A college guy’s perspective
As I type this article the school year is coming to a close for those at San Francisco State. Our last scheduled final was last Friday afternoon and that means summer break is officially here.
And whether we are interning, working a typical summer job, vacationing, or going to summer school, every one of us students is looking forward to the end of the school year.
The time has come to release the stress of exams and get away from the rigors of studying for different types of classes.
With our minds free to wander, college students tend to end up spending a lot of time focused on the objects of our affection.
After all when it comes to relationship “flings” there is one time of year where we more commonly associate these casual romantic encounters -summer of course!
The always popular “summer fling” is certainly better known than it’s three counterparts, fall, winter, and spring.
And while the beach is always a popular destination during the summer months for friends, families and couples alike, there is one particular beach spot that makes for perfect summer date–Santa Cruz, California.
If you are in the Bay Area, make the short drive down to Santa Cruz and park up by the cliffs past the Boardwalk and the wharf.
You can start by bundling up and take a walk along the cliffs (don’t worry there is a railing). Enjoy the gorgeous view of the ocean and the rocks beneath you, you can even lay out on the patch of grass right next to the light house.
Watch the sun go down and enjoy each other’s company. Then, when the sun finally sets, the real fun starts!
No, no, no, get your minds out of the gutter! Not to say the walk along the cliffs isn’t fun, but it can’t touch the extraordinary meal you will have on the wharf at Gilda’s restaurant.
The Stagnaro family’s awesome family restaurant isn’t a place you would go on a fancy date, but for a casual summer outing, it really doesn’t get any better.
Gilda’s Clam Chowder is the best I have ever had and they bring you roll after roll of the best bread you can imagine. Other restaurants may bring you bread, but you haven’t filled up on bread at a restaurant until you’ve been here.
Furthermore, on Wednesday night’s Gilda’s has a prime rib special for $8.95! Can’t beat that! Word has been getting around however, and Gilda’s is packed on Wednesday’s, so be aware!
But for those who aren’t red meat lovers, Gilda’s has a menu full of different dishes, from chicken, to salmon, to shrimp pasta, to BLT(A), and my personal favorite, their ravioli (hands down best ravioli you’ll ever eat. The combination of veggies and cheese is simply heaven in a dish).
Overall Gilda’s has amazing food and typically awesome service.
When dinner is over, there is an awesome candy shop down at the end of the wharf. , and on top of that the Boardwalk admission is free! There is so much that can be done and for such little cost.
A night in Santa Cruz during the summer is a phenomenal date idea.
Photo source: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g33048-Santa_Cruz_California-Vacation…