Guidebook for Santa Cruz

Rex
Guidebook for Santa Cruz

Sightseeing

The park’s Natural Preserve houses over 10,000 elephant seals a year to breed and give birth. There's a history exhibit, bookstore, and theater, as well as dunes and marshes. North of Pigeon Point.
88 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Ano Nuevo State Park
88 現地メンバーのおすすめ
The park’s Natural Preserve houses over 10,000 elephant seals a year to breed and give birth. There's a history exhibit, bookstore, and theater, as well as dunes and marshes. North of Pigeon Point.
With some of the first built houses in town (most being registered historical buildings), Ocean View Ave. has some of the most well crafted architecture to date. Beautiful gardens and landscaping too!
Ocean View Avenue
Ocean View Avenue
With some of the first built houses in town (most being registered historical buildings), Ocean View Ave. has some of the most well crafted architecture to date. Beautiful gardens and landscaping too!
Be sure to take a stroll down this block of Walnut Ave. Every house is a beautifully crafted Victorian (most are historical monuments!) and the line of trees spanning both sides of the street overlap!
Walnut Avenue
Walnut Avenue
Be sure to take a stroll down this block of Walnut Ave. Every house is a beautifully crafted Victorian (most are historical monuments!) and the line of trees spanning both sides of the street overlap!
Pleasure Point is one of the best views of Santa Cruz. This eastside beach/cliff location is home to many local surfers and photographers. We recommend going to the end of Rockview Dr.!
Rockview Drive
Rockview Drive
Pleasure Point is one of the best views of Santa Cruz. This eastside beach/cliff location is home to many local surfers and photographers. We recommend going to the end of Rockview Dr.!
Built in 1791, this Spanish style mission has a Queen Anne architectural style that's very unique and interesting. Holy Cross Church was built on this site, which also has beautiful architecture!
7 現地メンバーのおすすめ
ミッション・サンタ・クルス
120 Emmett St
7 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Built in 1791, this Spanish style mission has a Queen Anne architectural style that's very unique and interesting. Holy Cross Church was built on this site, which also has beautiful architecture!
Neary Lagoon offers a beautiful wood walkway from the downtown area to the lower westside, and includes a lagoon area with ducks, geese, Great White Egrets, and an array of benches and picnic tables.
13 現地メンバーのおすすめ
ニアリー・ラグーン・パーク
110 California St
13 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Neary Lagoon offers a beautiful wood walkway from the downtown area to the lower westside, and includes a lagoon area with ducks, geese, Great White Egrets, and an array of benches and picnic tables.
With 34 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, Wilder Ranch State Park has plenty of ground to cover! There's also a restored dairy farm and small museum/gift shop on the premises by parking.
1401 Coast Rd
1401 Coast Road
With 34 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, Wilder Ranch State Park has plenty of ground to cover! There's also a restored dairy farm and small museum/gift shop on the premises by parking.
Pogonip Park inside the heart of the UCSC campus (which is massive!) has miles of hiking and biking trails, while being surrounded by gorgeous and shady redwood trees. Google Pogonip for more info.
1156 High St
1156 High Street
Pogonip Park inside the heart of the UCSC campus (which is massive!) has miles of hiking and biking trails, while being surrounded by gorgeous and shady redwood trees. Google Pogonip for more info.
Famously known for it's Monarch butterfly grove, Natural Bridge's is a 65-acre park with eucalyptus trees and a natural bridge across the beach. October-February is monarch season! Great for kids.
2531 W Cliff Dr
2531 West Cliff Drive
Famously known for it's Monarch butterfly grove, Natural Bridge's is a 65-acre park with eucalyptus trees and a natural bridge across the beach. October-February is monarch season! Great for kids.
West Cliff Drive is a top-of-the-list must-see for Santa Cruz. Take a stroll down the beautiful walkway with the ocean as your backdrop. Great architectural houses and long walking/biking paths.
193 現地メンバーのおすすめ
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive
193 現地メンバーのおすすめ
West Cliff Drive is a top-of-the-list must-see for Santa Cruz. Take a stroll down the beautiful walkway with the ocean as your backdrop. Great architectural houses and long walking/biking paths.

Arts & Culture

Kayak Connection offers rentals & kayak tours every day. Also stand up paddling classes and rentals along with wetsuits & boogie boards. Beginners and families especially welcome.
413 Lake Ave
413 Lake Avenue
Kayak Connection offers rentals & kayak tours every day. Also stand up paddling classes and rentals along with wetsuits & boogie boards. Beginners and families especially welcome.
The Stagnaro family has been a part of Santa Cruz for a century and a half- offering fishing trips and whale watching tours in the Monterey Bay. Check out their seafood restaurant on the wharf!
1710 Brommer St
1710 Brommer Street
The Stagnaro family has been a part of Santa Cruz for a century and a half- offering fishing trips and whale watching tours in the Monterey Bay. Check out their seafood restaurant on the wharf!
Board the 65' O'Neill catamaran for public and private charters throughout the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Whale watching tours also available. Book through their website.
275 Lake Ave
275 Lake Avenue
Board the 65' O'Neill catamaran for public and private charters throughout the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Whale watching tours also available. Book through their website.
Discovered in 1939, the famous Mystery Spot is a visual illusion-based attraction and gravitational anomaly located in the redwoods of Santa Cruz. Get your tickets in advance on their website!
465 Mystery Spot Rd
Discovered in 1939, the famous Mystery Spot is a visual illusion-based attraction and gravitational anomaly located in the redwoods of Santa Cruz. Get your tickets in advance on their website!
Sister theater to the Del Mar, The Nick offers a wide range of independent films, locally grown popcorn, concessions from local businesses, and a friendly and knowledgable staff. Local's approve!
210 Lincoln St
210 Lincoln Street
Sister theater to the Del Mar, The Nick offers a wide range of independent films, locally grown popcorn, concessions from local businesses, and a friendly and knowledgable staff. Local's approve!
Built in 1936, this art deco movie theater is unlike any other. Huge rooms with balcony style upstairs. Features locally grown popcorn and ice cream/candy from local businesses. Very friendly staff!
1124 Pacific Ave
1124 Pacific Avenue
Built in 1936, this art deco movie theater is unlike any other. Huge rooms with balcony style upstairs. Features locally grown popcorn and ice cream/candy from local businesses. Very friendly staff!
At the base of West Cliff's gorgeous lighthouse, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum gives guests the extensive history of surfing in Santa Cruz, as well as the earliest surfing accounts throughout the US.
701 W Cliff Dr
701 West Cliff Drive
At the base of West Cliff's gorgeous lighthouse, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum gives guests the extensive history of surfing in Santa Cruz, as well as the earliest surfing accounts throughout the US.
The Long Marine Lab is a public education facility that focuses on the scientific research of marine life and offers hands-on exhibits such as their touch pool. Great place for kids to learn!
100 Shaffer Rd
100 Shaffer Road
The Long Marine Lab is a public education facility that focuses on the scientific research of marine life and offers hands-on exhibits such as their touch pool. Great place for kids to learn!
The Boardwalk Bowl offers a bowling alley, karaoke, and arcade games. Check out "Atomic Bowling" on Thursday/Sunday nights for a glow-in-the-dark bowling experience! Great for parties.
115 Cliff St
115 Cliff Street
The Boardwalk Bowl offers a bowling alley, karaoke, and arcade games. Check out "Atomic Bowling" on Thursday/Sunday nights for a glow-in-the-dark bowling experience! Great for parties.

Shopping

Capitola Village is a small area right on the ocean that has lots of nice shops, restaurants, and bars. We recommend taking a look at the historic Venetian Hotel, a string of vibrantly colored villas!
1500 Wharf Rd
1500 Wharf Road
Capitola Village is a small area right on the ocean that has lots of nice shops, restaurants, and bars. We recommend taking a look at the historic Venetian Hotel, a string of vibrantly colored villas!
For all things Santa Cruz, surfing, and skating related, Pacific Wave is one of the largest and most popular surf shops in town. Great place to get SC sweatshirts, t-shirts, bathing suits, and sandals
1502 Pacific Ave
1502 Pacific Avenue
For all things Santa Cruz, surfing, and skating related, Pacific Wave is one of the largest and most popular surf shops in town. Great place to get SC sweatshirts, t-shirts, bathing suits, and sandals

Entertainment & Activities

Your kids will have too much fun on the steep metal slides this park has to offer (tip: bring wax paper for an even faster ride!). Overlooking the ocean, this park is a gorgeous place for a picnic!
120 Ocean View Ave
120 Ocean View Avenue
Your kids will have too much fun on the steep metal slides this park has to offer (tip: bring wax paper for an even faster ride!). Overlooking the ocean, this park is a gorgeous place for a picnic!
Founded in 1958, this locally owned ice cream parlor makes their own fresh, one-of-a-kind ice creams with over 75 flavors to choose from! There's a reason it's usually packed-with tourists and locals!
1020 Ocean St
1020 Ocean Street
Founded in 1958, this locally owned ice cream parlor makes their own fresh, one-of-a-kind ice creams with over 75 flavors to choose from! There's a reason it's usually packed-with tourists and locals!
Taking you from the SC Mountains down to the Boardwalk, this railroad is a must-see experience, trailing through the huge redwood forests Santa Cruz has to offer. Multiple tracks and departure times.
5401 Graham Hill Rd
5401 Graham Hill Road
Taking you from the SC Mountains down to the Boardwalk, this railroad is a must-see experience, trailing through the huge redwood forests Santa Cruz has to offer. Multiple tracks and departure times.
Have fun with the family on fantastic rides while facing the sparkling ocean! $1 rides, hot dogs, sodas, and cotton candy offered Mon/Tues. Mini golf and arcade in Neptune's Kingdom right next door!
400 Beach St
400 Beach Street
Have fun with the family on fantastic rides while facing the sparkling ocean! $1 rides, hot dogs, sodas, and cotton candy offered Mon/Tues. Mini golf and arcade in Neptune's Kingdom right next door!
Marini's is a must-see if you have a sweet tooth! A fun, old-fashioned candy shop with a wide selection of ice cream, cotton candy, caramel apples, and more! Multiple locations. Price Range: $-$$
1308 Pacific Ave
1308 Pacific Avenue
Marini's is a must-see if you have a sweet tooth! A fun, old-fashioned candy shop with a wide selection of ice cream, cotton candy, caramel apples, and more! Multiple locations. Price Range: $-$$
A large selection of award winning freshly baked cookies, ice cream, and ice cream sandwiches. Gluten free and vegan options available! Everyone loves the Cookie Company!
1203 Pacific Ave
1203 Pacific Avenue
A large selection of award winning freshly baked cookies, ice cream, and ice cream sandwiches. Gluten free and vegan options available! Everyone loves the Cookie Company!

Food Scene

This elegant fine dining restaurant has an exquisite blend of contemporary and Mediterranean/Afghan dishes that are fragrant, beautiful, and tasty! Delicious lamb and pomegranate chicken! Price: $$
101 Cooper St
101 Cooper Street
This elegant fine dining restaurant has an exquisite blend of contemporary and Mediterranean/Afghan dishes that are fragrant, beautiful, and tasty! Delicious lamb and pomegranate chicken! Price: $$
Delicious specialty wood-fired pizzas, paired with pitchers of draft beers and ping-pong tables, Engfer's is a local favorite. Vegetarian/Vegan/GF options. Price Range: $-$$$
537 Seabright Ave
537 Seabright Avenue
Delicious specialty wood-fired pizzas, paired with pitchers of draft beers and ping-pong tables, Engfer's is a local favorite. Vegetarian/Vegan/GF options. Price Range: $-$$$
A cozy restaurant with local chef Joe Schultz, India Joze offers a large selection of Asian and Middle Eastern inspired foods with tons of color and flavor. Vegetarian/Vegan/GF friendly! Price: $-$$
418 Front St
418 Front Street
A cozy restaurant with local chef Joe Schultz, India Joze offers a large selection of Asian and Middle Eastern inspired foods with tons of color and flavor. Vegetarian/Vegan/GF friendly! Price: $-$$
This Santa Cruz-based pizza franchise offers world famous pizzas with local area names, and a wide selection of slices for an on-the-go bite to eat. It's definitely a SC favorite! Price Range: $
1116 Pacific Ave
1116 Pacific Avenue
This Santa Cruz-based pizza franchise offers world famous pizzas with local area names, and a wide selection of slices for an on-the-go bite to eat. It's definitely a SC favorite! Price Range: $
For the ultimate fine dining experience, visit the Shadowbrook, which takes you by cable car throughout their expansive gardens to the main dining room. Award winning food. Price Range: $$$-$$$$
1750 Wharf Rd
1750 Wharf Road
For the ultimate fine dining experience, visit the Shadowbrook, which takes you by cable car throughout their expansive gardens to the main dining room. Award winning food. Price Range: $$$-$$$$
Traditional Italian dishes with seafood and California wines with full bar. A great place for an upscale meal or a romantic date. Great happy hour specials from 5-7PM on weekdays including $5 pizza!
740 Front St
740 Front Street
Traditional Italian dishes with seafood and California wines with full bar. A great place for an upscale meal or a romantic date. Great happy hour specials from 5-7PM on weekdays including $5 pizza!
Ristorante Avanti, a popular Italian restaurant in town, has opened their very own pizzeria. Delicious homemade pizza with unique toppings (we also recommend the homemade fettuccine with meatballs!)
1171 Mission St
1171 Mission Street
Ristorante Avanti, a popular Italian restaurant in town, has opened their very own pizzeria. Delicious homemade pizza with unique toppings (we also recommend the homemade fettuccine with meatballs!)
Golden Palace offers an array of traditional Chinese dishes. Very affordable lunch specials until 3PM. In walking distance, but also offers delivery (after 5PM) to our spot!
415 Ocean St
415 Ocean Street
Golden Palace offers an array of traditional Chinese dishes. Very affordable lunch specials until 3PM. In walking distance, but also offers delivery (after 5PM) to our spot!
Zoccoli's is a local's favorite for sandwiches and Italian delicatessen. Homemade pastries, pastas, soups, and a wide selection of sandwiches. Fast and inexpensive. Price Range: $
1534 Pacific Ave
1534 Pacific Avenue
Zoccoli's is a local's favorite for sandwiches and Italian delicatessen. Homemade pastries, pastas, soups, and a wide selection of sandwiches. Fast and inexpensive. Price Range: $
A very hip and popular coffee spot that offers an authentic experience with a wide arrangement of fair trade coffees
1540 Pacific Ave
1540 Pacific Avenue
A very hip and popular coffee spot that offers an authentic experience with a wide arrangement of fair trade coffees
A true local's favorite! Excellent locally owned Brazilian inspired breakfast-lunch spot with a truly amazing juice/smoothie bar. Come early- there will be a wait! Price Range: $$
1410 Mission St
1410 Mission Street
A true local's favorite! Excellent locally owned Brazilian inspired breakfast-lunch spot with a truly amazing juice/smoothie bar. Come early- there will be a wait! Price Range: $$
Your Place is a unique experience. They boast using locally grown, "farm-to-table" ingredients. With many options, Your Place inspires to make a meal tailored to you desires. Price Range: $$-$$$
1719 Mission St
1719 Mission Street
Your Place is a unique experience. They boast using locally grown, "farm-to-table" ingredients. With many options, Your Place inspires to make a meal tailored to you desires. Price Range: $$-$$$
For late night food, Saturn Cafe (completely vegetarian) is open late and very close by. Great milkshakes and ask for the skinny fries. Great options those with dietary restrictions. Price Range: $$
145 Laurel St
145 Laurel Street
For late night food, Saturn Cafe (completely vegetarian) is open late and very close by. Great milkshakes and ask for the skinny fries. Great options those with dietary restrictions. Price Range: $$
Gilda's is a family restaurant on the wharf with beautiful ocean views and a kid friendly menu.They offer weekly dinner specials with great prices. Monday is Thanksgiving Dinner! Price Range: $-$$
37 Municipal Wharf
37 Municipal Wharf
Gilda's is a family restaurant on the wharf with beautiful ocean views and a kid friendly menu.They offer weekly dinner specials with great prices. Monday is Thanksgiving Dinner! Price Range: $-$$
Looking for a fast, inexpensive lunch? Go to Jack's for a simple yet tasty cheeseburger and fries. From 3-4PM they have buy one get one 1/2 off their cheeseburger baskets! Price Range: $
202 Lincoln St
202 Lincoln Street
Looking for a fast, inexpensive lunch? Go to Jack's for a simple yet tasty cheeseburger and fries. From 3-4PM they have buy one get one 1/2 off their cheeseburger baskets! Price Range: $
The best sushi downtown! Fresh fish, welcoming service, a wide array of Japanese food, and kid friendly options as well. Top your meal off with a pot of their delicious tea! Price Range: $$
1123 Pacific Ave
1123 Pacific Avenue
The best sushi downtown! Fresh fish, welcoming service, a wide array of Japanese food, and kid friendly options as well. Top your meal off with a pot of their delicious tea! Price Range: $$
The Falafel Hut has been a family-run business since the 80's and offers a authentic range of Mediterranean foods, as well as kid friendly foods such as corn dogs and chicken fingers. Price Range: $
309 Beach St
309 Beach Street
The Falafel Hut has been a family-run business since the 80's and offers a authentic range of Mediterranean foods, as well as kid friendly foods such as corn dogs and chicken fingers. Price Range: $
Sawasdee is a locally owned Thai restaurant with fresh ingredients, delectable dishes, and a full bar with ceiling-to-floor windows overlooking Main Beach. Recommend for dinner. Price Range: $$
101 Main St
101 Main Street
Sawasdee is a locally owned Thai restaurant with fresh ingredients, delectable dishes, and a full bar with ceiling-to-floor windows overlooking Main Beach. Recommend for dinner. Price Range: $$
The Walnut Ave Cafe has excellent breakfast and lunch options right down the street in the heart of downtown. We highly recommend the Eggs Benedict! Price Range: $$
106 Walnut Ave
106 Walnut Avenue
The Walnut Ave Cafe has excellent breakfast and lunch options right down the street in the heart of downtown. We highly recommend the Eggs Benedict! Price Range: $$
The Bagelry is a local's favorite for breakfast. Bagels are made fresh daily, and they offer a wide selection of spreads, soups, sandwiches, coffee drinks and freshly baked cookies! Price Range: $
320 Cedar St
320 Cedar Street
The Bagelry is a local's favorite for breakfast. Bagels are made fresh daily, and they offer a wide selection of spreads, soups, sandwiches, coffee drinks and freshly baked cookies! Price Range: $
Authentic Mexican food right around the corner! A family owned business that stays clean, tastes good, and delivers a very reasonable price. Price Range: $
354 Washington St
354 Washington Street
Authentic Mexican food right around the corner! A family owned business that stays clean, tastes good, and delivers a very reasonable price. Price Range: $
A very popular French dining experience, the Crepe Place has both sweet and savory crepes, and also offers live performances during dinner time. Price Range: $$-$$$
1134 Soquel Ave
1134 Soquel Avenue
A very popular French dining experience, the Crepe Place has both sweet and savory crepes, and also offers live performances during dinner time. Price Range: $$-$$$
The Buttery is always jammed packed with customers for a reason. Amazing pastries, cakes, tarts, and a cafe that offers breakfast and lunch options. Price Range: $-$$$
702 Soquel Ave
702 Soquel Avenue
The Buttery is always jammed packed with customers for a reason. Amazing pastries, cakes, tarts, and a cafe that offers breakfast and lunch options. Price Range: $-$$$
A locally-owned favorite for decades, Linda's offers a great breakfast experience. Homemade muffins and cinnamon rolls (a must try!) as well as farm fresh ingredients. There's always a wait!
542 Seabright Ave
542 Seabright Avenue
A locally-owned favorite for decades, Linda's offers a great breakfast experience. Homemade muffins and cinnamon rolls (a must try!) as well as farm fresh ingredients. There's always a wait!
Decently priced hawaiian cuisine with a full bar (The Reef) and live music during the evening. We recommend trying their poke- they offer great lunch boxes with good portions. Price Range: $$
120 Union St
120 Union Street
Decently priced hawaiian cuisine with a full bar (The Reef) and live music during the evening. We recommend trying their poke- they offer great lunch boxes with good portions. Price Range: $$
A great spot for breakfast and lunch. Delicious Eggs Benedict and smoothies. They have a sunny deck area perfect for enjoying bottomless mimosas! Price Range: $$
535 7th Ave
535 7th Avenue
A great spot for breakfast and lunch. Delicious Eggs Benedict and smoothies. They have a sunny deck area perfect for enjoying bottomless mimosas! Price Range: $$
Gayle's always offers an excellent experience. They offer a wide selection from their delicious bakery, but their rosticceria "grab-and-go" options are just as mouth-watering. Price Range: $-$$$
503 Bay Ave
503 Bay Avenue
Gayle's always offers an excellent experience. They offer a wide selection from their delicious bakery, but their rosticceria "grab-and-go" options are just as mouth-watering. Price Range: $-$$$

Drinks & Nightlife

This ritzy (for Santa Cruz, at least) nightclub offers a large dance floor, a large selection of drinks and music, and a pub menu
1209 Pacific Ave
1209 Pacific Avenue
This ritzy (for Santa Cruz, at least) nightclub offers a large dance floor, a large selection of drinks and music, and a pub menu
This nightclub offers a selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, as well as varying DJ's and themed nights.
923 Pacific Ave
923 Pacific Avenue
This nightclub offers a selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, as well as varying DJ's and themed nights.
This restaurant and bar has a classy environment upstairs with a decent selection of food and live performances, and a downstairs bar where smoking is allowed.
200 Locust St
200 Locust Street
This restaurant and bar has a classy environment upstairs with a decent selection of food and live performances, and a downstairs bar where smoking is allowed.
The 515 offers a huge array of cocktails and beers on draft. A great place to go if you're looking for something more upscale. A great place for h'oeuvres d'oeuvres and entrees. Price Range: $$-$$$
11 現地メンバーのおすすめ
515 Cedar St
515 Cedar Street
11 現地メンバーのおすすめ
The 515 offers a huge array of cocktails and beers on draft. A great place to go if you're looking for something more upscale. A great place for h'oeuvres d'oeuvres and entrees. Price Range: $$-$$$
The Catalyst has hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry. With live performances and DJ's almost every night, the Catalyst is the perfect place for a drink and some dancing! Also pool.
1101 Pacific Ave
1101 Pacific Avenue
The Catalyst has hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry. With live performances and DJ's almost every night, the Catalyst is the perfect place for a drink and some dancing! Also pool.
Surf City has great "bar food" and a very smiley, attentive staff. They also offer billiards for a decent price. Kitchen is open until 12AM, and serves as one of the only late night options in SC.
931 Pacific Ave
931 Pacific Avenue
Surf City has great "bar food" and a very smiley, attentive staff. They also offer billiards for a decent price. Kitchen is open until 12AM, and serves as one of the only late night options in SC.

Essentials

24 hour convenience store just down the block, 7-Eleven will have many necessities and snacks, as well as coffee, beer, and tobacco products.
602 Laurel St
602 Laurel Street
24 hour convenience store just down the block, 7-Eleven will have many necessities and snacks, as well as coffee, beer, and tobacco products.
Open 24 hours. Available for prescription pickup, toiletries, beach toys, and snacks. Very close!
600 Front St
600 Front Street
Open 24 hours. Available for prescription pickup, toiletries, beach toys, and snacks. Very close!
Wednesday's from 1:30-6:30PM, the SC Farmers Market is dedicated to help the local economy, and offers an excellent selection of home grown produce, as well as artisan food trucks.
Lincoln Street
Lincoln Street
Wednesday's from 1:30-6:30PM, the SC Farmers Market is dedicated to help the local economy, and offers an excellent selection of home grown produce, as well as artisan food trucks.
New Leaf offers a nice selection of organic, local produce. They have a hot bar for an on-the-go meal, a deli for sandwiches, a coffee/smoothie bar, and a whole wellness store. Price Range: $-$$$
1134 Pacific Ave
1134 Pacific Avenue
New Leaf offers a nice selection of organic, local produce. They have a hot bar for an on-the-go meal, a deli for sandwiches, a coffee/smoothie bar, and a whole wellness store. Price Range: $-$$$