Santa Cruz: West Cliff Inn with a side of the Boardwalk

A former banana slug (I graduated from UC Santa Cruz), I have very fond memories of lazy summers in the gorgeous Northern California surf town. Those were the months when I could switch off from academia and breathe in Santa Cruz’s real beauty, its eclectic atmosphere and occasionally plunge down the renowned, historic Giant Dipper.

Santa Cruz, very much skipping to its own colorful rhythm (often set to a drum circle, at least in my student days), is no destination for the stuffy.

If you’d like to sample some summer seaside fun here — amusement rides and all, mixed in with your explorations of coast and culture — check out this family-friendly package by West Cliff Inn, a three-story Victorian B&B perched across from Cowell’s Beach:

Deal: The “Summer Fun in the Sun Package With Beach and Boardwalk” includes your accommodations plus two all-day unlimited ride wristbands at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Plus, as is per usual at this inn, you’ll receive a buffet breakfast and afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres. The cost for stays Sunday through Thursday ranges from $250 to $325 for one night (pretax), depending on room type. Friday or Saturday night stays range from $300 to $375.

When: This offer is available through Oct. 31. But note that the Boardwalk rides are open daily only through Sept. 7. From Sept. 8 onward, rides are open only on Saturdays and Sundays.

Tested: On the nights that I tested in late August, it looked like the Summer package is the same price as booking a comparable room sans package. All-day unlimited wristbands at the Boardwalk are normally about $30 each (pretax).

Caveat: Sorry, you can’t take advantage of it on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 5-8.

Contact: West Cliff Inn, (800) 979-0910

- Susan Derby, Special to the Los Angeles Times

Photo: The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as viewed from the Beauregard Vineyards Tasting Room at the end of the wharf. Credit: João Canziani / For The Times

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This entry was posted on Monday, August 10, 2009 at 10:03 am by Susan Derby and is filed under California, Deals, Family & Kids, Hotels, Islands & Beaches, Northern California, Summer, Weekend Getaways. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.