Surf & Breakfast to Sunset Ride

The ultimate Santa Cruz day: waves, food, and coastal views

From dawn patrol to golden hour, experience the best of Santa Cruz beach culture

Your Perfect Day Timeline

6:30 AM

🌊 Dawn Patrol Surf Session

Start your day with the best waves and smallest crowds. The ocean is glassy, the air is crisp, and you'll have the lineup mostly to yourself.

Best Spots for Morning Surf:

• Pleasure Point: Consistent right point break, perfect for longboarding
• Steamer Lane: More advanced, watch the locals first
• Cowell's Beach: Mellow waves, great for beginners
• 26th Avenue: Less crowded, good for all levels

💡 Pro Tip: Check surf reports the night before (Surfline or Magic Seaweed). Bring a wetsuit year-round - water temps range from 50-60°F.

8:30 AM

🍳 Epic Post-Surf Breakfast

Nothing beats a hearty breakfast after a morning session. Fuel up with local favorites.

Breakfast Spots:

• Walnut Avenue Café: Huge portions, surfer vibe
• Zachary's: Famous for their Mike's Mess
• The Picnic Basket: Healthy options, açai bowls
• Linda's Seabreeze Cafe: Ocean views, classic diner

What to Order:

• Breakfast burrito (California classic)
• Açai bowl with granola
• Avocado toast with eggs
• Fresh-squeezed OJ
• Strong coffee (you earned it!)

10:00 AM

☀️ Beach Time & Coffee

Grab a coffee and relax on the beach. Read a book, people-watch, or just soak in the California vibes.

• Walk the beach barefoot
• Check out the surf from the shore
• Visit a local coffee shop (Verve, Cat & Cloud)
• Browse surf shops on Pacific Avenue

12:00 PM

🌮 Lunch Break

Keep it casual with tacos, fish & chips, or a fresh poke bowl.

• Tacos Moreno: Authentic Mexican, cash only
• Ono's Hawaiian BBQ: Poke bowls and plate lunches
• Santa Cruz Fish Market: Fresh seafood
• Betty's Burgers: Classic California burgers

2:00 PM

🎯 Afternoon Options

Choose your own adventure before the sunset ride.

Active

• Second surf session
• Kayak in the harbor
• Beach volleyball
• Skateboard the boardwalk

Chill

• Nap on the beach
• Read at a café
• Browse downtown shops
• Visit the wharf

Explore

• Natural Bridges
• Lighthouse tour
• Seymour Center
• Capitola Village

5:30 PM

🚴 Gear Up for Sunset Ride

Rent a bike or grab your own. Time to catch that golden hour magic.

Bike Rentals:

• The Bicycle Trip
• Bike Rental Santa Cruz
• Family Cycling Center

What to Bring:

• Light jacket (gets breezy)
• Phone for photos
• Water bottle
• Sunglasses

6:00 PM

🌅 Epic Sunset Ride

This is what you came for. The West Cliff Drive bike path at sunset is pure magic.

The Route (3.5 miles one-way):

Start at the Santa Cruz Wharf
Ride along West Cliff Drive bike path
Stop at Steamer Lane to watch surfers
Continue to Lighthouse Point (Surf Museum)
Keep going to Natural Bridges State Beach
Watch the sunset from the beach or cliffs

📸 Photo Spots: Lighthouse Point, Its Beach (seal overlook), Natural Bridges arch, anywhere along West Cliff really!

🌊 What You'll See: Surfers catching waves, seals and sea lions, dolphins (if lucky), dramatic cliffs, and an unforgettable sunset over the Pacific.

7:30 PM

🍽️ Sunset Dinner

Cap off your perfect day with dinner near the beach or downtown.

Beachside:

• Crow's Nest (harbor views)
• Riva Fish House (upscale)
• The Dolphin (casual seafood)

Downtown:

• Laili (Afghan cuisine)
• Bantam (pizza & cocktails)
• Akira (sushi)

9:00 PM

🌙 Wind Down

End your day with a nightcap or beach bonfire (where permitted).

• Craft beer at a local brewery
• Cocktails at a rooftop bar
• Beach bonfire at Seabright Beach (check regulations)
• Ice cream on the boardwalk
• Stargazing from the beach

Seasonal Tips

☀️ Summer (June-Sept)

• Sunrise: ~6:00 AM
• Sunset: ~8:00 PM
• Water Temp: 58-62°F
• Crowds: High - go early!
• Wetsuit: 3/2mm or spring suit
• Sunset Ride: Start around 7:00 PM

🌊 Winter (Oct-May)

• Sunrise: ~7:00 AM
• Sunset: ~5:30 PM
• Water Temp: 50-56°F
• Crowds: Low - more space!
• Wetsuit: 4/3mm with booties
• Sunset Ride: Start around 4:30 PM

Budget Breakdown

Budget Option ($40-60):

• Surf: Free (own board) or $25 rental
• Breakfast: $12-15
• Lunch: $10-15
• Bike rental: $15-25
• Dinner: $15-20 (casual)

Splurge Option ($100-150):

• Surf lesson: $80-100
• Breakfast: $20-25
• Lunch: $20-30
• Bike rental: $25-35 (electric)
• Dinner: $40-60 (upscale)
• Drinks: $15-30