California, USA
Airing Date: Jul 5th, 2008
There's something up in Santa Cruz, and it's not just the surf!Santa Cruz is the quintessential beach town. It was here that Hawaiian royalty first introduced surfing to the mainland - and locals and visitors alike have been riding the waves ever since. Not far from the surf break, music and laughter fills the air at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the West Coast's last remaining seaside amusement park. A few blocks from the beach is Santa Cruz's newly renovated downtown. The pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streets are filled with vibrant shops and galleries, outdoor bistros and sidewalk musicians - all in keeping with Surf City's offbeat personality.
Touted as being "Stranger than Fiction" the Mystery Spot has boggled the minds of visitors since 1940. The law of gravity does not seem to be working in this unusual spot. Visitors lean toward the southwest upon entering the area and the lean becomes more severe as you proceed nearer to the spot. It's common for visitors exiting the Mystery Spot to stagger out, trying to regain their sense of balance & perspective.
Up in the nearby mountains the elusive Big Foot has been spotted numerous times. The Big Foot Museum's owner Mike Rugg may even convince you of its existence. Unless you end up seeing it for yourself!
At Gelatomania you can indulge delicious Italian dessert or you can buy flavoured oxygen - a great cure for jetlag and hangovers!
It's all part of the city campaign to "Keep Santa Cruz Weird". Simply strolling down Pacific Avenue is proof enough that the locals are doing just that!
Further Information:California, USA
Air New Zealand fly return to Los Angeles from
$1987 east coast
$2278 west coast
For travel 1/11/08 to 9/12/08
www.airnewzealand.com.au
Prices correct at 3/6/08 Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply.
Car Hire - DriveAway Holidays:
Prices from From $75 a day
1300-723-972
www.driveaway.com.au
The Coast Santa Cruz Hotel is the only beachfront hotel and convention facility along the Santa Cruz Monterey Bay coastline...
Rooms from $230 a night
Santa Cruz Dream Inn
www.keepdreaminn.com
Prices correct at 15/4/08 Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply
The Mystery Spot: www.mysteryspot.com
General Admission: $5.00
Parking: $5.00 per car
Open: 9am-7pm (Summertime) / 9am - 5pm (Wintertime)
The Big Foot Museum: www.bigfootdiscoveryproject.com
Gelatomania: www.gelatomaniadesserts.com
Mel's Drive-In - www.melsdrive-in.com
