They say Santa Cruz beach is one of the best in US. I am not sure, if you ask me I would say the place sucks! First thing, the sea waters in California are very cold and you can't get into water unless you are crazy(a few people do get into water and they are indeed crazy). That puts off half the fun of a beach. And on a weekend, this beach is so crowded that they put the crowds in our public transports to shame. To add to that, they have built a long amusement park along the beach which misrably fails to be of any amusement. If you ever go to California, don't put Santa Cruz in the list of places to visit, no matter what anyone tells you.