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point of historical interest. Aquarius restaurant emphasizes local organ- ic produce and meat, seafood from the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, and local wines and craft beers. Sea scallops, black kale salad, crab risotto and hanger steak are some of the dinner options. The restaurant also offers a full breakfast, Sunday brunch and lunch. Try the Dream breakfast burrito with egg, chorizo, avo- cado, salsa, onion, potato and cheese, and the award-winning clam chowder. With a "retro-chic" decor that was launched during a recent remodel, the non-smoking hotel is also a cer tified green business. "One of our core values is to cherish our resources," says Smith. The Dream Inn has par tnered with nonprofits Save Our Shores and Mountain Parks Foundation to educate the public and to help protect the ocean and local state parks. The hotel rooms have glass balconies, which allow a view of all the action on the Monterey Bay, the beach and Boardwalk. Within walking distance from the hotel is downtown Santa Cruz, centered around busy Pacific Avenue, where an eclectic assor tment of shops, restaurants, movie theaters and a well- stocked bookstore offer up plenty of diversions and healthy treats. It's a great way to get a taste of the quirky, laid-back creative vibe that per- 152 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 4 "Surf City, USA," aka sunny Santa Cruz, revolves around the ocean culture, which permeates into the mellow and carefree attitude of its residents and visitors. The historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is just steps away from the Dream Inn. Attractions take place against a backdrop of sun worshippers and water lovers. Photo: Santa Cruz Dream Inn Photo: Courtesy Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk