There will be no talks in the Social Afternoon (Wednesday June 18 after 14:15). Attendees can form groups, and explore and enjoy Santa Cruz. Here are some suggested places, and their relevant information, and links.

• Downtown Santa Cruz (Pacific Ave)
  Downtown Santa Cruz is the heart of the city, and just a short walk across the river from the conference hotel. Pacific Avenue has restaurants, shops, and two movie theaters.

• Beaches
  Main Beach and Cowell Beach are nearest to the conference hotel, about a 20 minute walk. Main beach has several beach volleyball courts and is directly in front of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Further afield are some smaller, less crowded beaches nestled in the rocky shoreline like Strawberry Beach and Wilder Ranch State Park just west of Santa Cruz, or Sunny Cove on the east side.

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  The Boardwalk is an amusement park with roller coasters, rides, mini-golf, laser tag, and several arcades. It is about a 20 minute walk and sits in front of Main Beach. There is no entrance fee: you can pay per ride or purchase a day wristband for unlimited rides. During the conference, you can get a wristband limited to after 5pm for $25.
  Hours: Arcades: 9am-11pm, Rides: 11am-9pm

• Learn to Surf!
  Santa Cruz is one of the best places in the world to learn to surf. Lessons are around $150-$200 and often cheaper if you have a few people in a group. Equipment is usually included (board, wetsuit, etc). Cowell Beach, nearest the hotel, is a very popular spot for beginners. During CSF’25, the tide will be high in the afternoons, so instructors may recommend another beach (e.g. Pleasure Point) for the best experience. See the links below:
  https://surfschoolsantacruz.com/category/cowell-beach-location/
  https://club-ed.com/
  https://richardschmidt.com/lessons/lessons-prices/

• Kayak / SUP rentals
  At the Santa Cruz Wharf, near the conference hotel, one company rents sea kayaks, but the Santa Cruz Harbor has rentals for Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP) and kayaks.
  Wharf: Tours | Venture Quest Kayaking
  Harbor: Kayaking / SUP - Santa Cruz Port District

• Nature / Hiking
  Natural Bridges State Beach (tidepools at low tide)
  Wilder Ranch State Park (great coastal views and inlet beaches)
  Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
  The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
  Big Basin Redwoods State Park (biggest in the redwoods in the area but further away)
  Where to Catch the Best Winter Sunsets (locations still apply in summer!)

• More resources:
  Things to do in Santa Cruz | Explore | Hotel Paradox
  Visit Santa Cruz County