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Best Sports & Recreation Readers' Choice Awards The outdoor life beckons readers to bike and bask while the sun shines at such justifiably famous spots as Seabright and Cowell's beaches and Natural Bridges. Technically speaking, Elkhorn Slough should have been disqualified on geographical grounds as Best Bird-Watching Spot, but having seen the magnificent herons nesting in the eucalyptus trees, we're willing to stretch a point. For spotting the rarae aves of homo sapiens, downtown Santa Cruz wins in a breeze. The Forest of Nisene Marks continues to be the most favored (and worst spelled) spot for getting deep into nature on foot. Cyclists prefer the vistas of West Cliff Drive (dodging the roller bladers, who also opted for West Cliff) and the challenges at Wilder Ranch. For huffing, puffing and buffing indoors, the heavyweight winners were Spa Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness and Gold's Gym. Best beach GOLD Seabright SILVER Cowell's BRONZE Natural Bridges Best place to get pumped and buffed GOLD Spa Fitness Center 1100 41st Ave., Capitola, 476.7373 816 Bay Ave., Capitola, 475.6316 1200 41st Ave., Capitola, 462.2004 25 Penny Lane, Watsonville 722.3895 SILVER 24 Hour Fitness 1261 Soquel Ave., SC, 454.0333 BRONZE GOLD's 620 Water St., SC, 425-4653 Best bike ride GOLD West Cliff Drive SILVER Wilder Ranch BRONZE Forest of Nisene Marks State Park Best bird-watching spot GOLD Elkhorn Slough SILVER Neary Lagoon BRONZE Natural Bridges Best jogging trail GOLD Forest of Nisene Marks State Park SILVER Big Basin State Park BRONZE Pacific Avenue (to each his own) Best hiking trail GOLD Forest of Nisene Marks State Park SILVER Pogonip BRONZE Big Basin Best golf course GOLD DeLaveaga Golf Course & Lodge 401 Upper Park Rd., SC, 423.7212 SILVER Pasatiempo Golf Club 18 Clubhouse Rd., SC 459.9155 BRONZE Seascape Golf Club 610 Clubhouse Dr., Aptos 688.3213 Best people-watching spot GOLD Downtown Santa Cruz SILVER West Cliff Drive BRONZE The Boardwalk Best roller skating/blading spot GOLD West Cliff Drive SILVER The Rink 251 Kings Village Road, SV, 438.2222 BRONZE Santa Cruz Roller Palladium Seabright Avenue and Gault Street, SC, 423.0844 Best surf spot GOLD Steamer Lane SILVER Pleasure Point BRONZE Cowell's Cove Best Food & Drink       Reader's Choice       Critic's Choice Best Arts       Reader's Choice       Critic's Choice Best Music & Nightlife       Reader's Choice       Critic's Choice Best Goods & Services       Reader's Choice       Critic's Choice Best People & Places       Reader's Choice       Critic's Choice Best Sports & Recreation       Critic's Choice Best Write-in Web Exclusive: More Goldies [ Santa Cruz | MetroActive Central | Archives ]