Santa Cruz Getaway on a Budget

Have a weekend off and not a lot of money to spend? Here's a weekend of "cheap dates" in one of my favorite vacation spots.

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Santa Cruz Hostel Society - Carmelita Cottages
Steps away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and breathtaking West Cliff Drive, this hostel is a great affordable place to start your weekend adventure.
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Taqueria Santa Cruz
Taqueria Santa Cruz is my favorite burrito place in Santa Cruz. This is a family run joint with authentic Mexican Food (even Menudo on weekends). Grab a burrito and head to Westcliff for a stroll.
Steps away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and breathtaking West Cliff Drive, this hostel is a great affordable place to start your weekend adventure.
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Marianne's Ice Cream
This vintage Santa Cruz ice cream parlor has a multitude of flavors to choose from. Mango and Peaches and Cream are my favorites. The banana splits are huge and delicious if you feel like a splurge.
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Admission is free, so stroll along, people watch, spend your quarters on the arcade, and be sure to spring for a ride on the Giant Dipper on of the oldest and most thrilling wooden roller coasters in the country! The Boardwalk beach is a fun and cheap place to hang with the locals or catch a beach volley ball tournament.
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Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Learn about Marine Life in the Monterey Bay at this UC Santa Cruz run Marin Science Research Station and Education Center. Be sure to take a tour if you can, and see some Marine Animal Researchers in action! Admission is affordable, and afterwards you can get another perspective on the Monterey Bay by visiting the tidepools at nearby... More >
Learn about Marine Life in the Monterey Bay at this UC Santa Cruz run Marin Science Research Station and Education Center. Be sure to take a tour if you can, and see some Marine Animal Researchers in action! Admission is affordable, and afterwards you can get another perspective on the Monterey Bay by visiting the tidepools at nearby Natural Bridges State Beach.
Be sure to take a tour if you can, and see some Marine Animal Researchers in action!
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Natural Bridges State Beach
This beautiful beach has butterflies in November, tide pools year round, and an educational center. Picnic tables are available up on the bluff. The state parks need your support, but if you're really on a budget, you can park on the street in back of the beach and walk in. More
This beautiful beach has butterflies in November, tide pools year round, and an educational center. Picnic tables are available up on the bluff. The state parks need your support, but if you're really on a budget, you can park on the street in back of the beach and walk in.
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About the Author

Bridget Smith
Bridget Smith
Travel Writer, Mom, Blogger, Dreamer
Websitefacebook.com/bridgetasmith
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