The Santa Cruz Wharf dining and shopping district sits on the water of a nearly 100-year-old wharf and features all those gifts that coworkers and family members expect you to bring back, from locally made Marini's Candies to Made in Santa Cruz apparel.

For most travelers, it's not the shops or eateries that warrant a visit here – it's the views from the wharf. Some recent travelers reported spotting sea lions lounging nearby, but others said the vistas of the famous surf spot Steamer Lane and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk are pretty awesome, too.

You'll find the Santa Cruz Wharf a little more than a mile south of the downtown area. Although visiting the wharf is free, parking will cost you: From September to March, daily parking costs at the wharf will set you back $12; from April to August, that daily rate doubles to $24. Restaurants and shops have different opening and closing times. For more information, check out the City of Santa Cruz's website.