SCU Bucket List Spots

On and Off Campus Hotspots

As an SCU sophomore, I’ve had my fair share of experience in exploring all that Bay Area has to offer. While the small sector of San Jose may not offer a wide variety of attractions, there is an endless assortment of destinations to discover within close radius. Although the majority of these locations require a car, travel time is short and the possibilities are infinite. Rather than referencing a Yelp review for insight into these popular points, I’m here to provide you with a series of my own adventures in hopes of inspiring students to get out and take advantage of all the benefits that Bay Area entails!

SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK (APPROX. 1 HOUR DRIVE)

The Beach Boardwalk is one of the most well known and well loved scenes in Santa Cruz, mainly due to the abundant variation of activities offered. I’ve visited this spot on a few different occasions, yet it never seems to get old. The boardwalk consists of several theme park attractions ranging from thrillers to slightly more subtle “family oriented” rides; a few of my favorites include: The Giant Dipper, Sky Glider, and Shockwave. While there are countless options for overpriced and overrated food on the boardwalk, I chose to walk across the street to Loard’s Ice Cream and would highly recommend this shop to anyone with a sweet tooth. Although the beach tends to be crowded in this area, there is a pier within walking distance (known as the Santa Cruz Wharf) that provides a photo worthy view of the sunset if you’re seeking a way to unwind after a long day of adventure.

MISSION GARDENS: (ON CAMPUS)

Often times when I share photos with friends from home of Mission Gardens, they refuse to believe that Santa Clara is a college campus and not a fancy hotel resort. The garden is located just to the left of the Mission Church, lined with an array of fluorescent floral arrangements. While the beauty of this spot speaks for itself, I’ve found the gardens to be favorable for other reasons, aside from an enticing image. I’ve made use of the Mission Gardens during countless occasions, whether it be a picnic for a birthday celebration, a place to relax and recollect, or simply in passing on my way to class.

TWIN LAKES STATE BEACH (APPROX. 1 HOUR DRIVE)

I recently visited Twin Lakes Beach and was pleasantly surprised by the serenity of this spot. While this place is deemed popular, I encountered an easy time finding parking (a common issue in California), as well as a secluded spot on the beach itself. I stopped at Pleasure Pizza along the way for lunch, then made my way to the beach, a mere 10 minute drive between the two. Compared to other beaches in Santa Cruz, Twin Lakes is both a cleaner environment AND less crowded, making it a prime spot for a more peaceful beach trip.

SHARK FIN COVE (APPROX. 50 MINUTE DRIVE)

Of all the beaches I’ve been to, including those across other states, countries, and continents, Shark Fin Cove is entitled to a 5 star review. The beach is detached from the town of Davenport, suffused with a sense of remoteness that makes for a great space to get away from the restless lifestyle that most college students are challenged with. This particular spot is perfect for those seeking adventure, as it is packed with exotic exploration tucked away beside the substantial rock structures. While this beach is beautiful during all months of the year, my recommendation is to visit between April through early September, when the water is warmer and the wind is less wild. In addition, I would highly suggest wearing close toed shoes when making your way down to the beach, as it consists of a steep path with a large potential for slipping.

HALF MOON BAY (APPROX. 50 MINUTE DRIVE)

Half Moon Bay is one of my go to Saturday adventure spots, mainly due to the many places to explore within the region. The drive itself consists of remarkable views of rolling hills, making the 50 minute car ride worth the while. Upon arriving in Half Moon Bay, there’s a long list of suggestions I have based on my various visits to this destination. Sam’s Chowder House has rightfully earned a spot at the top of this list for a number of reasons, including the restaurants’ ocean view, easy accessibility to the beach, and fast service; not to mention the food is unparalleled to any dish served in Benson. Although the wait for seating can be lengthy due to the popularity of this place, I can assure you it's rewarding. In addition to the Chowder House, there’s several other notable stops for snacks scattered throughout the town, many of which have a shorter wait time. The San Benito Deli is another attraction, known for delicious sandwiches designed to your personal preferences. This spot is located in the heart and center of town, equipped with spacious outdoor seating. Aside from dining options, Half Moon Bay offers a wide range of shops to wander to, multiple beaches, and an assortment of hiking travels, making the destination appealing to all types of tourists.

SIERRA VISTA (APPROX. 25 MINUTE DRIVE)

Sierra Vista has acquired a high level of fame amongst SCU students, quickly becoming a trendy spot for sunsets, with good reason of course. The Open Space preserve is closer to campus than the majority of view points mentioned within this bucket list, making the trip accessible to a wider variation of students. Whether you’re visiting this location for a hike, a sunset, or as a desired point for an imperative photo session, Sierra Vista is capable of fulfilling all of the above. While parking can often be difficult, the wait is worth it and usually finding a spot doesn’t take more than 5 minutes. Pro tip: be sure to bring a blanket, a sweatshirt, or both; San Jose may be sunny most of the time but don’t let the clear skies fool you, this location experiences extreme winds.

LUCAS HALL ROOFTOP (ON CAMPUS)

It wasn’t until recently that I discovered Lucas Rooftop as a study spot, yet now I tend to take advantage of a seat on the rooftop on a regular basis. Rather than wasting a day of Santa Clara sunshine by being locked away in the lib, this location is the perfect place to accomplish successful studying, as well as a nice suntan. Located right off the third floor of Lucas Hall, this spot provides a combination of both sun and shade, comfortable seating, and seclusion from the constant chaos on campus. While I’ve faced several failed attempts of trying to do homework in the sun, Lucas is the only place where I’ve managed to achieve success, proving that it is possible to find a balance between sunbathing and schoolwork.

DEVIL’S SLIDE (APPROX. 1 HOUR DRIVE)

MUNICIPAL ROSE GARDENS (APPROX. 5 MINUTE DRIVE)