Santa Cruz ? a nearby summertime getaway

Santa Cruz, a cool little ocean-side town just over a couple of hours from Sacramento is a place where outdoor recreation is endless.

It?s a place where a person can get in touch with nature while being engulfed by the salty sea air and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.

This area is perfect for a weekend getaway and if you only have a day or two, here are some suggestions.

Recommended for jogging

For the fitness buff, (those who like to start their day off with a jog), a beach high on the list is Seacliff State Beach.

In a grove of Eucalyptus trees, on a bluff above this beach, there is a beautiful spot that provides a stunning view of Monterey Bay.

The state beach also offers the jogger miles of running space on one of the most scenic beaches around, but watch out for the occasional unclad bather who rushes to the surf au natural.

Hiking, walking and lollygagging

For the hiker and nature-loving wanderer, there are countless delightful hiking trails, everything from ocean-side trails to waterfall hikes in the redwoods.

The Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, a linear urban park that winds around along the Monterey Peninsula shoreline for 29 miles, provides plenty of spectacular coastal views and numerous shoreline access points for a close encounter with the Pacific. Whether walking, jogging, roller-blading or biking, the opportunity for experiencing a rare moment of serendipity awaits.

Currently, the trail links Pacific Grove to the city of Marina, but soon it will link Point Lobos State Reserve with the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge.

A beautiful waterfall worth hiking to is Sempervirens Falls. It is found in Big Basin Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is an easy hike from the main park area.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California?s oldest state park (established in 1902,) and is home to the largest stand of Redwoods south of San Francisco. It is an excellent area for hiking and has many beautiful waterfalls. About five miles in from the main park area are, Silver, Golden and Berry Falls. They are some of the most beautiful waterfalls around.

If time is not a factor, the Skyline to Sea Trail is worth doing.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park has picnic areas, campgrounds and even tent cabins. For more information call (800) 444-7275.

A closer look by kayak

One of the best ways to get an up-close feel for Monterey Bay is to check it out by kayak. The sea otters provide the entertainment and the rowing is a great way to get an upper-body workout.

Elk Horn Slough is another highly recommended area for kayaking, especially if nature and wildlife are important.

Monterey Bay Kayaks offers many different kayaking tours. For more information call (800) 649-5357.

Ride the waves

Another great way to immerse in the total ocean experience is to try surfing.

The friendly people at Club Ed Surf Camp and board rental say they can teach anyone to surf. Ed, the owner of the camp, has a picture of his grandmother standing on her head while riding a wave in Hawaii back in 1915.

The camp is just south of Santa Cruz by Manresa State Beach. Club Ed has surf board rentals right on the beach just in front of the Santa Cruz West Coast Hotel, next to the beach boardwalk.

For information about Club Ed call (800) 287-SURF.

A totally awesome dining experience

A restaurant not to miss is the Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola. It is a bit pricey, but it has a reputation for excellent food and is so unique that it’s an absolute must. (Allow plenty of time for this dining experience.)

Where to stay

The West Coast Santa Cruz Hotel is right on the beach, it’s the place to go if you want to be pampered. This hotel has rooms with balconies overlooking the ocean. The sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shore can be heard all night from a room there. For reservations call (800) 325-4000 or go to www.westcoasthotels.com.

Not quite as tough on the budget and equally as pleasant, is the Best Western Seacliff Inn. This lushly landscaped little paradise is just a couple of blocks away from the beautiful Seacliff State Beach.

The staff is friendly and the grounds are beautiful. For more information and reservations call (800) 367-2003 or go to www.seacliffinn.com.