Best Beach
Seabright Beach
Seabright Beach is technically part of Twin Lakes State Beach.- The beach has a small rock arch that the San Lorenzo River runs through.
- Seabright Beach is one of the county’s best spots for a bonfire.
- The beach is positioned between the Beach Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Harbor.
- Lifeguards are present during the summer, and dogs (on a leash) are welcome year round. CAT JOHNSON
Seabright Beach is technically part of Twin Lakes State Beach.
Best Nonprofit Group
Homeless Garden Project
- The Homeless Garden Project provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people who are homeless.
- The garden has a strong emphasis on creating community between staff, trainees, volunteers and the larger Santa Cruz community.
- HGP programs include Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), Womens’ Organic Flower Enterprise, community-building initiatives, and a store on Pacific Avenue.
- The Homeless Garden Project was created in May of 1990.
- In 1998, the City of Santa Cruz adopted a Master Plan for an open space greenbelt which includes a nine-acre permanent site for the Homeless Garden Project. CJ
The Homeless Garden Project provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people who are homeless.
Best Boardwalk Ride
Fireball
- The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk added the Fireball ride in 2003.
- It’s a swinging, spinning claw designed to create disorientation and g-force.
- At the same time, the Fireball is considered one of the smoothest rides at the Boardwalk.
- It’s been described as a ride for “thrill seekers and punishment freaks.”
- The faint of heart in your group might want to sit this one out. CJ
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk added the Fireball ride in 2003.
Beach
Seabright Beach
East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
RUNNERS-UP Capitola Beach, Twin Lakes Beach
Bike Ride
West Cliff Drive
RUNNERS-UP Pogonip, Wilder Ranch
Boardwalk Ride
Fireball
400 Beach St., Santa Cruz,
423-5590, beachboardwalk.com
RUNNERS-UP Carousel, Giant Dipper
Derby Girl
Fluxx Cappa-hit-her
RUNNERS-UP Pain Jennerator, Shamrock N Roller
Dog Park
Aptos Polo Grounds
2255 Huntington Drive, Aptos
RUNNERS-UP Frederick Street, Scotts Valley Dog Park
Farmers Market
Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo
6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 728-5060
RUNNERS-UP Downtown, Westside
Local Athlete (non-Derby)
Nat Young
RUNNERS-UP Tobin Ortenblad, Luke Rockhold
Local Hero
Jacqui Rice (SLV School District)
RUNNERS-UP Keith McHenry (Food Not Bombs), Nat Young
Neighborhood
Seabright
RUNNERS-UP Pleasure Point, Westside
Nonprofit Group
Homeless Garden Project
1120 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz (store),
426-4609, homelessgardenproject.org
RUNNERS-UP Save Our Shores, Second Harvest Food Bank
Place of Worship
Twin Lakes Church
2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos,
465-3300, tlc.org
RUNNERS-UP Inner Light Ministries, Vintage Faith Church
Place to Walk/Jog/Hike
West Cliff Drive
RUNNERS-UP Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Retreat Center
Land of Medicine Buddha
5800 Prescott Road, Soquel
462-8383, landofmedicinebuddha.org
RUNNERS-UP Mount Hermon Conference Center, Mount Madonna Center
Wedding Venue
Chaminade Resort & Spa
1 Chaminade Ln, Santa Cruz
475-5600, chaminade.com
