Rad Statues Chocolate & Chai Tour in Santa Cruz

Taking this fine walking tour of Santa Cruz helps one understand what the allure of this California Coastal City is all about. Why is it the 3rd most expensive rental place in the US? Why do thousands of extremely talented people call it home? Why do so many of the graduates of the University of Santa Cruz try to figure out how to stay here; after they have sampled the delights of this quirky pleasant seaside town? The answers to this and other questions, may be found while on this tour. It begins at the heart of downtown, the Town Clock. Everyone locally knows this site as the place to be welcoming in the new year. From the statue by the Town Clock you are led down the main commercial street (Pacific) and on out to the sea itself. Besides the features of the tour, note the amazing variety of stores, restaurants, and especially the people that you will encounter. Can you spot the millionaire dressed down in jeans amongst the street people or the techie with the black case heading to work at one of the many silicon-based firms that are hidden away? You might catch a street musician delighting folks with fine work on strings or horns. Visit some of the shops that are almost like museums of fine arts and crafts. So many artists, musicians, foodies, and caring folks of all stripes live and pass thorough Santa Cruz. The directions on the tour are clearly indicated and the maps easy to follow. While the tour length can be done in the indicated 2 hours, try to stretch out the time by stopping along the way. Some folks stay for a much longer time, indeed, finding a niche and begin living here. You can either read the directions or listen to them (identical wording) as you wander along. The narrator is a woman with a soothing English accent that lets you in on many of the things that make Santa Cruz a radical and special place to live and visit. Fascinating details of history and purpose of places are included. I highly recommend this walking tour as an introduction to this coastal village. Take your time, enjoy the tour, and live in the moment, savoring it’s delightful walking experience.