Guidebook for Santa Cruz

Colleen
Guidebook for Santa Cruz

Food Scene

Great bakery and sandwiches/salads
133 místní doporučují
The Buttery
702 Soquel Ave
133 místní doporučují
Great bakery and sandwiches/salads
Great habor brunch. Only open until 4pm
56 místní doporučují
Aldo's Harbor Restaurant
790 Mariner Park Way
56 místní doporučují
Great habor brunch. Only open until 4pm
walking distance
26 místní doporučují
Java Junction
519 Seabright Ave
26 místní doporučují
walking distance
GREAT bakery and hot brunch, lunch and dinner items. You can eat there or take home prepared food. Favorite place to get bread. Very popular. When you arrive, make sure to grab a number for service
155 místní doporučují
Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria
504 Bay Ave
155 místní doporučují
GREAT bakery and hot brunch, lunch and dinner items. You can eat there or take home prepared food. Favorite place to get bread. Very popular. When you arrive, make sure to grab a number for service
Very nice restaurant. Great bar upstairs with patio seating. Perfect for afternoons and sunsets. For dinner I would recommend reservations as they get very busy.
276 místní doporučují
Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff Dr
276 místní doporučují
Very nice restaurant. Great bar upstairs with patio seating. Perfect for afternoons and sunsets. For dinner I would recommend reservations as they get very busy.
Great hole in the wall place just down the street near Rio Theater/Ace Hardware. Best Thai food I’ve had in town so far. Free delivery within 4 mile radius with $25 minimum
18 místní doporučují
Real Thai Kitchen
1632 Seabright Ave
18 místní doporučují
Great hole in the wall place just down the street near Rio Theater/Ace Hardware. Best Thai food I’ve had in town so far. Free delivery within 4 mile radius with $25 minimum
My favorite clam chowder and nice views of west cliff surfing
6 místní doporučují
Gilda's
37 Municipal Wharf
6 místní doporučují
My favorite clam chowder and nice views of west cliff surfing
Great milkshakes!
65 místní doporučují
Betty Burgers
505 Seabright Ave
65 místní doporučují
Great milkshakes!
GREAT breakfast!!!
67 místní doporučují
Linda's Seabreeze Café
542 Seabright Ave
67 místní doporučují
GREAT breakfast!!!
One of the top rank restaurants in Santa Cruz.
125 místní doporučují
Lillian's Italian Kitchen
1148 Soquel Ave
125 místní doporučují
One of the top rank restaurants in Santa Cruz.
Good breakfast place
102 místní doporučují
Harbor Café
535 7th Ave
102 místní doporučují
Good breakfast place
Fun little dinner with local decorations
8 místní doporučují
Santa Cruz Antique Fair
8 místní doporučují
Fun little dinner with local decorations
Opened in 1985, Zachary's is known for its breakfast and a homemade menu and known for the sourdough pancakes.
47 místní doporučují
Zachary's Restaurant
819 Pacific Ave
47 místní doporučují
Opened in 1985, Zachary's is known for its breakfast and a homemade menu and known for the sourdough pancakes.
Great place for calamari and clam chowder. Windows have great views seals and surfing.
18 místní doporučují
Riva Fish House
31 Municipal Wharf
18 místní doporučují
Great place for calamari and clam chowder. Windows have great views seals and surfing.
Local favorite that's built into a hillside overlooking Soquel Creek. Great for a romantic dinner. You can also just grab drinks and apps at the Rock Bar.
205 místní doporučují
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Rd
205 místní doporučují
Local favorite that's built into a hillside overlooking Soquel Creek. Great for a romantic dinner. You can also just grab drinks and apps at the Rock Bar.
8 místní doporučují
Cole's Bar-B-Q
2590 Portola Dr
8 místní doporučují
Next to See's Candy. Shrimp burrito is outstanding
28 místní doporučují
Tacos Moreno
1053 Water St
28 místní doporučují
Next to See's Candy. Shrimp burrito is outstanding
Yum!
95 místní doporučují
Aptos St. BBQ
8059 Aptos St
95 místní doporučují
Yum!
$$$ nice dinners, bar, sit outside on patio.
50 místní doporučují
Paradise Beach Grille
215 Esplanade
50 místní doporučují
$$$ nice dinners, bar, sit outside on patio.
Good food - celebration; across from Boardwalk
Casablanca Restaurant & Bistro
101 Main St
Good food - celebration; across from Boardwalk
57 místní doporučují
Johnny's Harborside
493 Lake Ave
57 místní doporučují
Great breakfast burritos
24 místní doporučují
Chill Out Cafe
860 41st Ave
24 místní doporučují
Great breakfast burritos
Great to pick up mexican burritos. They get busy, so you can consider calling in your orders
17 místní doporučují
Pleasure Point County Park
East Cliff Drive
17 místní doporučují
Great to pick up mexican burritos. They get busy, so you can consider calling in your orders
hole in the wall, breakfast, order at the counter; can eat in a VW bus up front. $2.99 special
30 místní doporučují
Paula's
3500 Portola Dr
30 místní doporučují
hole in the wall, breakfast, order at the counter; can eat in a VW bus up front. $2.99 special
Great Hawaiian food and fun little bar. Has small outdoor seating, but most is inside. Can get pretty busy.
102 místní doporučují
Hula's Island Grill
221 Cathcart St
102 místní doporučují
Great Hawaiian food and fun little bar. Has small outdoor seating, but most is inside. Can get pretty busy.
Great spot and crepes and walking distance from the house. There is a bar upfront and restaurant in the back with a nice outdoor patio as well. Can have live music at night too.
109 místní doporučují
The Crêpe Place
1134 Soquel Ave
109 místní doporučují
Great spot and crepes and walking distance from the house. There is a bar upfront and restaurant in the back with a nice outdoor patio as well. Can have live music at night too.
Local coffee and roastery. Just a few blocks from the house. Good place to buy beans too.
220 místní doporučují
Verve Coffee Roasters
816 41st Ave
220 místní doporučují
Local coffee and roastery. Just a few blocks from the house. Good place to buy beans too.
Great for picking up lunch for the beach
6 místní doporučují
Seabright Deli
415 Seabright Ave
6 místní doporučují
Great for picking up lunch for the beach
Great local fresh raw seafood counter. This is a great place to get fresh crab and other seafood for you to cook AT HOME.
H & H Fresh Fish
493 Lake Avenue
Great local fresh raw seafood counter. This is a great place to get fresh crab and other seafood for you to cook AT HOME.

Drinks & Nightlife

Close place for beer and nice outdoor patio and live music. Order the flight of beers to get a sample and find what you like. Food isn't my favorite, just tyipcal bar food
74 místní doporučují
Seabright Social
519 Seabright Ave
74 místní doporučují
Close place for beer and nice outdoor patio and live music. Order the flight of beers to get a sample and find what you like. Food isn't my favorite, just tyipcal bar food
The O'Neill Lounge at the Dream Inn is heavily decorated with surfing pioneer Jack O'Neill's memorabilia.
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
175 W Cliff Dr
The O'Neill Lounge at the Dream Inn is heavily decorated with surfing pioneer Jack O'Neill's memorabilia.
$$$
70 místní doporučují
Oswald Restaurant
121 Soquel Ave
70 místní doporučují
$$$
Local brewery. Two-story space doubles as a working brewery providing live demo-style insight for drinkers. Check website for hours www.nubobrew.com
42 místní doporučují
New Bohemia Brewing Co.
1030 41st Ave
42 místní doporučují
Local brewery. Two-story space doubles as a working brewery providing live demo-style insight for drinkers. Check website for hours www.nubobrew.com

Entertainment & Activities

A gravitational anomaly in the middle of the redwoods. Individuals $6, parking $5. I know it sounds crazy, but you really do need a reservation. You can make then 24 hours up to 24 hours in advance.
208 místní doporučují
The Mystery Spot
465 Mystery Spot Rd
208 místní doporučují
A gravitational anomaly in the middle of the redwoods. Individuals $6, parking $5. I know it sounds crazy, but you really do need a reservation. You can make then 24 hours up to 24 hours in advance.
Local Santa Cruz ice cream and REALLY busy. Grab a number when you arrive and make sure you try samples!
38 místní doporučují
Marianne's Ice Cream
1020 Ocean St
38 místní doporučují
Local Santa Cruz ice cream and REALLY busy. Grab a number when you arrive and make sure you try samples!
Rollar coasters and rides. Free summer concerts on Fridays and movies on Wednesdays
745 místní doporučují
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach St
745 místní doporučují
Rollar coasters and rides. Free summer concerts on Fridays and movies on Wednesdays
Rent stand-up paddle boards for the harbor
19 místní doporučují
SUP Shack Santa Cruz
2214 E Cliff Dr
19 místní doporučují
Rent stand-up paddle boards for the harbor
Movie theater that plays documentaries and independant films
52 místní doporučují
Rio Theatre
1205 Soquel Ave
52 místní doporučují
Movie theater that plays documentaries and independant films
Local roller skating!
13 místní doporučují
Santa Cruz Roller Palladium
1606 Seabright Ave
13 místní doporučují
Local roller skating!
Bowling
46 místní doporučují
Boardwalk Bowl
115 Cliff St
46 místní doporučují
Bowling
Indoor mini-golf and arcade games
7 místní doporučují
Neptune's Kingdom
400 Beach St
7 místní doporučují
Indoor mini-golf and arcade games
Amazing aquarium in Cannery Row
668 místní doporučují
Akvárium Monterey Bay
886 Cannery Row
668 místní doporučují
Amazing aquarium in Cannery Row
Kayak rentals, instruction and tours in the harbor. Great in good weather with minimal wind.
31 místní doporučují
Kayak Connection
413 Lake Ave
31 místní doporučují
Kayak rentals, instruction and tours in the harbor. Great in good weather with minimal wind.
www.oneillyachtcharters.com - $20-$40. ChardonnayII is a former racing yacht, offers a number of themed cruises and have daytime and sunset cruises.
45 místní doporučují
Chardonnay Sailing Charters
790 Mariner Park Way
45 místní doporučují
www.oneillyachtcharters.com - $20-$40. ChardonnayII is a former racing yacht, offers a number of themed cruises and have daytime and sunset cruises.
a 65 foot Team O'Neill catamaran open to the public 5 days per week with 60-90 min sails available during the day and evening. $20-$40 www.oneillyachtcharters.com
20 místní doporučují
O'Neill Yacht Charters
275 Lake Ave
20 místní doporučují
a 65 foot Team O'Neill catamaran open to the public 5 days per week with 60-90 min sails available during the day and evening. $20-$40 www.oneillyachtcharters.com
There are a couple locations, but they are a local candymaker since 1915 and are known for their saltwater taffy and caramel apples
Marini's At the Beach
400 Beach St
There are a couple locations, but they are a local candymaker since 1915 and are known for their saltwater taffy and caramel apples
Fun train rides through the redwoods. http://www.roaringcamp.com/
150 místní doporučují
Roaring Camp
5401 Graham Hill Rd
150 místní doporučují
Fun train rides through the redwoods. http://www.roaringcamp.com/
For those that want to learn to surf :)
Club Ed Surf School and Camps
For those that want to learn to surf :)
Fun area for kids
25 místní doporučují
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
35 Pacific Ave
25 místní doporučují
Fun area for kids
Rock climbing wall
16 místní doporučují
Pacific Edge Climbing Gym
104 Bronson St
16 místní doporučují
Rock climbing wall
Haven't done this myself, but they tandem drop from the highest point in the world (18,000') for 90 seconds of free fall. 8:30 or 10:30am by appointment and pending weather. From $279. 888-229-5867
6 místní doporučují
Skydive Monterey Bay
721 Neeson Rd
6 místní doporučují
Haven't done this myself, but they tandem drop from the highest point in the world (18,000') for 90 seconds of free fall. 8:30 or 10:30am by appointment and pending weather. From $279. 888-229-5867
www.montereybaykayaks.com. Daily guided ours of Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough, $45-$60.
20 místní doporučují
Monterey Bay Kayaks - Monterey Location
693 Del Monte Ave
20 místní doporučují
www.montereybaykayaks.com. Daily guided ours of Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough, $45-$60.
www.montereybaykayaks.com. Eklhorn Slough bird-watching tours as well
17 místní doporučují
Monterey Bay Kayaks - Elkhorn Slough
2390 CA-1
17 místní doporučují
www.montereybaykayaks.com. Eklhorn Slough bird-watching tours as well
Stadium for Golden State Warriors minor league and other events. http://santacruz.dleague.nba.come
7 místní doporučují
Kaiser Permanente Arena
140 Front St
7 místní doporučují
Stadium for Golden State Warriors minor league and other events. http://santacruz.dleague.nba.come
Nearby shop to rent bikes. They also have an online reservation system. http://www.bicycletrip.com/en-US/page01/
11 místní doporučují
Bicycle Trip
1001 Soquel Ave
11 místní doporučují
Nearby shop to rent bikes. They also have an online reservation system. http://www.bicycletrip.com/en-US/page01/
If you’re looking for a rad 2nd gen female surf instructor pls check out Katy Collins, & her company Capitola Surf and Paddle!! She will have you confident & shredding in no time!!
6 místní doporučují
Capitola Surf and Paddle
120 Monterey Avenue
6 místní doporučují
If you’re looking for a rad 2nd gen female surf instructor pls check out Katy Collins, & her company Capitola Surf and Paddle!! She will have you confident & shredding in no time!!

Sightseeing

Museum overlooking Steamer Land features photographs, surfboards and videos chronicling over 100 years surfing in Santa Cruz. It’s very small and in a lighthouse, but has some cool stuff and fun facts
75 místní doporučují
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
701 W Cliff Dr
75 místní doporučují
Museum overlooking Steamer Land features photographs, surfboards and videos chronicling over 100 years surfing in Santa Cruz. It’s very small and in a lighthouse, but has some cool stuff and fun facts
80 místní doporučují
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
100 McAllister Way
80 místní doporučují
Great beach and state park
261 místní doporučují
Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 W Cliff Dr
261 místní doporučují
Great beach and state park
Pick your own fruit. Call for open hours and what's in season
46 místní doporučují
Gizdich Ranch
55 Peckham Rd
46 místní doporučují
Pick your own fruit. Call for open hours and what's in season
Cute downtown, nice little beach and great views. Really busy during season and parking is a little challenging
151 místní doporučují
Capitola
151 místní doporučují
Cute downtown, nice little beach and great views. Really busy during season and parking is a little challenging
Good hiking area
272 místní doporučují
Státní park Les Nisene Marks
Aptos Creek Road
272 místní doporučují
Good hiking area
Monarch butterflies: Festival usually early Oct. Tours Sat & Sun Oct-mid Jan. Typically 11am & 2pm, Free. Parking $10. www.parks.ca.gov 831-423-4609
2531 W Cliff Dr
2531 West Cliff Drive
Monarch butterflies: Festival usually early Oct. Tours Sat & Sun Oct-mid Jan. Typically 11am & 2pm, Free. Parking $10. www.parks.ca.gov 831-423-4609
www.elkhornslough.org 9am-5pm Wed-Sun. Free admission to visitor center; $4 (credit card only) for 16+ to walk trails (younger free). Free guided tours at 10am & 1pm
14 místní doporučují
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
14 místní doporučují
www.elkhornslough.org 9am-5pm Wed-Sun. Free admission to visitor center; $4 (credit card only) for 16+ to walk trails (younger free). Free guided tours at 10am & 1pm
Off Lighthouse Ave. www.pgmuseum.or/monarch-viewing. Sunrise to sunset daily. Free. Docents available noon-3pm, weather permitting pending time of year
50 Forest Ridge Rd
50 Forest Ridge Road
Off Lighthouse Ave. www.pgmuseum.or/monarch-viewing. Sunrise to sunset daily. Free. Docents available noon-3pm, weather permitting pending time of year
Whale-watching and coastal safaris from Moss Landing and Monterey for ages 8+; most 3-4 hours, $140-$185. Private charters available. www.fastraft.com
Fast Raft
32 Cannery Row
Whale-watching and coastal safaris from Moss Landing and Monterey for ages 8+; most 3-4 hours, $140-$185. Private charters available. www.fastraft.com
8am-5pm daily. $10/vehicle ($9 with senior). Free guided walks most days - see www.pointlobos.org/calendars for detals. www.parks.ca.gov
309 místní doporučují
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
62 CA-1
309 místní doporučují
8am-5pm daily. $10/vehicle ($9 with senior). Free guided walks most days - see www.pointlobos.org/calendars for detals. www.parks.ca.gov

Essentials

Full body massages with your clothes on an a towel placed over you; Asian style massage and terrible music on their webpage! Not a spa experience, but totally worth the $25!!
Health Foot Massage
347 Soquel Ave
Full body massages with your clothes on an a towel placed over you; Asian style massage and terrible music on their webpage! Not a spa experience, but totally worth the $25!!
15 místní doporučují
Safeway
117 Morrissey Blvd
15 místní doporučují
Lots of ready made food, but pricey
157 místní doporučují
Whole Foods Market
911 Soquel Ave
157 místní doporučují
Lots of ready made food, but pricey
Good specialty foods and snacks
165 místní doporučují
Trader Joe's
700 Front St
165 místní doporučují
Good specialty foods and snacks
Minimal groceries, drinks, ice cream bars, etc... but just a few blocks away to walk to. Great when you don't want to drive!
Day's Market Liquors & Deli
526 Seabright Ave
Minimal groceries, drinks, ice cream bars, etc... but just a few blocks away to walk to. Great when you don't want to drive!
Great selection of wine and a nice butcher. Sort of a local Whole Foods.
76 místní doporučují
Shopper's Corner
622 Soquel Ave
76 místní doporučují
Great selection of wine and a nice butcher. Sort of a local Whole Foods.

Everything Else

Close place for washing clothes
The Laundry Room
419 Seabright Ave
Close place for washing clothes
Just incase you need it :)
United States Postal Service
1146 Soquel Ave
Just incase you need it :)
In 2008, the Greatful Dead gave their entire archive to the university. It includes 100s of artifacts, audio, and video recordings, artwork, tickets, and other memorabilia. 1156 High St. 831-459-4053
McHenry Library
414 McHenry Road
In 2008, the Greatful Dead gave their entire archive to the university. It includes 100s of artifacts, audio, and video recordings, artwork, tickets, and other memorabilia. 1156 High St. 831-459-4053
Local bookstore open since 1966
57 místní doporučují
Bookshop Santa Cruz
1520 Pacific Ave
57 místní doporučují
Local bookstore open since 1966
Branciforte Branch Library
230 Gault St

Shopping

Great outlet prices on athletic clothing!
10 místní doporučují
Patagonia Outlet: Open for Curbside Pickup
415 River St
10 místní doporučují
Great outlet prices on athletic clothing!
Flagship surfing shop in Pleasure Point. Big selection of wet suits, accessories and locally shaped surfboards. www.oneill.com
36 místní doporučují
O'Neill Surf Shop
110 Cooper St
36 místní doporučují
Flagship surfing shop in Pleasure Point. Big selection of wet suits, accessories and locally shaped surfboards. www.oneill.com