Did you know a relic from World War I is hiding in Northern California’s Seacliff State Beach in Aptos? The SS Palo Alto is a sunken ship that is nearly 100 years old, and has since become an artificial reef of sorts.

The SS Palo Alto was launched in 1919.
praphulm/Flickr
By then, it was too late to be used in World War I.
The SS Palo Alto was mothballed in 1929.
Scott Dexter/Flickr
It was then towed to Seacliff State Beach.
That's where it was deliberately sunk.
Richard Masoner/Flickr
A pier was built leading up to the ship, and it was repurposed as an amusement ship.
The ship included lots of amenities and entertainment.
Naotake Murayama/Flickr
Guests could enjoy the cafe, and even go dancing and swimming.
During the Great Depression, the ship went bankrupt.
Dave R/Flickr
Then, during a winter storm, it cracked at the midsection. The State of California purchased the ship and repurposed it as a fishing pier.
Since then, the ship has closed and reopened a couple times following repairs.
Dave R/Flickr
The last time the SS Palo Alto closed for repairs was during the summer of 2016.
Today, the SS Palo Alto serves as an artificial reef of sorts, attracting all sorts of marine life.
Richard Masoner/Flickr
Algae grows around the wreck, and fish come to feed on the algae. Sea lions visit the wreck to feed on the fish. Pelicans also perch on the wreck to rest their wings.

NorCal is home to amazing historical attractions like this one. For more unique places in Northern California that you’ll love visiting, check these out.

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