Felton has a nice steam railroad (Roaring Camp & Big trees) through the redwoods. There is a diesel train that links to it from Santa Cruz (the Beach Train) and could make for an all day outing if you're a train buff. If you want, have the steamer drop you off at the apex of the rail line to be alone in the redwoods for awhile before catching a ride back to the link up with the Beach Train. This particular part of the redwoods is unique, IIRC because it's never been logged----a rarity on this stretch of the coast. If you drive instead of train. there is Masonic Paradise Park (sort of) on the way which features a 180' circa 1872 covered bridge of the Smith type spanning the San Lorenzo River.
Santa Cruz may have toned down by the time of your trip---in tourist season it's a mad house and parking is scarce. UC Santa Cruz Seymour Marine Discovery Center is well worth a side trip, while the Monterey Bay National National Marine Sanctuary Center in the heart of the Santa Cruz tourist area is, IMHO a rip off.
The Boardwalk is a bit of History but sadly tripods aren't allowed. I prefer evenings when the Boardwalk is all lit up. Interesting night shots can be had from the pier (where tripods are allowed) and a small park on the Bluff across the San Lorenzo River(Dog Crap Park, I've named it for obvious reasons---watch where you plant those tripod legs!)
The prawn burritos at El Palomar (either location---downtown or at the yacht harbor) shouldn't be missed IMHO.
The is a Spanish Mission in Santa Cruz. It has been rebuilt a number of times but if you want to collect 'em all, well, here's one on 'em. The Beach Train goes in a tunnel underneath the Mission graveyard, btw.
South of Santa Cruz is Capitola, famous for it's Begonia nursery, The Shadow Brook (a romantic restaurant accessed by cable car) Cole's BBQ (if you're tired of seafood), and a cement shipwreck plus more tee shirt shops.
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