and heavy surf.
Another famous lighthouse boaters
might spot coming in from the northeast
is Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse atop
Lighthouse Point, a popular surfing spot.