Santa Cruz-Boardwalk

 On to the main attraction in Santa Cruz, the boardwalk.  Moving away from the pier, a number of structures border the boardwalk.   The first building houses the largest of the arcades.  There are some smaller arcades as you walk toward the San Lorenzo river end.

Santa Cruz-Wharf/Pier

 Today in June 2021 was a most enjoyable day.  The state relaxed mask mandates a few days ago and many businesses, restaurants, and entertainment/recreation spots have opened up.  Its a Friday that I have taken off from work.  Went out for breakfast, ran some errands and embarked on an 1.25+ hour drive down to Santa Cruz for the beach/boardwalk.  After all that's what most of us go to Santa Cruz for.

Along the way, the car recorded exterior temps of 100 degrees at the peak of noon.  Some congestion on Highway 17 at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains.  It cleared up relatively quickly and it was smooth sailing into the city.  Following Google's directions, I entered the beach/boardwalk area from the north.  Normally, I would exit at Ocean and follow it down to the south side.

I arrived around 1pm and parked in the largest of the parking lots.  By this time it was quite full and entry was delayed until others left to free up spaces. The weather could not be any better.  Mid 70's with a breeze coming in off the ocean.  I was expecting it to be sweltering and humid but I was pleasantly surprised with how comfortable the day was.