Santa Cruz is a gorgeous beach town, with chill California vibes, offering the ideal backdrop for a fantastic camping experience. With awesome campsites offering views of the beach, get ready for a super fun weekend on the coast! Spaces are limited, so make sure to sign up early. 

What to Expect:

Get ready for an epic escape to one of California's most stunning coastal towns! With two nights of camping just steps away from the beach, this trip promises an unforgettable experience in nature's paradise. Picture this, you lying on the sandy beach, under the vast night sky, as the Orionid meteor shower streaks across the darkness. Pure adventure bliss! 

Indulge in delicious group meals, savoring the tastes of the coast, while engaging in great conversations with like-minded adventurers. And when you seek relaxation, simply kick back, unwind, and let the coastal charm work its magic. This coastal camping retreat is the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and relaxation – an experience you won't want to miss!

The Coastal Town of Santa Cruz:  

Santa Cruz has it all, beautiful beaches, surf spots just off shore, redwood forests for hiking, and in close proximity to Monterey and Carmel... it's got something for everyone. For those that want to explore the quant beach shops and downtown area, this is the perfect spot! Fall is an amazing time to visit, the summer fog is gone, and with it the summer crowds. We will be camping just steps away from a gorgeous beach, with some of the best sunset lookout points that California has to offer. A great mix of NorCal and SoCal vibes in one place, be sure not to miss out on this weekend of fun! 

Orionid Meteor Shower:

The Orionid meteor shower is a by-product of Halley's Comet. The Orionids will peak on October 19th-20th. With a clear-sky, we can expect to see rates of about 20 meteors/shooting stars per hour. The moon will be 37% full this year, and will not interfere with viewing opportunities as much as previous years. This meteor shower is named for its radiant near the constellation Orion, the hunter, which is one of the easier constellations to spot with the three stars that make up its "belt." This is going to be such a fun campout, and this is the perfect spot in the bay area for a meteor shower beach night!

Itinerary:

Friday: 

Arrive at our Santa Cruz campsite at your convenience on Friday, but don't forget to inform your host about your estimated arrival time. Once you're here, we'll swiftly set up camp and make our way to the beach just in time for a breathtaking sunset walk. As the evening rolls in, get ready for the ultimate camp experience! Enjoy a delicious dinner under the starlit sky, staying warm by the beach bonfire, and top it off with the classic favorite - s'mores! Please note: Those who carpool will get dibs on the premium/closer parking spots, please post a message on the message wall if you can help contribute to carpool. 

Saturday:

Rise and shine! Wake up to freshly brewed coffee and a hearty breakfast prepared by your camp host.

Afternoon Hike: We will fuel up for the day ahead, as we embark on an awesome group hike through a redwood forest. This scenic trek will immerse us in a lush, green wonderland. 

Afterward, we'll return to camp for some well-deserved relaxation time. Take the chance to explore the beach, soak in the ocean breeze, or kick back and relax in a cozy hammock. Or are you feeling extra adventurous? Stroll into the quaint town area and discover its charming shops and fun attractions. Whatever we decide, it's always fun making memories with new UD friends! 

Dinner/Campfire: As the evening approaches, your host will work their magic to prepare a delicious group feast and set up a cozy campfire for all to enjoy. After a sumptuous dinner, we'll take a leisurely sunset walk, soaking in the breathtaking costal views. Back at the campfire, it's time for some more fun and camaraderie! We will bring along our favorite group games (bring any you may have), this is the perfect way to pass the time while we wait for the meteor shower to light up the night sky.

Meteor Shower: As the sky darkens, we'll head to a perfect spot on the beach, just steps away from our campsite, to witness the spectacular Meteor shower. This prime location offers an unobstructed view of the night sky, setting the stage for an unforgettable celestial show. Though the peak of the Meteor shower is around midnight, don't worry, we'll start seeing shooting around 10pm. There's something so incrediably magical about lying on the beach, gazing up at the vast expanse above, and catching those mesmerizing streaks of light across the dark night sky.

Sunday:

Wake up to hot coffee and hearty breakfast for our last day at camp. We will pack up camp and get prepared for days adventure.

Local eatery & secluded beaches: We will have lunch at a yummy bakery and cafe that overlooks the ocean, and spend the afternoon exploring secluded beaches and coves in Northern Santa Cruz county. This beach is absolutely stunning, it's the perfect place to spend the day. Your host will bring some beach toys, like a kite and a volley ball... it you have favorite beach games, bring them! 

	Trip Overview
	Type: Camping steps away from the Ocean Difficulty: Easy  4.5-6.5 mile hike in the redwoods (optional) 2 night campground camping Meteor shower  Exploring secluded beaches Activities: Beach chilling, surf/boogie board, hiking, bonfires, and exploring quant beach towns  Details: We will be right by the beach! These are one of the hardest to get camping spots in California at a great time of year. And a quick drive to town.

Event Includes:  

• Campsite reservations for 2 nights at a hard to reserve campground
  • Premium campsites with ocean views!! 
• Hosted Hikes/day excursions (moderate, 4.5-6.5 miles) 
• Meals included: 
  • Dinner on Friday and Saturday 
  • Hearty camp breakfasts on Saturday & Sunday
  • Lunch on Saturday
• Amazing Views!
• A great host to show you all best Santa Cruz spots!

What to Bring:

• Refer to our list of basic camping gear that we recommend in the post registration details!
• Attire: Dress in layers and don't forget those hiking boots and swim suit!
• Be ready to enjoy a great weekend with your UD buddies and host!

See you there! :D