If there’s “two girls for every boy”, as the song, Surf City by Jan & Dean suggests, then guess what? Santa Cruz has three girls! Santa Cruz County is rich in surf culture with a deep history rooted in riding waves. This year Santa Cruz was declared one of three World Surfing Reserves, and was recognized for its surfing heritage that began in July 1885 when three Hawaiian princes surfed with boards made of local redwoods. This year Hollywood recognized Santa Cruz County surfing–they made a full-length feature film based on the life of local surfer, Jay Moriarty, to be released on October 26, 2012.

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, perfect beaches and solid waves, Santa Cruz truly is Surf City. Fall is great time to visit when the crowds are gone, college students are hitting the books and the weather and waves are supreme. We checked out the weather today and it’s 80 degrees at the beach–in October! The popular beach destination is home to one of the most influential names in the surf industry (O’Neill), and plays host to the Coldwater Classic, one of the biggest surfing contests of the year–but there’s a whole lot more to see & do in ‘Cruz!

Catch a wave and hit the water with some local veterans who can teach you the basics. Santa Cruz is home to some of the great pioneers and innovators of surfing. Spend a weekend in Surf City and spark your own passion for the ocean. How to see Surf City and catch a wave? The Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council (santacruz.org) has online resources for finding surf lessons, picking the right beach and hanging your toes on the edge of a board if you can.

October 2012 Santa Cruz Events

Halloween Events throughout October
Annual Monte Foundation Fireworks Extravaganza! October 5 at Seacliff State Beach
Open Studios Art Tour October 6-7, 13-14, 20-21
Pottery & Glass Seconds Sale Oct. 7
Oktoberfest Oct. 7, 14
Santa Cruz Open Streets – Come Play! Oct. 7
Brew Fest Oct. 13
Welcome back the Monarchs (butterflies) Oct. 14
Pacific Rim Festival Oct. 19-24
Heritage Harvest Festival Oct. 20
Ghost Train Oct. 26
Marine Masquerade Oct. 26
Chili Cook-off at the Boardwalk Oct. 27