The majority of Santa Cruz鈥 sights and museums are within easy walking distance of the revamped waterfront Plaza Espa帽a, with its huge circular wading pool plus fountain that spouts four times a day (indicating high and low tides). The pool makes for excellent photographs in the early morning or late afternoon, with the architecture reflected in the water.
The city's primary pedestrian shopping area, pedestrianised Calle Castillo, is just west of here.