September kicks off the “ember” months and ushers in the fall season. The Labor Day weekend is usually right after Back- to- school period of the fall semester and as such, a weekend getaway during this time can be an energy boost to mentally prepare for the rest of the year. You can also make more summer memories that would keep you warm while daydreaming on a cold winter day. I spent these 3 precious last days of summer exploring Santa Cruz County and San Francisco.

DAY ONE:

DAVENPORT BEACH: This beach is in a little town called Davenport, 10 miles off Santa Cruz. It is located on the side of Highway 1 and a cue to your arrival would be several cars parked along the shoulder of the road. One can drive pass this beach if care is not taken as it is not directly in your line of view.  There are different views of Davenport beach and the specific entrance that I used is called Shark Fin Cove. Access to this side of the beach gives you a scenic view of an old railroad track and a steep trail hike down to the base of the cliff. I crawled and held onto shrubs as I made my way to this hidden beauty: a reward for those who persevere lol. I was particularly pleased that the beach wasn’t crowded  and only had a few families having a picnic, or taking in the view. It is a great location for some quiet time, be it meditation, reading a book, or just enjoying nature.

DAY TWO:

CAPITOLA: I was thrilled by the vibrancy of this location. Unlike Davenport beach, Capitola is packed with people, restaurants and activities. A picturesque view of houses in bright hues gives off a Mediterranean town vibe. The streets are filled with aroma from the different food places, tourists and locals alike shopping and taking in the view.

DAY THREE:

PRESIDIO FOREST: With two days of beach adventure, it was time to explore the nature preservation around bustling San Francisco. I had heard and seen pictures of the Lover’s Lane and I thought this would be a great opportunity to physically admire the woody scenery. The massive grounds of Presidio forest are filled with historic buildings, and trails canvassing through an oasis of forest and breathtaking nature. My focal point for this location was the Lover’s Lane; however, I found it challenging to pinpoint the actual location amidst a sea of eucalyptus and cypress trees.  I found a fellow tourist, Eve from Bulgaria. She confessed that she too was looking for the same location, luckily enough she found landmarks that she associated to the location and we excitedly chatted away while we made our way to this new place within the forest. Alas! We found this hidden treasure that displays the work of Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line art installation made of lumber of woods zigzagging through the middle of adorning eucalyptus trees. Some hikers managed to keep their balance as they walked on those woods.