Patch Picks: Five Spring Break Staycations

From the throngs of beach and boardwalk-goers coming from the Central Valley, to the international travelers who heard about this place somewhere and decided to visit, locals understand why Santa Cruz is prime vacation land.

But what do the locals, working hard just to live in this beloved seaside town, do for spring break? The majority fall into the same leisure-patterns as always: putting your toes in the sand of your favorite beach or hanging out drinking mimosas in the same backyard all Sunday. It's a glorious way to seize the day off.

Let's face it: the same majestic redwood forests, miles of coastline, and ocean sports that attract tourists, make this a fertile "staycation" ground for locals. Below are five staycation ideas to get you started.

1. Kayak Connection down at the Santa Cruz Harbor is the hub for stand-up paddle-board rentals (you know it looks fun) and sea kayak rentals, lessons and tours. It also rents out boogie boards and wet suits. For those looking for a day trip, a little bit south down the coast, Kayak Connection’s other office is in Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing, where the bird and marine life are bountiful. Call or pop into the office to ask about any rental deals that may be coming up this month—there are occasional two-for-one deals and discounted tours. Each office is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. For more information, call 831-479-1121 (Santa Cruz Harbor) or 831-724-5692 (Elkhorn Slough). 

2. The 65’ Team O’Neill Catamaran is a familiar site to most locals, but how many have actually gone out on it for a spin around Monterey Bay? I was surprised to find that one-hour sailing excursions are only $20, and 90-minute sails are $30. Considering the awesomeness of being on a giant Catamaran in the middle of Monterey Bay, this is a small and worthy sum. Check out the O’Neill Yacht Charters website for the weekend sailing schedule, and to see the special holiday sails planned for the summer of 2011. Or, call 831-475-1561.

3. The Santa Cruz Experience wine tours is your connection to all things vino: information on local wine classes, private and shared tours, and helpful descriptions and tasting fee listings for an impressive 32 different wineries in about a hundred-mile radius from Santa Cruz. According to Staycations.com, a free lunch is offered to all SC County residents on tours. Call 831-421-9883 for more information on wine tasting tours. 

4. OK, now for a staycation idea that last a little longer than a morning or afternoon. You may be familiar with the Davenport Roadhouse restaurant up Highway 1 a bit in Davenport. Aside from the Taco Tuesday deal, $30 fixed-price dinner menu for two (a killer-sounding deal), as well as happy hour deals all week, the Inn offers a cozy and luxurious place to lay your head for a night or two. Special rates on ocean view rooms are offered on Mondays through Thursdays, ranging from $80-$130. Massages are available and so is breakfast in bed for an added $20. The Davenport Roadhouse is about 15 minutes out of Santa Cruz. For more information, call 831-426-8801.

5. Santa Cruz Bike Tours are a great way to entertain say, a sister or cousin, from out of town. The tours include the bike, helmet, water, snacks, binoculars and handlebar bags for anything else you may need. The tours are offered on the many scenic trails that run through Santa Cruz County’s forests and coastline. Santa Cruz locals get $15 off tours and $10 off if you use your own bicycle and helmet. Finish your bike ride off with a beer at Seabright Brewery, the “official brewery of Santa Cruz Bike Tours.” All fitness levels are accommodated. Call 831-722-BIKE for more information on the various tours that are available. 

In researching the cutely named “staycation,” I found one Santa Cruz-based blog that has gotten this local's mini-vacation-without-leaving idea off to a good start.