West Cliff Drive has a 3-mile wheelchair accessible path that runs right along the ocean cliffs of Santa Cruz. Occasionally there are small dips, but with a little speed they are no trouble at all. t starts at Natural Bridges State Beach and Park and at one point the pathway of West Cliff Drive overlooks the Beach Boardwalk and Municipal Wharf (below left photo). Above all, expect gorgeous ocean views unique to the California coastline so even if you spend a couple of minutes in this area, it's worth it.

Along the shoreline pathway on West Cliff Drive is Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. There is handicapped parking as well as a ramp (above middle photo) that easily takes a wheelchair user into the museum. Fittingly, the ocean below the cliff that the lighthouse museum sits on is a very popular surfing spot, which is always enjoyable to watch. The winter swells brings out enormous waves and tons of surfers. Right across from the Surfing Museum is the Lighthouse Field State Beach in which a dirt road that is suitable for a wheelchair meanders you through the trees, fields, and flowers right next to the ocean (below middle & right photo) .

Pleasure Point, located on East Cliff Drive, is another famous surf spot in Santa Cruz with its own long wheelchair accessible walkway along the ocean; perfect to enjoy the salty air and watch surfers riding the waves.

Just about 5 miles North on Highway 1 from Santa Cruz is Aptos Beach. A wheelchair user can really enjoy themselves a get around to a lot of places very close to the the ocean.

There is a long flat pathway that runs parallel with the beach and many picnic tables, with and without shade. Handicapped accessible restrooms are available along this walkway too. One of the main attractions is the concrete boat that rests at the end of the pier (above photos).