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Santa Cruz's West Cliff Drive is a 3-mile scenic drive that takes less than an hour to complete. The scenic drive by car takes about an hour, begins just south of downtown Santa Cruz, and winds west along the rugged coastline. You'll pass the popular Steamer Lane spot, Lighthouse Field State Beach, and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, before finishing a short distance away at Natural Bridges State Park.
Begin your journey at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf and head past the iconic Santa Cruz Dream Inn to watch among the best surfers in the world catch a wave at world-renown Steamer Lane. If you like you can benefit from a little surfing history at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum or hunt up whales and dolphins at Lighthouse Point. West Cliff Drive ends at Natural Bridges State Beach, home of the Monarch butterfly during wintertime. For a hike that covers almost a 6 miles round-trip, just turn around and head back. West Cliff Drive is wheelchair accessible and is popular with locals and tourists alike.