But if youre looking for a more chill, seaside vibe, head to the Wharf, where youll find gift shops, restaurants, and many special events throughout the year. Visit Santa Cruz County is a private, non-profit corporation, serving as the official visitor marketing entity for Santa Cruz County. Venture Quest Santa Cruz offers kayak rentals by the hour or the day, as well as guided nature tours along the California coast. Rather, this Downtown Santa Cruz icon is an amusement park that stretches a mile alongside the infamous Santa Cruz Beach. Stephen Crooks of San Jose and his son Allen Crooks, who lives in South Lake Tahoe, made their way for about a decade to Santa Cruz to scope out all the classic woodies. 800.833.3494or 831.425.1234. Rent a kayak or join a guided tour from Venture Quest Kayak whose staff will suit you up with everything you need to explore the bay. The Santa Cruz Wharf is a wharf in Santa Cruz, California, United States, known for fishing, boat tours, viewing sea lions, dining, nightlife and gift shops. Grab an oceanview table or take it to go. We had just finished our trip north on PCH ! Serving fine, fresh foods in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Ditto the salt-water taffy and waterfront vistas that youll enjoy from a saunter along this Santa Cruz landmark. Davenport settled the area in the 1860s and constructed a small wooden pier near what is now Davenport Landing Beach. Explore the wharfs lengthy expanse-which spans from the shoreline to an intertidal zone to open sea-and youre likely to spy seabirds, seals, sea lions, and if youre lucky, dolphins, otters and whales. Community-supported fishery with delivery throughout Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties and the SF Bay Area. It is just a matter of finding a menu that you prefer. The Municipal Wharf was one of those points of interest. Best seal viewing area: last 2 areas at far end of wharf. Cookie settings + We use cookies to personalize content and analyze access to our website. At 2,745 feet, the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf is the longest wooden wharf on the West Coast, offering visitors sights usually only seen from being at sea. You also get to enjoy our inviting atmosphere and breathtaking ocean views. Its actually a pretty infamous spot for surfers, so be prepared to watch them take on some pretty impressive waves. East of the pier is Santa Cruz Main Beach and west of the pier is the much smaller Cowell Beach. We stayed a fairly long time and only paid one dollar. And, an unbroken view of Steamers Lane. There was one large size sea Lion that none of the others bothered. I love the woodwork, artwork and all the crazy ways people present their vehicles is just fantastic, said Stephen Crooks. During the 19th century, Santa Cruz was one of the largest ports in Northern California thanks to a variety of booming industries including lumber, agriculture, and lime, a key element of the cement that built cities such as San Francisco. Although many large events are still on hold, the Wharf is a favorite venue spot for local gatherings, typically playing host to many popular events throughout the year. Admission is free, and it takes place in June. But they are vastly different locations with vastly different offerings. The Wharf is the perfect spot to take a leisurely stroll out to Cowell Beach. Yet, most visitors are content to stroll its lengthy expense, pausing to gaze upon on the postcard views of Capitola Village, and the surrounding shores of Capitola Beach lapped by the gentle waves of Monterey Bay. The Pleasure Pier and Plunge were demolished together and the pier has since been rebuilt and is now known as the Santa Cruz Wharf. It was very large. Reservations or questions: Riva Fish House is a great place to grab a nice meal on the Santa Cruz Wharf. Like a sort of unofficial car show.. Don't forget to try our award winning margaritas and Taco Tuesdays and Thursdays! Services available: New Fish & Farm Box Program offers local seafood, mushrooms, chicken, eggs, fruit, vegetables, coffee, and bread. We also have a to-go window. Address: 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz METRO now offering a route between Scott's Valley and Big Basin until September 10. comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment More posts you may like. Santa Cruz , a coast of Central California with a long wharf well equipped with eateries & shops. Instead, the forsaken ship was purchased by the enterprising Cal-Nevada Stock Company who transformed it into a floating, nightlife venue with a casino, restaurant, and dancehall. Extending a half mile into the Monterey Bay, situated between the colorful Santa Cruz Boardwalk and the surfer-filled waves of Steamer Lane, the Santa Cruz Wharf offers some of most thrilling views along the California coast. Visit Santa Cruz County works to enhance tourism, the visitor experience, and the area economy by positioning and promoting Santa Cruz County as a year-around visitor, conference and film destination. Email ocean2table@gmail.com or text them at (831) 295-8403. Made of 2000 70 ft. Douglas fir pilings driven 21 feet into the ocean, almost 3,000 feet long. Overview Extending out over a half mile into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Santa Cruz Wharf is the longest timber pile pier on the United States coast and one of the longest in the world. Inspired by Woodies on the Wharf. 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All of the clubs and events are really nice and a lot of fun. As we were having our dinner, we heard various noises like banging. Its a fun area to go to. My wife and I were coming north on PCH 1 from San Diego. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Today, you can still explore three remaining piers, and marvel at the popular ruins of a fourth. We have it all- . Make sure to reserve your court well in advance because spots fill up quickly. Nothing says beachside getaway quite like a day at the Wharf. Its one of the best clubs Ive been in. Marin County shot up to a median age of 48.2 - a full decade higher than the region's youngin, Santa Clara County. The yearly event began in 1993 when the Santa Cruz Woodies crew paired with the city of Santa Cruz, and continues today as a tradition not only for the woodie owners, but for families near and far. Take in the view at one of nine restaurants and enjoy the freshest seafood, finest local wines and the friendliest service on the coast. Here are just a few of the many activities at your dispoShop Aroundsal. In an especially perilous storm in 1913, a stranded fisherman is rumored to have been saved by local, Hall of Fame baseball star Harry Hooper who, today, has a plaque in his honor mounted at the foot of the wharf. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 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If youre planning a trip to Santa Cruz and want to make the most of your time, heres everything you need to know about visiting the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. The Wharf is chock-a-block with gift shops and boutiques brimming with beach apparel and breezy seaside decor. They have car shows on the wharf. Slurping a piping hot bowl of clam chowder, or forking into a fresh crab louie from their restaurant at the end of the pier is a timeless Santa Cruz tradition. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. Along the waterfront, you can also join guided kayak paddles, take a whale-watching trip, or join a sailing cruise. The Santa Cruz Wharf, once known as the Pleasure Pier is an enjoyable pier. Cost: The Boardwalk is admission free. 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Visit Santa Cruz County is a private, non-profit corporation, serving as the official visitor marketing entity for Santa Cruz County. Love the seafood, but why aren't you dog friendly. This 2,745-foot wooden pier the longest on the West Coastis one of Santa Cruz's most iconic landmarks and a must-visit stop if you're in town. The vehicle was first purchased by his grandfather in 1939 and was later passed down to him. Santa Cruz Wharf is a great place to just relax for the day and hang out. [2] After the innovation of motor vehicles and improved land routes, the Wharf's primary focus changed to be the base of the north Monterey Bay fishing industry. At 2745 feet long, it is over a mile to walk to the end and back. You dont even have to have a car to be a member of the club. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. See options All photos (760) The current wharf was built in 1914, the last of six built on the site, and is operated by the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Office. About Us Of course, we went with seafood ! Repairs are in the millions [of dollars] with no timetable on repair at this time.. Despite the name, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk does not jut out thousands of feet into the ocean as the Wharf does. Southworth novelsand tourists began flocking to the what is now considered the oldest seaside resort on the Pacific Coast. I added some photos for the sea lions. Yes, its very walkable. All Rights Reserved. We love to come out here and support these guys., These classic cars are all pieces of art and history, Allen added. You dont need a license to fish from the pier; local tackle shops can get you fully outfitted too. The Wharf has plenty of souvenir and surf shops for you to enjoy some well-earned retail therapy. Its a lot of fun to drive but it still rattles like hell, said Fick. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Dont think weve forgotten about dessert. He must have ben the King !! 30 Jun 2023 00:12:28 LOCATION: The Wharf to Wharf Race starts at the Santa Cruz Wharf (Beach St. & Cliff St.) near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and finishes at the Capitola Wharf (Wharf Rd. We arrived before they started to charge for parking on the wharf. Visitors flock to the wharf for a variety of restaurants, gift shops, wine tasting, candy stores, and just to stroll and peer down at the sea lions below.