Lower Ocean, Santa Cruz, CA

Lower Ocean is the flat residential grid in central Santa Cruz between Ocean Street and the San Lorenzo River, close enough to downtown and the water that plenty of errands happen on foot. Palm fronds show above the rooftops, a quiet hint that the beach is only blocks away. Houses here are bungalows and cottages from the early to middle part of the last hundred years, with some Victorian-style homes mixed in. Craftsman details show up as open rafters and wide overhanging roofs, and so are stucco walls and red tile roofs in the Mediterranean style. Yards are compact, and the blocks feel lived in and varied. The riverside is the outdoor draw. The Santa Cruz Riverwalk follows the San Lorenzo River for walkers and cyclists. Along the river you also find the garden plots at Riverside Gardens, a playground, the skate bowls of Mike Fox Skate Park and Mimi De Marta Dog Park beside it. The sand is a short bike ride away, and the amusement rides on the beachfront are less than a mile south. Taquerias carry the food scene. Los Primos Taqueria and the Los Viejones taco truck are the local standbys, and Golden Palace on Ocean Street handles the Chinese takeout run. For a sit-down meal with a drink, Hindquarter Bar & Grille on Soquel Avenue is known for barbecue and steaks. Verve Coffee Roasters, on Seabright Avenue, is the usual coffee destination east of here. For daily needs, Ocean Market covers quick grocery stops, and downtown has the larger stores along with museums and theaters within walking distance. Metro buses serve the area, Highway 1 connects to the coast, and Highway 17 climbs toward San Jose. Houses are small and lots are tight, so outdoor space at home is limited and the parks and river path pick up the slack. Between the river path on one side and the beach on the other, Lower Ocean works well for anyone who likes to be outside before and after work.