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All 52 Santa Cruz Attractions »

West Cliff Drive

Santa Cruz, CA
Ranked #2 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4.5 of 5 stars 52 Reviews
Type: Landmarks/ Points of Interest
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52 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    3
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Date Rating
Cheltenham, England, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2012 NEW

We walked along the western (Natural Bridges beach) end of West Cliff Drive late one evening and the eastern (Wharf) end one morning. Interesting cliffs with waves breaking and flowers growing on top. on the morning walk, saw plenty of surfers near the lighthouse, and also some whales further out moving slowly north. More

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See 4 more reviews by RowlandCarson for Santa Cruz
Salinas, California
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW

There is so much to see from this view along the Central coast of California. Great bike and walking trails. Awesome views of the Pacific Ocean. Often you can see humpback whales as they migrate. A must see if you visit the area! More

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See 8 more reviews by AngelaMott for Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2012

A lovely view of the ocean. Very traffic-y, though. There are much prettier places to drive north or south on Hwy 1 that are way less crowded. More

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Seattle, Washington
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
60 helpful votes 60 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2012

Grab a coffee early in the morning or late afternoon and spend an hour watching the surfers ride the waves at the famous Steamer Lane. People are also fishing around the area around these times. There is ample parking. I hear sometimes a seal by the name of "Sam" will climb up the cliff... More

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See 2 more reviews by Lucianne for Santa Cruz
Pleasureville, Kentucky
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 27, 2012

Enjoyed beautiful views of surferes and sea lions. More

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See 3 more reviews by JOEYWOODKY for Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
32 helpful votes 32 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 17, 2012

Meander the curves along West Cliff overlooking gorgeous small cliffs and crashing surf. You can walk from the Lighthouse to Natural Bridges State Park in about an hour. Benches on the cliff offer rest stops. The only problem can be all the other people sharing the experience with you. Moms with strollers, bicyclists, joggers, and tourists can make the walk... More

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Ann Arbor, Michigan
Top Contributor
148 reviews 148 reviews
Reviews in 37 cities Reviews in 37 cities
36 helpful votes 36 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 12, 2012

I have walked along here twice during the Cold Water Classic surfing spectacular (both times while in Santa Cruz on business, in two different years, and quite coincidentally while the CWC was being held), and think this is one of the premier beach cliff walks in the world. (As a drive during this time, it is a little more challenging... More

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Joshua Tree, California
Top Contributor
62 reviews 62 reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 3, 2012

Nice ride along the shoreline with great views and stopping areas to watch the surfer More

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See 2 more reviews by srimanone for Santa Cruz
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 28, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We drove along this drive yesterday morning and decided that it would be a lot better if we walked. We went back and appreciated it that much more. Great walking path, multiple places to stop and sit and watch the surfers. You will enjoy it1 More

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See 5 more reviews by rebelbase3 for Santa Cruz
Maryland
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 23, 2012
2
people found this review helpful

This is where everybody comes on a nice day, so the people watching is as good as the scenery. Get out of your car! More

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