Overlooking the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf is a historical landmark that is a must visit. Created in 1914, today it is the backbone of this charming Northern California beach town. With paved walkways, accessible parking and restrooms, a wheelchair traveler can enjoy the array of restaurants, boutique beach shops, and an ice cream & candy parlor unique to the Santa Cruz Muncipal Wharf.

 
        A playful delight, the seals of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf are an attraction all their own. They have taken over many of the pier legs and old docks, close to the water where they rest, play, nurture their young, and socially interact.
     

 
Marini's is an old-fashion candy shop that has been around since 1915. There's everything from hand-dipped strawberries to caramel apples to classic chocolates to ice cream to jawbreakers. There is also another store downtown and on the Boardwalk.

 
Fresh fish, whole dungeness crab, and lobster are available for purchase everywhere.

 

There are some really great restaurants overlooking the ocean. Try Olitas Cantina & Grill, a Mexican restaurant that sits on the second floor with an elevator available right below. Carniglia's (left) or Stagnaro Bros. (right) are excellent for seafood but also serves other entree selections.

 

Gilda's (left) is a great family restaurant with classics like Clam Chowder and is one of my favorite places for breakfast. There are cheap places to eat serving various fish dishes where you eat a picnic table (right) or stand.

 
 

To the right of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf and left of the Dream Inn Hotel is a rubber walkway that's wheelchair friendly (shown above) with a beach wheelchair at the lifeguard stand if you wish to venture further (circled above). To the left of the Wharf and right of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is another (shown below).