Santa Cruz Beach (California)

Copyright 2013 MM.Rogers
All rights reserved.
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  A photograph can be an instant of life captured for eternity that will never cease looking back at you. - Brigitte Bardot    

Mid-August is here. With it comes that feeling something's ending - yup, the end of summer. Getting the most out of what's left of this season, my family and I headed to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk last weekend to soak all the sun and frolic by the beach. The day trip includes a stroll down the boardwalk, sprawl by the beach, take fun iphone photos, get amused by a flock of seabirds feeding on bread crumbs, get full on a serving of huge roast turkey legs and garlic fries at the food court and of course, a visit to the nearby surf shop hoping to find an affordable long board. It was amazing to watch the surfers in their wetsuits wait patiently in cold water for pitiful small waves to ride and yet, the feeling of satisfaction's there. A day at Santa Cruz Beach is a great, cheap escape on a mild lazy afternoon. What's best of all is watching how the majestic setting sun turn the skies toasty gold, bathing us in sunshowers. 

See Half Moon Bay entry
 

Panoramic view of Santa Cruz Beach

View along West Cliff Drive

Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse

Half Moon Bay & Santa Cruz (California)

Copyright May Rogers 2012.
All rights reserved.
Photos shot using Sony A390

Find MM.Rogers Photography on Twitter

A photograph can be an instant of life captured for eternity that will never cease looking back at you. - Brigitte Bardot 

The past few weeks marked the incoming change, rain showers bringing in a brand new season. Suddenly Silicon Valley is not that sunny anymore. And if you are a sun person, the blanketing gray clouds and the cold all-day rain surely will bring you down. I'm a sun person. I mean sunny. I am bright and sunny. But I also love walks in the rain.

Last weekend though, the sun appeared. And since after we've taken advantage of the warm spring days ahead by going to the beach. The drive from San Jose to San Mateo county took about 20 minutes. The narrow road that leads to the garden was busily explored by bikers. We got to discover Half Moon Bay and revisited Santa Cruz - the beautiful turquoise beaches, the surfable waves, the exhausted seals and soon-to-be summertime hangouts for us.

Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay (California) are both quintessential summer California destinations particularly for those who surf and snorkel. Located on the northern edge of Monterey Bay, 72 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Cruz has a lot to offer starting with picturesque sunsets, entertaining rides down the boardwalk and of course, the legendary drive down Highway 1.