Between work, after-school activities and meetings, getting stressed out from the responsibilities of our daily routine is inevitable. Usually, a trip to one of the beautiful beaches in Santa Cruz is enough to help us unwind. Other times, we just need to shake things up with a new activity that encourages relaxation. Take a break and relax with these nine ways to unwind in Santa Cruz.
A classic Santa Cruz activity, ocean side bike rides are a time-tested way to relax. After all, is there a better view than the stunning coastline, a better feeling than the breeze on your face and a better smell than salty sea air? We think not. If you’re in need of a bike for cruising, Pacific Avenue Cycles rents them out by the hour, day and week.
Leisurely weekend afternoons are made even more relaxing with a bottle of local wine and a picnic enjoyed outdoors. Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Hunter Hill Vineyards offers their grape varietals and their stunning grounds, complete with a fountain, gazebo and views of the Nisene Marks forest, to be appreciated with a packed lunch.
Of course you can take a bath to unwind, and most people do, but Well Within Spa has mastered the art of relaxation with its indoor and outdoor spas and massage treatments. Pamper yourself with a soak in their chlorine-free tubs overlooking a Japanese garden and waterfall, then follow that up with a deep tissue massage to relieve tense muscles.
As Stephen King said, “Books are uniquely portable magic.” They transport us to a place where anything can happen, far from the stresses of our daily lives. Those who want to escape can spend a few hours wandering around the shelves of a number of local bookstores. Once you find a book that piques your interest, take it to a nearby coffee shop and get lost in its pages.
Self-expression, whether it be through art or dance, can help take your mind away from your routine and channel your energy into something more productive. Palomar Ballroom hosts private lessons and a variety of group dance lessons that you can attend on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Their frequent dance parties can enable anyone to cha-cha their stress away.
They say laughter is the best medicine and live comedy at the Crow’s Nest is your recommended weekly dose. Every Sunday night, this waterfront restaurant hosts three live comics in their dining room. Order some grub from their seafood-focused menu and prepare to giggle the night away. In addition to their comedy nights, the Crow’s Nest also hosts dance parties and live musicians.
Meditation and yoga are a great way to relax because they encourage you to focus on deep breathing rather than the stresses of the world around you. Santa Cruz has a wealth of yoga practitioners teaching all forms of yoga, from chair yoga to prenatal. Take a class, including meditative flow, gentle yoga and morning sun salutations, so even those with the busiest schedules can have the opportunity to unwind.
Urban legend or not, tea has long been revered as an ideal method of relaxation. At Hidden Peak Tea House, you can choose from their large selection of unique teas and experience them through Gung Fu service during which an expert will teach you how to extract all of the flavor from the leaves. In addition to their tea menu, Hidden Peak Tea House offers snacks inspired by dim sum and raw cuisines which can be enjoyed in the shop’s tranquil atmosphere.
Stop and smell the roses—or admire the South African proteas—at the UCSC Arboretum, home to the city’s largest collection of rare and unusual plants. Covering 148 acres, this living museum contains plants from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and California. There’s also a butterfly garden, eucalyptus grove and succulent collection that will provide hours of exploration and relaxation.
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