PENINSULA SEEN: A DREAMY WEEKEND Santa Cruz’s Dream Inn

A nice touch is the sitting area that our room had with a small couch and table great for a drink and snack in the room. The balconies are one of the best features at the Dream Inn as the view ranges all the way down the coast to the lively and famous Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Pier.

The hallways are thoughtfully decorated as the carpets look like water the wallpaper has surfer imagery and the door numbers are shaped like tiny surfboards.

There are many things the Dream Inn offers including a large swimming pool and huge jacuzzi. Both are kept at a perfect temperature.The pool area has towel service, an outdoor fire pit and bar for enjoying your favorite drink. The pool is open till 10pm, even in the winter.The best part is the location, right on the beach and steps away from the sand.

The Hotel has several dining options including a great little coffee bar next to lobby serving a variety of coffee drinks from the local roastery and a several options for breakfast including some egg sandwiches and pastries.

The restaurant at the Hotel is the Aquaris and in a few weeks will be transformed into Jack O'Neill's which will focus on local fare and include an Americana menu serving some of freshest local produce and local sea food.

The dinner we had at Aquarius was truly exceptional. Located right on the water, the table we had made for a perfect romantic dinner. The chef from Aquarius will be heading up the newly renovated Jack Neil’s and that’s a huge plus.

Our meal started with a few appetizers including the Jalapeño Shrimp, jumbo domestic gulf shrimp, jalapeño batter, zesty salsa, sour cream, grilled jalapeño, it was amazing. Then we tried the Ahi Poke Timbale, wakame salad, orange-sesame-tamari glaze, cucumber, avocado puree, wonton chips.

The salads were out of this world and included a Organic Spinach & Strawberry Salad with field fresh farms baby spinach, strawberry, red onion, avocado, candied pecan, point reyes bleu cheese crumbles, citrus vinaigrette, and the Heirloom Tomato & Beet Caprese with buffalo mozzarella, Italian lemon oil, micro basil, sweet balsamic glaze.

Our entrees included an outstanding Slow-Braised Short Rib with a cheese-ale polenta, cabernet pan jus preserved lemon & chili flake haricot verts and the Half Chicken Under-a-Brick with a citrus marinated Mary’s free-range chicken, peewee potatoes, carrot puree, honey mustard. It was perfect.

Other highlights on the menu include a Watermelon-Mint Gazpacho with cucumber, bell pepper, jalapeño, onion, micro basil, sweet balsamic glaze and the Grilled California Yellowtail.

The desserts are also great if you end up having room as the portions are hearty and the appetizers are a must.

The service was top notch as well as at the lively Jack O'Neill Lounge adjacent to the restaurant. I must say the live music was not your average lounge act and was terrific. The acts change through out the week and relaxing in the lounge with a beverage is a must do when visiting the Dream Inn.

The Dream Inn is a perfect destination for the entire family and or a a romantic getaway. Between the location, service and ambience, theres no where better to stay in Santa Cruz

For the Holidays, the Inn will be offering some special events.

December 22nd – Breakfast with Santa

 9:00am-11:00am

~ Full Breakfast Buffet

~ Cookie Decorating

~ Story Time - Christmas Story Reading

~Visit from Santa Claus

Christmas Eve – Pre Fixe – 4pm – 8pm ($64pp)

Christmas Day – Pre Fixe- 4pm- 8pm ($64pp)

New Year’s Eve/Day

3 course dinner – 5:30pm – 10pm ($85 per person, $125 per person with wine)

Will feature a pianist from 7pm – 9pm

The following are a few of our recommendations when visiting Santa Cruz

Breakfast

There are two places that are the hands down favorites in Santa Cruz, i The Walnut Cafe and Zachary’s, Both staples in the community for years and worth every minute of the wait, which you will have on the weekends. Make sure you order the coffee cake and or the Cornbread at Zachary’s.

Visit the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. Located in the heart of Downtown.

Great local history with many interactive exhibits that both adults and kids can enjoy. Great rooftop garden. 705 Front St.

After the Museum stop at by The Abbott Square Market and enjoy this small modern food court including Pizzeria La Bufala and a homemade ice cream bar from Milk and Wood.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

One of the most beloved amusement parks in California, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features classic rides (including two that are National Historic Landmarks), old-school arcade games, a two-story mini golf course, historic carousel and more.

Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf

The Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf offers traditional seaside attractions within walking distance from the hotel, and has everything from pier fishing to whale watching tours, playful sea lions, and other marine novelties to admire.

We stopped by to grab a drink at Splash on the pier which has a revolving bar. If you didn’t catch it you would think you had one to many.

Do not miss the Sea Lions that reside under the pier. They are all cuddled together and are an attraction everyone loves.

Shopping Downtown

There are lots of shops downtown and I must admit the area has changed for the best. The most fashionable store is Stripe and has two stores, men’s and women’s.

You will find more fashion forward brands and gift items to appease those fashionista’s.

Another favorite downtown store is Artisans. Artisans has been in downtown Santa Cruz since 1976 – its first incarnation was as an artists’ cooperative and is both a great gift shop and art gallery.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

California’s oldest state park, Big Basin features 80+ miles of scenic hiking and mountain biking trails past redwood groves and clear streams in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Steamer Lane

This internationally renowned surfing hotspot draws the sport’s top talent. If you’re a newbie, try the mild, consistent waves along Cowell Beach and let the pros catch the larger, right-handed point breaks along Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point.

There are many dinner options in Santa Cruz but we loved Hula’s Island Grill. It has a great surf vibe with flowery inspired drinks including our favorite the Pain Killer. Try the Tiki Torch Chicken Wings and Crispy Coconut Shrimp Rolls appetizers. We highly recommend the Bali Hai Ribs and coleslaw. Save room for the Hula ice cream pie.

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