West Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz

While Santa Cruz is not inherently known for its sprawling mansions so much as its hippie, student, stoner and surfer residents in this beachside town, West Cliff Drive is about as close to Malibu beaches as one will get around here. The entire road runs along the ocean, and many of the houses here absolutely qualify as mansions and resembles the ones that one would see closer to Los Angeles (or on the other side of the hill, for that matter).

The Spanish-style layout homes are closer together but still offer their share of well-manicured lawns, swimming pools, and of course, beachfront property. They don't exactly fit in with the rest of the town culture, but every beachfront city in California needs a place like this, for those who can afford it.