Santa Cruz (You’re Not That Far)

Posing on Santa Cruz warfOver the Christmas break we hired a car in a bid to explore beyond San Francisco. It probably sounds strange, but sometimes I forget that we’re in California as we’ve only been outside of the city a few times.

As we had guests for Christmas we thought it would be a great opportunity to take a road trip south, following the coastal highway and stopping at Half Moon Bay, Monterey (for some jumping on the beach), Carmel and Santa Cruz. Carmel beach was a highlight – we saw wild dolphins surfing in the barrels of waves! – but I think my favourite place was Santa Cruz.

Aside from the titular song by The Thrills, Santa Cruz is known for its historic beach boardwalk, complete with carousel, amusement arcades and roller coasters. It was a riot of colour, questionable snack vendors (deep fried Oreos, anyone?) and just the right of kitsch, rather than tacky. It was a beautifully sunny day and I was blown away by how colours seemed to pop, from the green ocean to the ridiculously blue sky and bubblegum pink boardwalk stands.

As much as I wanted to bust out a pair of denim cut-offs and a t-shirt with the word ‘tourist’ on it, it was a little too cold, so I went with a pair of ancient black skinny jeans and a polka dot shirt instead, in my best attempt at laid back California cool. The question is, can I pull it off?

Navy and white polka dot shirt – Old Navy / Black jeans – Primark / Oak ‘Effie’ bag  – Mulberry / Red sunglasses – a pound shop (!) / Tan and gold ankle boots – New Look

Deep fried food stand at Santa CruzLooking out at Santa Cruz beachSeagull on Santa Cruz warfMulberry bag and black jeansSealions at Santa CruzPosing in Santa CruzSanta Cruz boardwalk amusmentsJumping on Monterey beach

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4 Comments

  1. January 14, 2015 / 7:10 pm

    Oh SJ, you’re living the dream and looking very chic! You definitely pull this off. Look at that water!

    • SJ
      January 27, 2015 / 1:13 am

      Thanks T :) The beach was so beautiful – the colour of the ocean is a real beaut!

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