Branciforte Dr, Santa Cruz

Branciforte Drive is a long, winding road that goes from Santa Cruz back up the hill toward Highway 17. Coastal redwoods and conference/retreat centers abound, although it may be best known for The Mystery Spot, a hokey, albeit amusing, tourist trap about three miles outside of the city.

The Mystery Spot is based around a house that was shaken off of its foundation in the 1930s, and, according to the guides, the magnetic vortexes have been in full throttle ever since. Balls roll uphill, levers stop working, and people literally lean against gravity. Is it really a magnetic force, or simply an optical illusion? Don’t ask me…

There is also some decent hiking right off of Branciforte, with DeLaveaga Park nearby and a trail right in the Mystery Spot. If you want a quick escape from the city and beach life, this could definitely do the trick!