Scotts Valley, CA Outdoor Activities

Seasoned ace Bob Swinnerton established Santa Cruz Golf Academy 18 years ago to streamline his desire to spread golf wisdom to eager pupils. A professional instructor for more than 25 years, the passionate pedagogue's technical advice has been showcased in Golf Tips magazine, and his competitive resume includes playing on the Canadian PGA Tour, a collegiate career with a nationally ranked Fresno State University team, and time spent as Jack Nicklaus's dog-walker. Bob conducts lessons in his indoor golf studio, where club-toting cadets crush orbs under the surveillance of a video and computer-swing-analysis program, which helps to pinpoint swing deficiencies and introduce pupils to a digital doppelganger soon to be their inferior. Along with in-session advice, Bob outlines a multitude of golf drills that his players can take with them to maintain their pin-hunting prowess.

From the shore, Seal Rock—with its rounded crags and compact shape—looks like an oversize filet mignon floating on the Pacific Ocean. Upon closer examination, one can see its silhouette shifting as hundreds of sea lions atop the rock bob their heads or dive into the water. In addition to hosting this majestic hoard, the rock makes for a popular stop for Segway Santa Cruz tours, which peer at it from shore on their way to other sights. Aboard eco-friendly two-wheelers, guides lead groups along Westcliff Drive en route to an array of seaside attractions, including Santa Cruz Lighthouse and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, as well as Santa Cruz Wharf's boardwalk, restaurants, and shops. The tours are even open to guests with no experience driving a segway, as guides prep each person on the machine's workings before taking off on sightseeing around the town.