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For those of us who grew up on the Peninsula, we were fortunate to live in one of the more desirable places in America.
That said, venturing to what we felt were even more exciting locations was a frequent part of daily life.
One of the most-visited destinations was Santa Cruz. Complete with the age-old iconic boardwalk and the inviting surf, Santa Cruz became a sought-after weekend getaway for many. Hence, a cozy spot to bed down for the weekend opened in 1963.
Originally called the West Coast Santa Cruz Hotel, it was later renamed the Dream Inn.
Located next to the historic Beach Boardwalk, it sits directly atop legendary Cowell Beach.
This sandy spot offers beach volleyball courts and the most famous surf spot in Santa Cruz, Steamer Lane. Novice surfing is also popular when conditions are right — it’s known as a beginner’s wave.
The hotel comprises two sections: a tower and a lower building that houses the hotel’s original rooms, the pool, and a restaurant.
Also near the pool is the O’Neill Lounge, aptly named because it stands approximately on the site of the world’s first “Surf Shop” founded in the ’50s by legendary surfing pioneer and innovator Jack O’Neill.
You can also see the original Sisters Hospital, where Bay Street enters on the left.
After some financial difficulties in the 1980’s, a new owner took over and has transformed the hotel into a more attractive destination.
If you haven’t been to this famous surf hamlet for a while, consider enjoying a weekend at the venerable beachside getaway and bring back some nostalgic memories.
Everything else is just history…
