Adventures Less than 1 Hour from SCU
Here are my top four favorite adventures all within an hour from school!
#1: HALF MOON BAY
Grab your beach towel, throw on your suit, and hop in the car. We’re going to Half Moon Bay! The drive may seem intimidating, but I promise it's worth it. All along you’ll be thinking to yourself “I am so lucky to go here (!!!!)”. On your way to the beach, stop by The Barn HMB for the best berry lemonade and burgers you’ve had in a while. Take it to go, and then pop over to Montara State Beach. It’s a bit of a hike to get down, but it’s all worth it in the end when you feel the sun and salt on your skin. Jump in the ocean, if you dare!
#2: SANTA CRUZ
For another perfect beach day, grab your friends and head to the beaches by the Santa Cruz farms. On your way up, pop into Zoccolis on mainstreet for divine sandwiches and then make your way to one of the many beaches along the coast. Panther is always a good option, when in doubt! When you’re ready to head back to school, stop by Mariannes for ice cream. It’s right before the highway and a perfect treat before the windy Old Santa Cruz Highway. Or! If you go for sunrise, the best place to see it is Capitola, and stop by Gayle’s or Firefly Coffee House on your way back!
#3: CALIFORNIA AVENUE FARMERS MARKET + CANTOR MUSEUM
For the most perfect Sunday ever, put “California Avenue Farmers Market” into maps and start driving! This is the biggest farmers market I’ve ever seen and it is simply perfect. There is so much to see! Grab a chocolate croissant from Midwife & The Baker, a coffee from ZombieRunner, and then put your name down for a breakfast sandwich from Boffo. While you walk, take as many samples as you can because everything is amazing and all of the vendors are more than willing to give you a taste! My favorite is Garden Variety Cheese. Pick up some flowers and fresh produce for the week while you're at it! After you’re done taking in the market, pop over to Stanford to visit the Cantor Art Museum. They have an impressive collection and it is really beautiful!
#4: SUNSET/HIKE AT SKYLINE
Last but not least, one of my favorite things to do is try all of the hikes off Skyline Boulevard. My favorites so far are the ones you stumble upon in Castle Rock State Park. Either after or before, grab lunch or dinner at Alice’s :) Almost anywhere off of Skyline is beautiful for sunset watching!
