Aptos Trip Day 5 - Santa Cruz, CA

Still stuck on Santa Cruz, we venture back out for a post-nap outing to the boardwalk and the wharf. 

We never make it any farther than Cowell Beach, mostly because there’s no need. 

Pretty cliffs, but I’m all about this rock formation that looks like a nose. 

So I’m good, I’m happy, perfectly pleased with Santa Cruz. Would consider coming back for a longer walk along the boardwalk, but I’m pretty pleased with this evening in the beach. 

Aptos Trip Day 5 - Copal - Santa Cruz, CA

Lunch is on the colorful patio at Copal, a post-pandemic production that brings Oaxaca to Santa Cruz. 

Crispy Molotes crackle and release puffs of steam, unveiling a core of soft potato with whispers of chorizo. The flavors fold together, cooled by jets of creamy guac-grazed salsa. Dip deeply for a spicy, smoky stab. 

Black mole is their brand, and the Tamal en Hoja de Platano is one of the better ways to try it. Firmly-soft masa envelops a tender pork, doused in a river of mole. This one is dark but finishes on a lighter note, more sweetness than earth, more silk than grit. It’s smooth and not entirely overpowering, and I like it well enough. The mole takes center stage, but there must be an homage to the superbly savory side of beans. 

Burrito Mojado contains a basic shredded chicken, cooked well and intertwined with Mexican white rice and lettuce. The ingredients are simple and prepared to perfection, yet they let the mole speak. It’s a beautiful combination, though I do wish for a little more mole. 

Wash it all down with an icy Agua Fresca, either fragrant hibiscus or horchata. 

I can’t say their mole blew my mind, but their salsa game is strong. Even the free stuff they give with the chips has a real bite, and the side with the molotes is something to remember. I haven’t had much Mexican in Santa Cruz, or much of anything, for that matter, but Copal convinced me to try a lot more. 

Aptos Trip Day 5 - Santa Cruz, CA

Starting the day at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, a working marine lab with informative exhibits on fish and fauna. They make good use of the small space, with sensory exhibits that appeal to all ages and genuinely enthusiastic staff who teach you at the touch tanks. 

A blue whale skeleton is definitely worth seeing, 

And the surrounding area is protected for local wildlife. 

Take a stroll out on the cliffs to see the sea…or do some yoga if you’re Izzy…

And grab a breathtaking view of Monterey Bay.

Aptos Trip Day 4 - Santa Cruz, CA

The Henry Cowell State Park has so many towering redwoods. 

 

And what better way to view them than on an open air train? Ride the distance in a mere 90 minutes on the world’s slowest steam train and see all the sites, all the way up bear mountain. 

At a maximum cruising speed of 15 mph, this train will frighten no one and motion sickness is not a thing. Not recommended if you’re looking for adventure, but if you have young children or angry knees, this train is all the adventure you need.

Sarcasm aside, the tickets are pricey, but it’s a worthwhile attraction for families. The sheer scale of redwoods is astounding, and there’s no better way to see so much up close. 

Plus the train station sits in a cute little complex with historical buildings and a museum so you get a little history lesson that’s both covert and concise. 

The Mystery Spot comes next, but we never make it into the cabin. Izzy’s sudden need to pontificate has us self-ejecting to spare the rest of the tour group from a screaming toddler in an enclosed space. 

The small portion we did hear was delivered by an energetic guide, an animated young man with energy and enthusiasm as genuine as it was electrifying.

Delightful fun overall, will return to catch the rest.