Santa Cruz...

The freedom of waking up early to drive somewhere for the day. Daytripper. This time, it’s Santa Cruz. I hadn’t been in awhile, but I planned a day around an evening event and everything fell in to place.

4:20am: I wake up before the 5am alarm and prep everything I had meant to prep the night before.

6:30am: It’s time to hit the road to be able to make a 10:30am Yoga class in Ben Lomond, a friend’s lovely new Yoga studio. I stop once to add gas, get a chai and baked treat to fuel the rest of my drive. I make it to the studio by 10am.

11:45am: It was a wonderful practice. I modified anything too much for me, and oh boy was it great to see my friend thriving in this gorgeous location. I change my clothes, and say goodbye, but ask one of her students first where the best fish tacos are in Santa Cruz.

12pm-ish: The Yoga practitioner’s recommendation leads me onto the pier in Santa Cruz. Cruz is sunny, and the most vibrantly active I have ever seen it. Almost at the end of the pier, I park facing ocean, beach and boardwalk.

The recommended place is crowded with tourists like myself. The bar is half open so I sit there and order my goodies from the kind and friendly bartender. Crab cakes, beer, and yes of course the fish tacos. My car stays parked on the pier as I walk after lunch, a bit toasted from two IPAs, to the boardwalk. I barely recognize the boardwalk from the early days I would come here. It’s packed with activity, movement, families, noise. A carnival atmosphere with so much to take in. On the beach, are beach volley ball tournaments happening. I pause at various benches to hydrate, rest and take in the sights.

After my boardwalk and beach exploration I decide it’s time to check things out inland, mainly Bookshop Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz, Spring 2026

5pm: I find parking after a bit of circling, then wander around town. Bookshop Santa Cruz is a great bookstore, but I’m not in a buying mood, so I wander the stacks overhearing bookstore employees' conversations about movies, art and books. A small ache in my heart, as I miss being a bookseller.

6pm: After wandering around for an hour, I find my way back to my car, get some more water at the local Whole Foods, then head to the whole reason for this trip. Andrew McCarthy’s new book is out and he’s on his tour. Tonight’s event is at the Rio Theatre. Bookshop Santa Cruz is the host, and the old theater is packed with Mr. McCarthy’s dedicated fans. I’ve met him before at another book signing, and enjoyed hearing him talk about his current book this time as well. He is a gem, one my favorite actors, plus a great writer. I decide to skip the line to get a pic with him this time, and begin my trek back home instead. I get a snack and some hot coffee at the theater, use the restroom, take my signed copy of Andrew's book, then head to my car. 'Goodbye for now, Santa Cruz. You’ve been swell. I’ll come back to see you soon.'

11pm: I arrive back at home. The sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and events of the day roll around in my mind, as I wind down for some rest. I sleep with a huge smile on my face. The freedom of waking up early to drive somewhere for the day. Daytripper. Where will I go to next?

Thank you for reading,

Michelle