Beaches

Santa Cruz boasts 17 beaches spanning 29 miles.
http://www.santacruzca.org/things/beachlist.cfm

Hiking, Mountain Biking

Henry Cowell State Park

Nisene Marks

Natural Bridges State Park (site of the annual Monarch Butterfly migration)

Surfing

Steamer Lane, Pleasure Point, 38th Avenue, Cowells, Mavericks
http://surfingsantacruz.com/

Amusements

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
From their Web site: "We’re California’s oldest amusement park PLUS a State Historic Landmark. We are the home to two National Historic Landmarks: our 1911 Looff Carousel and 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster. Owned and operated by the Santa Cruz Seaside Company since 1915, the Boardwalk remains a family style amusement park creating memories that last a lifetime."

Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Aquarium is about 40 miles south of the cottage, on Highway 1.

Capitola Village
A quaint seaside village adjacent to Capitola Beach

Downtown Santa Cruz/ The Pacific Garden Mall
Unique shopping, dining, music, and movies