5-Acre Mountain Retreat In The Serene Santa Cruz Mountains

According to a recent (2017) Gallup Poll, Santa Cruz is the #3 happiest place to live in the nation. It is #1 in California.

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Santa-Cruz-Gallup-Healthways-Well-Being-Index-10986955.php?utm_content=bufferf9768&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer#photo-12513640

Here are some fun places to see:

* Capitola Beach (4.5 mi) - order a slice of pizza from Pizza My Heart, sit on a sidewalk bench and gaze out onto the ocean and beachfront. There are also numerous restaurants and bars that will keep you occupied. Try Margarita Ville for their great assortment of margaritas and appetizers. Stop off at nearby Gayle's Bakery for some delicious deli food and desserts.

* Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz (6.5 mi) – what would a visit to Santa Cruz be without a stroll down Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz? The street is iconic for its progressive nature and rivals Berkeley for honors as the ultimate “left coast" university town. Not exactly a place to bring the kids or your old aunt Gertrude, this vibrant street still has an amazing array of shops, bars and dining establishments to make it a worthwhile trip during your stay.

* Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (7 mi) - a fantastic and historic amusement park that showcases the world famous Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster (opened in 1924). Admission is free (you pay for the rides separately) with free summer concerts on Fridays right on the beach. Within walking distance is Light House Point and West Cliff where you can stroll on a multi-mile pathway that straddles the Pacific Ocean and where you can watch the surfers who frequent this famous location.

* Mystery Spot (7.5 mi) - The Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly located in the redwood forests just outside of Santa Cruz, California ((website hidden))

* Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (12 mi) - if you enjoy hiking under the great redwoods of California, this is a beautiful park with lots of trails.

* Phil's Fish Market (24 mi) - about 20 minutes away, you can find the charming city of Moss Landing. If you like a great seafood meal, try Phil's. The service and food are supreme and portions are generous. The cioppino is outstanding as well as the artichoke dishes from locally grown artichokes in nearby Castroville.