If you're ever in Santa Cruz, CA... don't think twice about heading to "Lighthouse Field State Beach".  don't expect a massive lighthouse... instead think 'quaint'.  Moreover... look for parking in the residential areas, and bring a camera, you'll love the view you'll have of the surfing bodies.  Get there before the sunsets and bring a coat along.  If you're there with enough time, you can walk along the coast, and find many beautiful vistas.  It's right across this coastline that monarchs settle for winter.  I never got a chance to see them, but if you time your visit correctly you can witness tens of thousands (if not more) monarchs, resting.  One of the wonderful things about the town, is that if you're lost, anyone is more than willing to give you directions.  Have fun!