We have curated our outdoor patio product lineup so we can offer the most durable, highest quality, lowest maintenance options available, with styles for every taste and unmatched quality to last through every season.
FIREPLACES & STOVES
Whether you need a wood stove, gas stove, pellet stove, or electric fireplace, we specialize in stunning fireplaces that will be the heart of your home.
staff is always happy to help you design your perfect space!
id you know Santa Cruz has forbidden cell phones? We are now a cell phone-free zone, like some years back when you could see signs saying we were a nuclear-free zone. You can’t pull out a phone or an atomic bomb here or you go to jail.
OK. KIDDING.
But the cover of our visitor’s guide says it all. Why come to this amazing, beautiful, activity-and-nature-filled place and spend time looking at a screen? Maybe that soon-to-be sunburnt fellow didn’t read our Visitors Guide first.
We have so many hidden treasures that even many locals don’t know about.
For the music lover, there’s the Grateful Dead museum at UCSC. Nature lovers must
STAFF
Good Times publication. Cover illustration Saoirse Alesandro Cover design by Haley Tweedell
Editor’s Note ads
read about the best long and short hikes, selected by columnist Richard Stockton (for more from him about local hikes, visit wklys.co/takeahike).
Of course, you want to bring Fido…but where are the dog-friendly spots? John Koenig shares his favorites.
Like to explore new spots? Check out the articles on hidden places in the Santa Cruz Mountains, written by longtime San Lorenzo Valley denizen DNA, and the Pleasure Point neighborhood, by Joan Hammel.
You’ll come away informed, healthy and enlightened.
You’ll even be happy putting that phone away.
A dog lover’s guide to Santa Cruz
BY JOHN KOENIG
Paws and Relax
WSNIFF AND SAVOR This tailwagging town is full of off-leash adventure. PHOTO: BRAD KAVA
elcome to Santa Cruz, where dogs are welcome just about everywhere. Whether your pup is a sandy-pawed beachcomber, a forest explorer or just in it for the belly rubs and biscuits, this tail-wagging town is full of off-leash adventure, dog-friendly patios and scenic strolls to sniff and savor. Consider this your guide to the dog days of Santa Cruz.
SANDY SPOTS TO SNIFF AND SPLASH
No trip to Santa Cruz is complete without a stop at Mitchell’s Cove Beach on West Cliff Drive, one of the city’s most picturesque walking paths. It’s just a stick’s throw from the monarch butterfly grove and Natural Bridges State Beach.
Further up the coast, Lighthouse Field State Beach is a leash-required area with famously relaxed enforcement. Locals call it the “social beach” for dogs.
Wilder Ranch State Park is a blend of rolling farmland and panoramic sky where leashed dogs are allowed on coastal trails that hug dramatic sea cliffs.
LET THEM RUN!
Frederick Street Park features a gated off-leash dog area shaded by trees, with water fountains and benches for humans who prefer fetch to be a spectator sport. Leash up and stroll toward Arana Gulch for an easy hike through eucalyptus groves with views of the harbor.
University Terrace Park is a semi-hidden treasure with fenced, off-leash areas separated for large and small dogs. Drive to the nearby UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden for the native and international plant collections, but leave your canine companion in the car safely.
DeLaveaga Park is home to redwoods, meadows, a designated off-leash area and a fenced dog run—plus a renowned disc golf course, picnic areas and scenic vistas.
In the rolling hills of Soquel, Anna Jean Cummings County Park is affectionately known as “Blue Ball Park” for its iconic Skyballs art installation. It features expansive lawns, multi-use trails and hillsides with scenic views. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park but steer clear of play structures and sports fields.
Head south to Aptos Village Park for a lovingly maintained off-leash dog area near the historic Bayview Hotel.
Other pup-friendly parks are Grant Street Park, Mimi De Marta Dog Park (a half-acre fenced off-leash dog area) and Pacheco Dog Park (completely fenced) on Pacheco Avenue.
TRAIL TAILS
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park welcomes dogs on several trails. Start from the Rincon Fire Road entrance for a peaceful walk that feels worlds away from the bustle of downtown, though it’s just minutes from the shops and coffeehouses of Felton.
Not far from Aptos Dog Park is the Forest of Nisene Marks, where leashed dogs are welcome on designated trails. Aptos Creek Fire Road offers epic redwood views and connects to other dog-friendly trails with spectacular scenery.
At Pogonip Open Space, dogs are restricted on some trails but the Spring Trail welcomes leashed pups for hilly, scenic hikes. It’s home to historic lime kilns, a secluded koi pond and the old Polo Club House, featured in the movie The Lost Boys
DINE WITH THE DOGS
Santa Cruz embraces the outdoor patio and sidewalk cafe lifestyle, and your dog’s invited too. Many cafes and eateries serve up a refreshing water dish, a treat, and sometimes a special menu.
Lulu Carpenter’s Coffeehouse, at the north end of downtown on Pacific Avenue in a quaint building dating to 1865 with shady street seating, offers a Pup Cup whipped cream treat for canine customers, as do Santa Cruz Coffee Roasters and Mission Hill Coffee and Creamery, also on Pacific.
Pleasure Pizza, at Pacific Avenue and Locust Street, goes savory with Pup Cups of bacon or chicken, and Kianti's Pizza offers chicken with meatballs as an option.
Furry gourmets will appreciate having their own menus at two neighboring favorites, both on Walnut Street. At The Salty Otter, choose from Banging Bacon Dog-waffles with Buddy Butter, Peanut Butter Biscuits, or Chicken and Brown Rice with eggs, carrots, pumpkin and green beans. The Walnut Cafe features dog biscuits, chicken chewies or a side of hickory smoked bacon.
The best vacation memories often come with muddy paws and sandy noses, so leash up or let loose and explore Santa Cruz, one sniff at a time.
Aptos St. BBQ has a few recipes for success: sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, a large craft beer list, a roadhouse vibe, mouthwatering Texas-style tri-tip, hot links, ribs, and more.
Avenue Cafe
427 Capitola Ave., Capitola, 831-515-7559
This neighborhood restaurant in a quaint Capitola cottage is a great place to meet family and friends for a delicious traditional breakfast or lunch. Patrons line up to enjoy the award-winning Eggs Benedict.
Back Nine Grill & Bar
555 Hwy. 17, Santa Cruz, 831-423-5000, backninegrill.com
Inspired by rich local history—the restaurant sits adjacent to Pasatiempo Golf Club and was recently voted the Best Burger and Best Happy Hour in Santa Cruz County in the Good Times Best Of Reader’s Poll. Stop in and see what the locals are raving about.
Beach Hut Deli
381 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-431-6921, beachhutdeli.com/store/santa-cruz
Delicious hot and cold sandwiches, salads and snacks with a tiki vibe.
Bittersweet Bistro
787 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos, 831-662-9799 bittersweetbistro.com
American bistro cuisine with Mediterranean influences features a special emphasis on local and organic produce.
Bruno’s Bar and Grill
230 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-4382227, brunosbarandgrill.com
American bar and grill with a bottomless mimosa brunch and a famous, big Bloody Mary that includes too many toppings to list here, but it is a work of art—think Leaning Tower of Pisa—that will not leave you hungry or thirsty.
The Buttery
702 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-458-3020, butterybakery.com
This beloved bakery has it all, plus a loyal crowd to prove it. They show up for cakes, pies, tarts, cookies, plus creative sandwiches, hot breakfast items and so much more.
One of the most successful restaurants in the area, Café Cruz stands out for its commitment to serving reliably delicious, locally and sustainably sourced cuisine in a lively atmosphere. Coupled with a superior wine list, this is a culinary haven.
This wine bar features small bites and an extensive wine and beer menu.
Crepe Place
1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-6994, thecrepeplace.com
The Crepe Place has been serving a giant selection of delectable crepes since 1973. A locals’ favorite, they also dish up enormous salads and weekend breakfast. The outdoor garden and an extensive selection of single malts also make this place stand out.
Crow’s Nest
2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com
This very popular restaurant in the Yacht Harbor wins points for its large menu of fresh seafood, steaks, chicken, and appetizers—but it’s known for excellent service and incredible views.
From breakfast to lunch and dinner, this tasty restaurant in the seaside town of Davenport is well worth the gorgeous 10-minute drive up Highway 1 from Santa Cruz.
This refreshingly refined sister of West End Tap offers new American dishes that match well with the house craft beer. Creative takes on pizza, burgers, salads, and entrees like pork belly and strip steak.
Erik’s DeliCafe
See all locations at eriksdelicafe.com/locations
Sandwiches, salads and soups.
Freedom Meat Lockers
160 Hi Grade Ln. Freedom, 831-724-4355 freedommeatlockers.com
A four- generation family owned butcher shop & deli
Dining
featuring award-winning meats, marinated and ready to grill, and a full deli with awardwinning sandwiches made to order.
Garden Liquors & Deli
1815 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz scgardendeli.com
Family owned since 1971, Garden Liquor and Deli has been serving our community for over 40 years.
The Grille at Delaveaga
401 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz, 831-423-1600, delaveagagolf.com/dining
The newly renovated, award-winning restaurant offers continental and California cuisine featuring carefully sourced ingredients from many local and organic farms. Enjoy the stunning views, cozy built-in fireplace, full bar, outdoor patio and deck seating.
Heavenly Roadside Café
1210 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-335-1210, heavenlyroadsidecafe.com
Regularly voted Best Breakfast in Scotts Valley, Heavenly Roadside Cafe is a casual place where you'll find modern takes on classic favorites made with fresh ingredients. Breakfast & lunch options abound, or stop in for their John Wayne burger topped with bbq sauce and housemade onion rings from their burger bar.
Hindquarter Bar & Grille
303 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-7770, thehindquarter.com
Hindquarter’s Smoky Platter has a bit of everything, including Chicago baby back ribs. Aged Angus top sirloin steaks, catch-of-the-day fish, live Maine lobster, pastas, burgers and steakcut french fries are the restaurant’s specialties. Meats are house-smoked.
Hollins House
20 Clubhouse Road, Santa Cruz, 831459-9177, thehollinshouse.com/restaurant
An elegant dinner house at the Pasatiempo Golf Course, the 1930’s building is filled with earthy charm. On a cool night, enjoy a drink by the fireplace before settling in to your table, or on a warm night relish the views of the Monterey Bay from the outdoor patio.
Home
3101 N Main St., Soquel, 831-431-6131, homesoquel.com
In charming Soquel Village, Home
serves up the finest local, seasonal veggies and local meats prepared by talented Chef Brad Briske.
Ideal Bar & Grill
106 Beach St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-5271, idealbarandgrill.com
Fish, steaks and pasta dishes shine at this venue, where you can reach out and almost touch the sand. A fun, you’re-onvacation scene prevails. There’s salsa dancing on the patio if your timing is right.
Iveta Cafe
2125 Delaware Ave., Santa Cruz, city, iveta.com
Offering all-natural artisan baking mixes and freshly prepared meals that recall the European-style cafes.
MacKenzie Bar & Grill
18 Clubhouse Road, Santa Cruz, 831-459-9162, pasatiempo.com
Enjoy a picturesque setting for breakfast or lunch near a fireplace, or with a view of the Monterey Bay. Post-golf drinks and appetizers are especially pleasant on the veranda near Pasatiempo’s ninth green. Breakfast is served all day.
Oswald
121 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-7427, oswaldrestaurant.com
One of the area’s finest restaurants. From fresh seafood entrées to fine meats, Oswald does everything well and tastefully. The presentations, decor and excellent wine list all add up to a memorable meal—and evening.
One of the best restaurants in Capitola, this casual culinary paradise overlooks the bay. You’ll find flavors of the Hawaiian Islands as well as authentic California cuisine. The extensive local wine list is a plus—so are the great martinis.
Hyper-local, fast-casual dining spot run by not one, but four renowned chefs. The
ever-evolving menu items are all made in house, from scratch. Gather on the sunny patio or grab something to go.
Red Apple Cafe
783 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Deer Park Marketplace, Aptos, 831-685-1224, redappleaptos.com
Popular café offering traditional breakfasts, sandwiches and more since 1988.
River Café
415 River St., Suite K, Santa Cruz, 831-420-1280, rivercafesantacruz.com
Now serving an expanded menu including dumplings, this café offers organic, farm-fresh meals. An extensive panini menu makes it a great lunch option, now serving dumplings and more ethnic food. Make sure to grab a housemade organic cookie to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The Salty Otter Sports Grill
110 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, saltyottersportsgrill.com
This is not just a restaurant; it's a hot spot where friends gather, laughter fills the air, and memories are made. Don’t miss out on the excitement—be one of the first to experience The Salty Otter. Sip, Savor, and Surf the Flavors!
Located right next to the beach, The Sand Bar hosts live music weekly along with great food and drinks.
Sanderlings at Seascape Beach Resort
One Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos, 831-662-7120, sanderlingsrestaurant.com
Elegant-yet-casual dining, an ocean view, and California Coastal cuisine, including selections of seafood, steaks, pasta, and other golden state classics.
Santa Cruz Diner
909 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 831-4267151, santacruzdiner.com
Kid-friendly spot for breakfast all day, classic American eats and international options such as pho.
Seabright Deli
415 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831515-7484, seabrightdeli.com
Voted Best Deli for our Delicious Sandwiches. We smoke our own Brisket & Chicken. Local beer, Outdoor Patio, Friendly people.
Sevy’s Bar + Kitchen
7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos, 831-688-8987, seacliffinn.com
The comfortable bar-restaurant also has outdoor seating along a koi pond. A designed-to-please menu features seafood, pastas and a variety of meat dishes. Sevy’s is a relaxing spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour. The 10-12 ounce New York Steak is delicious.
A destination restaurant, the lush Shadowbrook grounds are in a beautiful creekside setting. Ride the antique cable car from the top of the multi-level restaurant or walk the path. The bar can be crowded and fun, with music and a pizza oven for casual dining. Dining rooms range from romantic and intimate to ideal for group gatherings. Many classic dishes and California influences on the fine menu.
Solaire Restaurant & Bar
611 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 831-600-4545, solairerestaurant.com
With a poolside bar, Solaire at Hotel Paradox gives customers a modern, chic experience that can be hard to find in Santa Cruz. This spot promises a level of service customers can expect from a fine hotel, yet is as relaxed as a vacation should be.
Stonehouse Bar and Grill
6001 La Madrona Drive, Scotts Valley, 831-440-1000, hiltonsantacruz.com
Winning raves for its creative California cuisine, Stonehouse—located inside the Hilton—also boasts a full bar and offers a vast selection of some of the area’s finest local wines and signature brews.
Süda
3910 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-600-7068, eatsuda.com
With a focus on well-prepared, healthy food and taking care of the customer, Süda has a great vibe. The well-designed space features indoor and outdoor seating, a bar-restaurant combo, and a well-rounded menu that includes expertly seasoned fish tacos, pasta, meats, amazing burgers, and more.
This modern sandwich spot serves creative comfort food with ingredients
C O N N E C T I N G W I L D L I F E
P R O V I D I N G
A C C E S S T O N A T U R E
P R O T E C T I N G F A R M L A N D
Hike our trails!
l a n d t r u s t s a n t a c r u z . o r g
Dining
such as ginger ahi filet, smoked pork shoulder and grass-fed rare roast beef. Salads, beer and more.
The Point Kitchen and Bar
3326 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-476-2733, thepointkitchenandbar.com
Family owned, friendly service and great food. Our chef-driven menu has something for everyone. Come try something new.
The View at Chaminade
1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, 831-475-5600, chaminade.com
At one of the more dramatic views, The View brings the local agricultural bounty to your plate accompanied by wines of the Central California Coast. Live music every week featuring local artists from around Santa Cruz, the Central Coast and Bay Area.
Trout Farm Inn
7701 E Zayante Rd, Felton, 831-854-3009; thetroutfarm.com
A delightful newly renovated gem tucked away in the San Lorenzo Valley just minutes from Felton. The Trout Farm features a bright a full-service restaurant with a wonderful deck nestled among the redwoods and an airy bar with delicious craft cocktails. If you’d like to spend the day poolside you are in luck because their heated salt water pool and beautiful pool deck offers cabanas for rent poolside food & drink service & plenty of R&R.
Venus Spirits, Cocktails & Kitchen
200 High Road, Santa Cruz, 831-600-7376; Beachside, 131 Esplanade, Aptos, 831-688-8917, venusspirits.com
Local distillery producing small batch spirits, with tasting and handcrafted cocktails and food right next door.
Vim Dining & Desserts
2238 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-515-7033, vimsantacruz.com
Chef Jesikah Stolaroff crafts New American cuisine, drawing inspiration from her family’s Italian roots, as well as innovative desserts.
Walnut Avenue Cafe
106 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 831457-2804, walnutavenuecafe.com
Walnut Avenue Cafe specializes in warm, swift service, excellent espresso drinks
and well-endowed plates of freshly-made, classic American breakfast. Friendly service rules at Walnut Avenue Cafe.
The Water Street Grill
503 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-332-6122, thewaterstreetgrill.com
This family-owned restaurant features farm-to-table food, a wine bar and a beer bar.
Stop in for a ham and cheese croissant before hitting the beach, or end your day with tacos. Featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a large selection of pies and baked goods, Whale City Bakery has it all.
Delicious brunch restaurant in coastal Aptos. A great place to get breakfast, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, drinks and delicious food. All dishes are assembled from the freshest ingredients. Located a short walk from the beach.
Wooden Nickel Bar and Grill
1819 Freedom Blvd., Freedom, 831-724-2600
The Wooden Nickel offers traditional American cuisine, big french fries and crispy onion rings, all for reasonable prices with daily lunch and dinner specials.
Woodie’s Café
25 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-421-9410
Inspired by Woodie’s on the Wharf, Woodie’s Café is a fun, casual and affordable eatery. Here you’ll find Killer Burgers, Righteous Ribs, Screamin’ Starters, and Epic Entrées.
Zachary’s Restaurant
819 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-0646, zacharyssantacruz.com
Locals know how to ease into the day at this bustling morning hangout. The omelets are impressive, but actually, everything on the menu is bountiful and done well. Try Mike’s Mess.
Happy hour delights, plus lobster night and more. Nab anything from appetizers to fish and meats and dine on the deck or indoors.
ASIAN & SUSHI
Akira
1222 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-600-7093, akirasantacruz.com; 105 Post Office Drive, Aptos, 831-708-2154, akiraaptos.com
Akira has the feel of a neighborhood hangout, and even if you don’t know anyone, you can be part of the scene. The extensive vegetarian menu and creative rolls are designed to please demanding sushi fans.
Canton
900 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-475-8751; 224 Mt. Hermon Rd., Scotts Valley, 831-438-2002 cantonsantacruz.com
Specializes in Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine with Mandarin, Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese blended in. Family recipes make flavorful use of fresh ingredients. Vegetarian-friendly. Choice beer, wine and sake selections. Free WiFi.
Geisha offers up a tasty, sustainable menu that sticks to the Seafood Watch and FishWise guides and programs, and carries local, seasonal ingredients when possible. Note the full-page vegetarian menu.
Izakaya West End
334 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, 831-471-8115, westendtap.com
Co-owner Geoff Hargrave goes beyond typical tap room fare with modern, Asian-inspired cuisine. Located in the bustling complex on Ingalls Street, Izakaya West End has become a destination on Santa Cruz’s Westside.
Spicy Miso Ramen, Ja-Ja Ramen, Shoyu Ramen—Kaito has every kind of ramen your heart could desire, and also sushi tapas for the lighter pre-evening meals.
If it’s a time-honored traditional approach to the art of sushi you’re after, look no further than chef Nakasan’s generous creations at Naka Sushi in Capitola. Try: Unagi Nigiri or anything from the nightly specials board.
Otoro Sushi
235 Mt Hermon Road #G, Scotts Valley, 831-440-9040
Great ambiance, friendly service and fresh fish at Scotts Valley favorite.
Real Thai Kitchen
1632 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2559, realthaisantacruz.com
Real Thai Kitchen can make you feel like you’re in Thailand. The dining room is pleasantly abuzz with takeout as well as dine-in customers, and the hospitality and food are as fresh as a Thai orchid.
Rumble Fish
4727 Scotts Valley Dr, Scotts Valley, 831-440-9240, rumblefish-sv.com
Impressive menu with lots of specialty rolls.
Sabieng Thai Cuisine
1218 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-1020, sabiengthaicuisine.com
Sabieng serves classic Thai fare in a casual environment and has won numerous awards for its outstanding food.
Sala Thai
353 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-1241, salathaisantacruz.com
Sala Thai features authentic Thai cuisine as well as traditional Vietnamese Pho.
Sapporo Ramen
1200 41st Ave., in the New Leaf Center, Capitola, 831-475-3688, sappororamencapitola.com
This relative newcomer features a variety of traditional ramen, as well as creative Japanese dishes such as scallop and pork belly skewers.
Husband-and-wife owners Bill and Dee Hongmanee have drawn from every region of Thailand to build their menu.
SUNSET PR SENTS
Dining
Shogun Japanese Restaurant
1123 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-469-4477, shogunjapaneserestaurant.com
Fully loaded menu with a vast selection of sushi rolls, plus lunch and dinner boxes. One of the bright spots along Pacific Ave.
Sushi Garden
820 Bay Ave., Capitola, 831-464-9192, sushi-garden.com ; 1441 Main St., Watsonville, 831-728-9192; 38 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, 831-661-0721, sushigardenaptos.com;
This pretty, feel-good restaurant is known for its occasional sake-tasting parties, as well as fine sushi. Portions are plentiful and there is a large sake list.
Sushi Market Sprouts
300 7th Ave., Santa Cruz, 465-1177
Great Japanese food to go—from sushi to daifuku. Pre-order if you want something particular. The Japanese gifts are an enjoyable part of the attraction.
Yan Flower
1617 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-2574, yanflower.com
Located at the end of Pacific Avenue close to the Santa Cruz Wharf and Boardwalk, this popular restaurant offers made-to-order authentic Chinese cuisine to eat in or take out.
BURGERS & PIZZAS
Bantam
1010 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-420-0101, bantam1010.com
A true standout in the wave of craft pizza places, Bantam has developed a following of foodies who love the restaurant’s organic ingredients, innovative menu and reasonable prices.
Belly Goat Craft Burgers
Abbot Square Market - 725 Front St., Santa Cruz, bellygoatburgers.com
Hand crafted burgers located in the Abbot Square Market.
Serving up delicious burgers made from Black Angus beef in two prime
locations, Betty’s is a local hit. You’ll dig the fries, onion rings and shakes.
Betty’s Eat Inn
1222 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-600-7056
The sister eatery to the popular Betty Burgers adds some zest to the downtown strip, with striking aesthetics in this Santa Cruz version of a diner. Front patio seating and good bar service.
Buzzo Pizza
2510 Main St., Soquel, 831-316-7336, buzzopizza.com
Wood fired pizza in sunny Soquel. Casual atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Dine in / To-go / Pick-up. Indoor and Patio Dining.
Family-owned spot serving pizza, sandwiches, and classic appetizers like garlic bread and buffalo wings.
East Side Eatery
800 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-431-6058, pleasurepizzasc.com
Across the street from sister restaurant Pleasure Pizza, East Side Eatery boasts the same great pizza, plus salads, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, and a dog-friendly outdoor patio.
Engfer Pizza Works
537 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1856, engferpizzaworks.com
You have to love a place that offers builtto-suit toppings, where the traditional mushroom and sausage compete with more avant-garde arrangements like broccoli and pesto. Gluten-free options.
Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar
1100 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-469-4400, kiantis.com
The staff dances, the food sizzles, the crowd is having fun. Try any original breakfast pizza or the traditional Italian pizza.
Mountain Mike's
3715 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-4777760, mountainmikesportoladrive.com
Sometimes only Mountain Mike’s can fix it. And they deliver.
My Heart has mastered the art of creating the finest slices with walk-through ordering, as well as popular whole pizzas.
Pizzeria Avanti
1711 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-1807, pizzeriaavanti.net
Delicious and inventive pizza, pasta, salads and more, made with locally sourced organic ingredients and humanely raised meats. Nice selection of wine, beer and desserts.
Pleasure Pizza
4000 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-475-4999; 1415 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-600-7859; pleasurepizzasc.com
At Portola and 41st, the original Pleasure Pizza is the surfers’ choice for snagging a slice before or after catching some waves. At the downtown location, everyone gets to enjoy this local favorite.
Serving organic pizza, lasagne and salads with locally sourced ingredients.
Upper Crust Pizza and Pasta
2415 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831423-9010, uppercrustsc.com
Upper Crust serves up unique Sicilian square pizza, as well as homemadestyle pasta dishes, oven-baked sandwiches, thin-crust pizzas and Sicilian muffaletta sandwiches.
Woodstock’s Pizza
710 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-4444, woodstockscruz.com
Great taste meets epic party. From Sriracha to carnitas to tater tots and bacon, recipes are classic or creative, with
whole wheat or GF crust options. Full bar, craft beer, outdoor patio, delivery.
ECLECTIC
Brown Ranch Marketplace
3555 Clares St., Capitola, 831-464-3555
From Cajun to Mexican to Chinese, Japanese and Trader Joe’s, you won’t go hungry while shopping at this familyowned center.
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
150 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, 831-226-1034
Handcrafted ice cream with a range of flavors to select from along with great vegan ice cream, Italian ice and sorbet.
Charlie Hong Kong
1141 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831426-5664, charliehongkong.com
Continually voted Best Meal For A Deal in GT’s annual readers’ poll, this counterservice eatery wins points for its “organic Asian street food.” Scrumptious organic veggies and savory meats, plus noodle and rice bowls that are vegan-based.
Chocolate
1522 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-9900, chocolatesantacruz.com
A unique downtown eatery and a farm-to-table kitchen that serves fresh salads, fine sandwiches, eclectic entrées, and of course, chocolate desserts. Chocolate-based chicken mole is the house specialty.
Deke’s Market
334 7th Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-476-5897, dekesmarket.com
Classic market with goods for any occasion and a delightful deli serving juicy chicken and tri-tip fresh every
TARMO HANNULA
Mexican Cuisine
Dining
day. Sandwiches are among the best around. They’ll even toast the bread.
Mad Yolks
1411 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-291-3686, madyolks.com
Mad Yolks is a new concept brunch spot, serving up delicious, comforting, and unique breakfast sandwiches, along with refreshing drinks.
Everything is made in house at this gluten-free and peanut-free bakery. Take out or take a table at this small treasure. Savory and sweet treats.
Roux Dat
118 Cooper St., Unit B, Santa Cruz, 831-888-6500, rouxdatcajuncreole.com
Family-run Roux Dat serves classic Cajun Creole with a selection of bold flavors and N’awlins favorites. The hot sauce selection will appeal to any palate’s tolerance for heat and adventure.
ETHNIC
Ambrosia India Bistro
207 Sea Ridge Road, Aptos, 831-685-0610; 6006-D La Madrona Drive, Scotts Valley, 831-713-5594, ambrosiaib.com
There are two Santa Cruz County locations at which to enjoy the skillfully created Indian artisan dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and exotic spices.
Cafe Brasil
1410 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1855, cafebrasil.us
The line for Cafe Brasil’s tasty brunch goes all over the lawn on Sunday mornings, and it’s no wonder why. The high-protein dishes, loaded with fruits and vegetables, are a great way to start the day—no matter what you did Saturday night.
Copal
1203 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-201-4418, copalrestaurant.com
Copal offers authentic Oaxacan food, drink, and culture.
Namaste Grill and Bar
303 Beach St., Santa Cruz, 831-713-5430, namasteindiabistro.com/namaste-grill
Across from the Boardwalk Beach, they bring a vibrant new twist to
traditional flavors, serving up a menu where classic Indian grilling meets contemporary flair.
Royal Taj Indian Cuisine
270 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2400, royaltajsc.com
Fresh traditional Indian cuisine at affordable prices. Open for lunch and dinner. Try the lunch buffet.
Samba Rock Acai Café
291 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-458-2224, facebook.com/SambaRockAcaiCafe
For a chill spot to refresh and relax, cruise to Samba Rock—bicycle parking is free indoors. All menu items are original recipes of the owner at this casual, counter-service café.
Veg on the Edge
726 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-3000, vegontheedge.com
This popular restaurant serves up vegan West African-influenced dishes and American staples.
FOOD TRUCKS
Food Trucks A Go Go foodtrucksagogo.com/upcoming-events
A pioneer on the local food truck scene, they regularly hold events around Santa Cruz County.
Scrumptious Fish and Chips
831-291-1091, scrumptiousfc.com
Mobile food trailer serving authentic British-style, scratch-made fish and chips in the Santa Cruz community. Best Of Santa Cruz award winner!
HAWAIIAN & HAWAIIAN FUSION
Aloha Island Grille
1700 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-479-3299, alohaislandgrille.com
One block from the beach and 3,000 miles from Hawaii, Aloha Island Grille is known for its portions, great prices and ono (good) food.
Hula’s Bar & Grill and Tiki Lounge
221 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-4852, hulastiki.com
Massively popular due to its island feel and tasty plates like Duke’s Luau Pork Plate, Island Style Cioppino, Sweet Potato Fries and more. The full bar knocks out some good cocktails, too.
Makai Island Kitchen and Groggery
49A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-466-9766, makaisantacruz.com
Located on the Santa Cruz wharf, surrounded by the beauty of the Monterey Bay, Makai Island Kitchen serves up the foods, flavors, flowers, and fun of Hawaii and beyond.
Pono Hawaiian Kitchen & Tap
3744 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz, 831476-7458 ponohawaiiangrill.com
Pono Capitola is the place to be on the Eastside of Santa Cruz. Known for its delicious Hawaiian style street food, aloha vibes and 16 craft beers on tap, we are an oasis to bring in the entire 'Ohana for a true island experience right here in Capitola. Come one, come all "Aloha Served Daily!"
Pono Hawaiian Grill
120 Union St. Santa Cruz, 831-6217448 ponohawaiiangrill.com
Pono Hawaiian Grill is downtown's premiere island style escape and oasis featuring 15 craft beers on tap, Full tropical island style bar, Island style street food straight from Hawai'i, live sports, live music, community supported events, cultural space for all things Hawaiian, large group friendly space perfect for private parties, birthdays, and special events. A place for all. Aloha Vibes Only!
ITALIAN
Aldo’s
Harbor Restaurant
790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz, 831-426-3736
Plenty take note of the great breakfast menu, but lunch or dinner on the harborside deck are great, too. Aldo’s has been heralded for its amazing Eggs Benedict, calamari and fresh salmon, but don’t stop there.
Bottega del Lago
1701 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-515-7129, labottegadellago.com
Italian market and deli, and sister shop of popular restaurant Lago di Como, offering handcrafted sandwiches, fresh pasta, artisanal cheeses and more.
Caruso’s Tuscan Cuisine
115 San Jose Ave., Capitola, 831-465-9040, carusos-capitola.com
Authentic Italian cuisine where every dish has its own distinct style. There’s no shortage of variety either: lamb shanks, sea bass, pizza and, of course, delicious pasta.
Wood fired pizza and seasonal Italian fare. Cavalletta believes that seasonally fresh and locally sourced ingredients make all the difference. They are proud to use local farmers, fisherman and butchers in their operations, giving their guests the best of what coastal California has to offer. All of their pastas and sauces are made in house using simple ingredients. The wood fired pizzas are made using traditional technique, which produces a thin and airy crust with a slightly charred bottom.
La Posta
538 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-457-2782, lapostarestaurant.com
Seabright’s cozy hotspot continues to win raves for its distinctly original creations that are the refined handiwork of a kitchen dedicated to excellence. The housemade bread is superb, and there won’t be a mediocre glass of wine in the house.
Lago Di Como
21490 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-454-8247, lagodicomoristorante.com
This popular eatery features traditional Northern Italian cuisine and an impressive wine list. Check out their wood-fired pizzas.
Lillian’s Italian Kitchen
1148 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831425-2288, lilliansitaliankitchen.com
Mamma Mia—you won’t walk away hungry. Lillian’s is friendly and affordable, and all the food comes from recipes handed down to the owner from his family. Customers get a fascinating taste of old-fashioned favorites in bountiful portions.
Pizzeria La Bufala
725 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-999-0301, pizzerialabufala.com
Led by Chef Sandro Costanza and his wife Luciana Costanza, this spot aims to bring back the Neapolitan tradition of pizza making.
Ristorante Avanti
1917 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-0135, avantisantacruz.com
One of the area’s most favored Italian restaurants wins high marks for its consistently exemplary cuisine, service that shines as bright, and a beautifully designed, airy dining room.
Dining
Sugo Italian Pasta Bar
1116 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-431-6965, sugoitalianpastabar.com
Authentic, handmade Italian cuisine available for dine-in, takeout and catering.
Tramonti
528 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-7248, tramontisantacruz.com
Tramonti’s Italian chef keeps customers coming back for more. It’s casual in a pleasant, authentic Italian way, with mouthwatering lasagna, gnocchi and thincrust pizza made with fine ingredients. Even the olive oil is a cut above.
Zoccoli’s
1534 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-1711, zoccolis.com
Going strong now for more than 60 years, Zoccoli’s is often packed with locals. The family-owned vibe and attention to detail here truly stands out. That, and everything from its cheese selection to numerous sandwich options and deli salads keeps ’em coming.
MEDITERRANEAN & EUROPEAN
Gabriella Café
910 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 831-457-1677, gabriellacafe.com
The seductive menu continues to make Gabriella the quintessential Santa Cruz date restaurant, yet the reasonable prices make romance affordable every day. Locally sourced produce, sustainable meats and seafood, and attention to detail make Gabriella a winner.
Laili
101 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-4545, lailirestaurant.com
Perfect for date night, Laili serves kabobs, flatbreads and creative dishes based on contemporary Mediterranean and Afghan inspiration. Try dishes that include housemade chutneys and sauces. One of the better values downtown.
Mozaic
110 Church St., Santa Cruz, 831-454-8663, mozaicsantacruz.com
Specializing in recipes from Greece, Lebanon, Turkey, and Sicily, Mozaic offers a full bar with specialty cocktails, and belly dancing on Friday nights.
Namaste
1501 Mission St. Suite A, Santa Cruz, 831-316-7032, namasteindiabistro. com/santa-cruz
Explore the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine at our Santa Cruz location, where a vibrant selection of dishes offers a truly memorable dining experience.
Nick the Greek
1133 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-431-6313, nickthegreeksj.com
Traditional Greek street food. Gyros and Souvlaki just like the old country.
Vasili’s Greek Restaurant
1501A Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-458-9808, vasilisgreekrestaurant.com
Greek dishes that many of us know and love are made fresh at this down-toearth restaurant that feels like a visit to a Greek taverna. Try classic Greek specialties and Greek wine.
Casual dining for falafel, kebabs (including vegetarian) and spicy lamb dishes. Entrées come in three sizes and the prices are right. Beer and wine.
MEXICAN
Café El Palomar
2222 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-477-0371, cafeelpalomar.com
Inexpensive beachside-taqueria
Mexican food and premium margaritas, this breezy location is beloved by locals. Try the chicken mole, or find any excuse to order just the homemade corn tortillas. Also try Leo’s Special— shrimp, snapper, ceviche, skirt steak with rice, beans and guacamole.
Cilantros Mexican Restaurant
1934 Main St., Watsonville, 831-7612161, cilantroswatsonville.com
A festive atmosphere accompanies some terrific Mexican fare—and the entrées are abundantly portioned. Great list of appetizers and beverages. Eat this: Homemade Tortilla Soup.
El Jardín
655 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz, 831-477-9384, eljardinrestaurant.net
A friendly staff, unique sauces and gorgeous desserts shine at this great local restaurant. xWinner of best mole sauce in a blind tasting at the Mole and Mariachi Festival.
El Palomar
1336 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-425-7575, elpalomarsantacruz.com
Try the taco bar for a quick bite, dine in style in the historic dining room, or snack in the vibrant bar. It continues to win Best Mexican Restaurant in GT’s Readers’ Poll. Try: Burrito de Camarones.
Margaritaville
231 Esplanade, Capitola Village, 831-476-4366, margaritavillecapitola.com
A contemporary makeover features Mexican cuisine with an accent on seafood and fresh and local ingredients. And really, there’s no other place you’d
rather go if you blow out your flip-flop stepping on a pop top.
Manuel’s Restaurant
261 Center Ave., Aptos, 831-688-4848, manuelsrestaurant.com
Manuel Santana opened his restaurant in 1965, and the business has been family-operated ever since, serving traditional recipes with a smile.
Maya Mexican Restaurant
3115 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 831-438-7004, mayasv.com
Serving classic dishes from the heart of Michoacán, Mexico, the family-owned and operated Maya Mexican Restaurant
FARMERS MARKETS
Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
Open year-round, rain or shine, from 8am-noon on Saturdays. 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, montereybayfarmers.org
Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers Market
Fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, seafood, honey, flowers, and chocolate are all available. Open 1-6pm on Wednesdays at Lincoln and Cedar streets in Santa Cruz. Visit facebook.com/santacruzfarmersmarket and santacruzfarmersmarket.org
Felton Farmers Market
Open 1-6pm on Tuesdays. Fresh fruit, vegetables and food. 120 Russell Ave., Felton. Visit facebook.com/santacruzfarmersmarket and santacruzfarmersmarket.org
Live Oak Farmers Market
Open 9am-1pm on Sundays. Local organic fruit, vegetables, flowers, and prepared food. East Cliff Shopping Center at 15th Avenue and East Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. Visit facebook.com/santacruzfarmersmarket and santacruzfarmersmarket.org
Westside Farmers Market
Open 9am-1pm on Saturdays, year-round, rain or shine. Fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers and locally prepared foods. Western Drive and Mission Street Extension in Santa Cruz. Visit facebook.com/ santacruzfarmersmarket and santacruzfarmersmarket.org
Scotts Valley Farmers Market
Open 9am-1pm on Saturdays, year-round. Fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers. Scotts Valley Square off Mount Hermon Road. Visit facebook. com/santacruzfarmersmarket and santacruzfarmersmarket.org
UCSC Farm and Garden
Fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers. 1156 High St., Santa Cruz, 831-459-3240. casfs.ucsc.edu
Dining
won first place in the 2012 and 2013 Santa Cruz Golden Awards.
Olitas Cantina and Grille
49B Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-458-9393, olitassantacruz.com
A south-of-the-border, seafood-focused menu with Yucatan and Veracruzinfluenced specialties is served in this upbeat spot with views all around.
Tacos Moreno
1053 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-6095; 1601 41st Ave., Capitola (next to See’s Candy), 831-464-8810
A favorite local taqueria that offers classic Mexican fare—burritos, tacos and more.
Taqueria Los Pericos
139 Water St, Santa Cruz, 831-469-7685; 531 Corralitos Rd., Watsonville, 831-319-4904 taquerialospericos.com
Laid-back counter-serve spot featuring a menu of tacos, burritos & other Mexican staples.
Craft beer, wine, wood-fired pizza and a seasonal menu of small plates and entrées make this East Side sibling of West End Tap & Kitchen a refined neighborhood standby.
Firefly Tavern
131 A Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-345-8583
Firefly Tavern is an inviting upscale public tavern house owned and operated by Santa Cruzens cultivating a low key community gathering vibe.
Laughing Monk Brewing
262 Mt Hermon Rd Unit 103, Scotts Valley, 831- 226-2868 scottsvalley.laughingmonkbrewing.com
Taqueria Vallarta
For locations, visit taqueriavallartaonline.com, 831-464-7022
Large selection of Mexican meats for burritos, tacos, enchiladas and more at multiple locations around town.
From its Original Margarita to the impressive house specials, this is Mexican dining at its best. The delightful, bustling restaurant is in charming Soquel Village. Try this: Chicken Mole.
Tortilla Shack
1505 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, tortillashack1.com
New fast-service burrito bar from the owners of Izakaya West End and East End Gastropub.
Churchill & Beers is a locally owned and operated family restaurant and sports bar located in the heart of Aptos, CA, offering a wide variety of delicious dishes to suit every taste. Our menu features classic menu and drinks, all made with the freshest ingredients and prepared with care by our talented team of chefs and baristas
Voted best patio dining in Scotts Valley, this super fun gastropub has something for everyone. Located right in the heart of Santa Cruz County, they feature awardwinning beers, delicious food and beautiful event space. Perfect for watching sports, spending time with friends and family, and hosting large events, Laughing Monk Brewing has quickly become the standout brewery in the Scotts Valley area.
Lùpulo Craft Beer House
233 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz, 831-454-8306, lupulosc.com
This downtown spot offers an extensive craft beer menu along with Mediterranean and Latin American inspired tapas.
What’s not to like about The Parish? It’s a lively neighborhood bar with rotating taps, delicious pub fare and full-on atmosphere. The Aptos location has patio seating.
The Redroom Cocktail Lounge
1003 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, 831-425-0591, Slip beneath the surface and into the glow of The Redroom-where velvet booths, low light, and legendary cocktails set the mood for nights you won't forget. Hidden just off Pacific Avenue on Cedar St, we've been shaking things up since November 1989, with timeless style and a touch of the unexpected.
The Salty Otter Sports Grill
110 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, saltyottersportsgrill.com
This is not just a restaurant; it's a hot spot where friends gather, laughter fills the air, and memories are made. Don’t
Sunday,
-
Admission $5.00 All Day *Kids Under 12 Free*
Sorry, No Dogs Allowed
Visit Moss Landing. Your Destination for Fun!
This small, quaint historic village is full of hidden treasures & enjoyable activities: delightful restaurants, fresh fish and seafood, historic buildings, fine arts, jewelry, unique garden decor, collectibles and memorabilia, natural wildlife reserve & wetlands, marine sanctuary, whale watching, birdwatching, sport fishing, beachcombing, sandy beaches, surfing, boating & harbor activities, lodging, wildlife tours, marine services and more... Half way between Monterey & Santa Cruz on Hwy 1
Dining
selections are posted on a large board, and if fish isn’t your thing, the French Dip sandwich or anything else on the menu is a safe bet.
miss out on the excitement—be one of the first to experience The Salty Otter. Sip, Savor, and Surf the Flavors!
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
402 Ingalls St., #27, Santa Cruz, 831-425-4900, scmbrew.com
This taproom and beer garden features handcrafted, organic microbrews.
Seabright Social
519 Seabright Ave. #107, Santa Cruz, 831-426-2739, seabrightsocial.com
With home-brewed beers and a diverse selection of pub food, the Seabright community has found a gathering place in this neighborhood hangout.
SEAFOOD
Firefish Grill
25 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-423-5300, firefishgrill.net
Firefish Grill is downright memorable. It specializes in fresh, traditional seafood, steaks and homemade pasta dishes served California-cuisine style at very reasonable prices. Ocean views from every seat.
Gilda’s
37 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-423-2010, gildas-restaurant.com
An old-timey Wharf tradition, the large menu will please everyone in the family. The prices for daily specials are unbeatable. Did we mention the ocean views?
Hook & Line
105 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-225-0434, eathookandline.com
A new modern seasonal California seafood eatery in Downtown Santa Cruz.
Jack O’Neill Restaurant
175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-460-5012, jackoneillrestaurant.com
Featuring a menu of modern coastal cuisine with a warm, vintage atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of its namesake, this Dream Innadjacent restaurant is also known for its stunning views.
Johnny’s Harborside
493 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-479-3430, johnnysharborside.com
The sailors know best. This is one of the region’s premier seafood restaurants, located at the Harbor. The fresh fish
Riva Fish House
31 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-429-1223, rivafishhouse.com
Laid back, award-winning seafood establishment serves hearty portions of prawns, oysters and other American seafood favorites.
Stagnaro Bros.
59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-423-2180, stagnarobros.com
There isn’t a bad dish in the house coming out of this expert kitchen, and the upstairs bar has some of the best views on the wharf. A feel-good eatery with a large selection of fresh seafood, steaks and pasta.
SWEET TREATS
Marianne's Ice Cream
1020 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 831-458-1447; 218 State Park Dr., Aptos, 831-688-2164; 1201 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-479-8888; mariannesicecream.com
Consistently delicious locally made ice cream since 1947.
Pacific Cookie Company
1203 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-6905, pacificcookie.com
Delicious, affordable gourmet cookies made with quality ingredients since 1978.
The Penny Ice Creamery
913 Cedar St., Santa Cruz; 830 41st Ave., Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz; 141 Aptos Village Way, Aptos; 262 Mt. Hermon Rd., Scotts Valley; 125 Beach St., Santa Cruz; thepennyicecreamery.com
Artisanal ice cream created in small batches from fresh local ingredients.
TEA & COFFEE
The Abbey
350 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1058, abbeycoffee.org
The Abbey is an off-the-beaten-track gem of a hangout for students and all who still feel at home in student hangouts. Spacious with a special vibe. Excellent housemade chai and hibiscus coolers.
Cafe del Sol
1266 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-8632, staffoflifemarket.com
Inside the Staff of Life natural foods store, Cafe del Sol is part of a larger covered
Dining
outdoor market. Specialty coffees, madeto-order juices and smoothies can be had at one of the greenest companies around. On-site bakery.
Cat & Cloud Coffee
3600 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz; 719 Swift St., Suite 56, Santa Cruz; 10 Parade St., Suite A, Aptos; 725 Front St., Santa Cruz, catandcloud.com
Cat & Cloud’s roasting philosophy strays from the brighter, more acidic lighter roasts that tend to be favored by the specialty coffee industry to darker roasts, which they view as more approachable for the average coffee drinker.
Coffeetopia
1723 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-6583; 3701 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-477-1940; 1443 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz, 831-476-5488, coffeetopia.com
Counter service where the baristas really care about the basics: making you the coffee drink you want. Espresso is the focal point of its many drinks.
11th Hour Coffee
1001 Center St #1, Santa Cruz, 831322-4599; 402 Ingalls St suite 19, Santa Cruz, 831-299-2257, 11thhourcoffee.com
We are on a mission to create a place where people feel they belong, where they can get inspired and creative. We want to spread acceptance of ourselves and others. We believe that every person on earth is an artist; no matter what you do in society, you can approach it with artistry. Coffee is our medium and our artform.
Java Junction
519 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-5282; 580 S. River St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-2128, javajunctioncoffee.com
Roasting the highest quality organic and fair trade coffee and espresso beans, Java Junction is the perfect pickme-up for your morning commute, or a place to sit and chat with friends.
Mr. Toots
231 Esplanade, Capitola, 831-475-3679
The locals’ favorite in Capitola Village offers stellar coffee drinks, a soothing seaside view and the increasingly rare coffee house staple: acoustic music.
Hidden Peak Teahouse
1541-C Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-4200, hiddenpeakteahouse.com
A downtown retreat, this serene
teahouse offers the finest in organic teas, gung fu tea service and terrific gifts—all made with precise, patient skill.
Lulu Carpenter’s
1545 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-9804; 911 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-3679, lulucarpenters.com
A Santa Cruz tradition with classic coffeehouse ambience, Lulu’s is comfortable and well-run. A full kitchen at the downtown location and relationships with coffee growers keep the quality of products high.
Verve Coffee Roasters
1540 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-600-7784; 816 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-475-7776; 104 Bronson St. #19, Santa Cruz, 831-471-8469,1010 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-431-6547, vervecoffee.com
On the cutting edge of coffee culture— sourcing, roasting and brewing— Verve coffee houses are modern, light-filled meccas that maintain the highest standards.
LOCAL MARKETS
AJ’s Market
5955 Soquel Dr, Soquel, ajsmarket.com
Convenience store and gas station with a butcher, deli, and grill, plus car wash.
New Leaf
350 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1058, newleaf.com
Specialty grocery store focused on natural products, also offering an on-site juice bar & deli.
Shoppers Corner
622 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, 831-423-1398, shopperscorner.com
Old-fashioned market open since 1938 stocking meat, wine, baked goods, produce & gifts.
Staff of Life
1266 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, 831423-8632, staffoflifemarket.com
Local grocery store with natural and organic products, bulk bins, prepared foods, and a deli.
Wild Roots
350 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1058, wildrootsmarket.com
We believe that food is a celebration of life and we are committed to supporting sustainable and healthy living in every way.
1315 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-201-4141, rusticales.com
Seabright Social
519 Seabright Ave., #107, Santa Cruz, 831-426-2739, seabrightsocial.com
Shanty Shack Brewing
138 Fern St., Santa Cruz, 831-316-0800, shantyshackbrewing.com
Slough Brewing Collective
65 Hangar Way D, Watsonville, 831-288-3152, thesloughbrewing.com
Steel Bonnet Brewing Co.
20 Victor Square, Scotts Valley, 831-621-6270, steelbon.net
Woodhouse Blending & Brewing
119 Madrone St., Santa Cruz, 831-739-2337, woodhousebrews.com
Dead
Central
Grateful fans will want to make a pilgrimage to McHenry Library
If you are a Deadhead and you are visiting Santa Cruz, you are minutes away from the country's finest collection of Grateful Dead memorabilia, doodads and archival resources. Located inside the McHenry Library at UCSC, it is a little tricky to get to. Like finding tickets to the Sphere to see Dead & Company, you’ll need to have some ambition and desire. You’ll also need to cross a long bridge and pay a dancing bear a token of gold, or just use your GPS.
While the collection changes, what doesn’t move is the bronze life-size hand of Jerry Garcia at the entrance. From lyricist Robert Hunter’s handwritten notes to some of the band’s most famous songs, to original bluesman Pigpen’s iconic hat, to the life-size skeleton marionettes that were used to film the “Touch of Grey” video at Laguna Seca in 1987, it’s a mind blower for fans, a curiosity for others and a deep well for scholars seeking original documents.
The collection that is displayed changes from year to year. The most recent one is titled “The Thread that Runs so True: Archival Connections of the Grateful Dead.” There is enough ample evidence of the musicians’ influences and their influence on others—and the links between the Grateful Dead and some of the greatest artists and thinkers around the world— to convince even non-believers that there was more to this band than long guitar solos.
It’s often debated what city in America is truly Dead Central. Well, here in Santa Cruz, there’s no debate. From the original Acid Test at Ken Babb’s spread in Soquel to the campground in Loch Lomond where a young Jerry Garcia lost his middle finger, you’re in Dead Country.
Enjoy the air-conditioning, the largest collection of Dead things in the world and be sure to give Jerry a highfive when you walk in.
The Grateful Dead Archive is located on the third floor of McHenry Library at UC Santa Cruz, 414 McHenry Road, and is open during regular library hours.
FOREST BATHING Trails through the redwoods can be found along Highway 9. PHOTO: RICHARD STOCKTON
ENDLESS TOUR Jerry Garcia at UC Berkeley’s Greek Theatre on June 21, 1987. PHOTO: LARRY HULST/GRATEFUL DEAD ARCHIVES
Mountain
Touring the towns on Highway 9
BY DNA
Have you ever wanted to time travel? Well, Santa Cruz offers an easier way to go back in time than driving a DeLorean at exactly 88 miles per hour. Just cruise up into the Santa Cruz Mountains.
If visitors to our world-famous town only stay downtown or on the beach, they haven’t really seen Santa Cruz. There are three ways to turn back the clock and head to the hills: out through Scotts Valley (the birthplace of Netflix) and up Graham Hill Road, or the more ambitious ride up Highway 9 (easy does it)—or you can board the train (weekends only) that leaves from the Boardwalk. Either way, you’ll soon find yourself in Felton.
If you arrive during the day, you must visit Roaring Camp. It is designed to feel like you are walking through an Old West town, complete with a sheriff’s office, functional print shop, and an old-time cinema. The horn of the Redwood Forest Steam Train train echoes wide and far, blows billows of smoke and gives one a sense that you’re in the 1800s. You can also get on the train at Roaring Camp, and take a luxurious, highly recommended 75-minute ride through the mountains. Walk over the railroad tracks inside Roaring Camp and you’ll enter Henry Cowell State Park, where groves of towering redwoods and the mighty San Lorenzo River are all accessible
Time
within short or long walks. Very knowledgeable docents will help get you where you need to go (even if it’s only to the bathroom).
The actual town of Felton, a minuscule drive from Roaring Camp, is a few blocks of stores and tasty food. Walking the wooden boarded block will serve up independently owned craft and boutique stores. If you need some caffeine for your drive, enter the intimate throwback White Raven, which is the home of Larry’s Famous Chai. And if you come at night (check out the weekly newspaper, Good Times, for schedules), the Felton Music Hall regularly has some of the best bands in the country.
If your time-traveling scratch hasn’t been itched yet (Spoiler Alert: it hasn’t), go farther north on Highway 9, into the next town of Ben Lomond. But don’t blink—it’s tiny. Visit the art gallery, the quaintest public library and the 102-year-old Park Hall, the home of the Mountain Community Theater. From presentations of Tony Award–winning theatrical works to original adaptations, the quality of each production strives toward excellence.
Mountain Feed is also a muststop. Even if you’re not in the mood for buying plants, it’s a wonderful mountain vibe, with cool trucker hats (you need one). And there’s an old school bus that is the home of a mountain pet veterinarian.
Before you hit your final destination, you’ll zoom through the town of Brookdale, population just over two thousand. Don’t miss this chance to see
the infamous Brookdale Lodge. You’ve heard the expression “a river runs through it”? Well, in the case of the Brookdale Lodge, this is 100% accurate. This turn-of-last-century hotel has been home to celebrities, mobsters and a handful of ghosts. If you’re lucky, the manager will give you a tour that you will never forget.
Finally, you will arrive in Boulder Creek. If you wanted you could head all the way down to California’s oldest state park, Big Basin—but for today you can wander an actual Old West town. Antique shops, Joe’s Bar (the top local watering hole) and the San Lorenzo Valley Museum add to the flavor. And if flavor is your goal, River Dogs is a must-stop for hot dogs served next to a bubbling river. For a more filling meal, Scopazzi’s serves authentic Italian food. Keep driving just a short bit and you hit the Sawmill Ale House, a perfect place to regroup before you head back to downtown Santa Cruz (and the future).
Enjoy your time-traveling expedition, with two caveats. If you are of the green persuasion, there are numerous laid-back dispensaries along your route, as well as adult watering holes. But always remember these roads can be, and often are, treacherous. Stay alert and vigilant. Also keep in mind that the CZU Lightning Complex Fire of 2020, which ripped through the mountains that you are visiting, really impacted local businesses and residents. So be kind as the roads wind—no flux capacitor needed.
Attractions
THINGS TO DO
Agricultural History Project Museum
2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville, 831-724-5898, aghistoryproject.org
See antique farm machinery and get fascinated by how they used to do it in the good old days.
Arboretum & Botanic Garden, UC Santa Cruz
120 Arboretum Rd., Santa Cruz, 831-502-2998, arboretum.ucsc.edu
Open daily from 9am-5pm, the revered arboretum boasts six decades of excellence in horticulture. Visitors experience 115 acres of native flora and fauna, as well as extraordinary plants from around the globe, fantastic birdwatching, and shopping at the wonderful Norrie’s Gift & Garden Shop.
Boardwalk Bowl
115 Cliff St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-3324, boardwalkbowl.com
State-of-the-art bowling spot with arcade and lounge.
Tours, trails, exhibits and events led by knowledgeable naturalists. Explore woodlands, wetlands, and meadows at the center of Monterey Bay. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Explore the wetlands on a 27-foot pontoon boat to spot sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and more.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 Big Trees Park Road, Felton, 831-335-7077, parks.ca.gov
Known for the 40-acre grove of oldgrowth Redwood Trees this park is a short drive from Santa Cruz. Take the .8-mile flat loop trail through the gigantic coastal redwoods or visit the old Roaring Camp Railroad heritage railway.
Kinderwood Farms Goat Yoga
Aptos, 831-345-9766, kinderwoodfarms.com
Yoga with bouncing baby goats. It’s an experience you likely won’t forget.
Sequoia Aerial Adventures, Zip Line and Redwood Canopy Tours
San Lorenzo Valley Historical Museum
12547 Hwy. 9, Boulder Creek, 831338-8382, slvmuseum.com
The San Lorenzo Valley is rich in historical interests, and this museum covers it all, from life-size dioramas depicting pioneer life to the tools they carried.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-5590, beachboardwalk.com
Voted the World's Best Seaside Park. The Boardwalk offers a variety of games & rides right on a mile-long stretch of sandy beach
The Children’s Museum of Discovery seeks to inspire, delight and challenge by providing opportunities to interact with an innovative and unique learning environment for children and adults. Regular storytimes and other educational events for kids.
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
144 School St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-5849
Built during the 1800s, the Mission de la Exaltación de la Santa Cruz is where the town gets its name: Holy Cross.
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1964, santacruzmah.org
Check out the ongoing exhibits and special events.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831420-6115, santacruzmuseum.org
Discover the diverse flora and fauna of the Monterey Bay region at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. The Museum features permanent and
special exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages, as well as monthly events. Find the Museum across from Seabright State Beach, beside the gray whale statue in Tyrrell Park.
You’ve seen the bumper stickers and billboards, but nothing quite prepares you for a place where up is down and down is up. Built into a forest hillside, the Mystery Spot will amaze and impress even the most cynical kids. Balls roll upwards, the walls are made for climbing and people mysteriously grow taller and shrink. The tour guides have a wealth of funny lines and the price is reasonable. Make reservations: tours often sell out by noon.
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, 701 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831420-6289
The museum is perched above one of the world’s premier surf spots, Steamer Lane, where you can watch some of the best in surfing.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab
100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, 831-459-3800, seymourcenter.ucsc.edu
A place to see and experience marine life in the area. The center’s exhibit hall includes an inveterate pool and a shark pool that allows visitors to get a look at Monterey Bay species close up, and behind-the-scenes areas offer a peek into marine research.
EDUCATIONAL
1440 Multiversity
800 Bethany Drive, Scotts Valley, 844-544-1440, 1440.org
A day contains 1,440 minutes, and 1440 Multiversity seeks to inspire you in each of them while you experience time differently on their beautiful campus set in the redwoods. Attend classes and connect with yourself or others.
Five Branches University, Santa Cruz
200 7th Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-464-0322, fivebranches.edu
A Traditional Chinese Medicine teaching facility as well as a provider of quality healthcare including acupuncture, herbal prescriptions, therapeutic massage, medical qigong, and dietary consultation.
SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK
TARMO
HANNULA
Fresh Authentic FASt
BEACHFRONT DINING SINCE 1978
Zelda’s Restaurant is right in the heart of Capitola Village, sitting beachfront with epic views of Monterey Bay and the Capitola Wharf. Our spacious patio puts you just steps from the sand, close enough to hear the waves and feel the ocean breeze. Whether you’re grabbing brunch, sipping cocktails, or catching a sunset dinner, Zelda’s serves up something for everyone — delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a welcoming coastal atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
OPEN DAILY AT 8AM
JOIN US FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER!
HAPPY HOUR MONDAY - FRIDAY 3:30 - 5:30PM
A&E
THEATER & DANCE
All About Theatre
1010 River St., Santa Cruz, 831-345-6340, allabouttheatre.com
Local non-profit theater company, dedicated to bringing meaningful productions to the greater Santa Cruz community.
Art League Broadway Playhouse
526 Broadway St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-5787, scal.org
There’s an impressive art gallery on one end and a small black-box theater on the other. Overall, it manages to deliver some wonderful artistic splendor on both sides from creative locals.
A live orchestra with high quality sets and production values enhance the performances of this acclaimed musical theater.
Henry J. Mello Center
215 E. Beach St., Watsonville, 831-763-4047, mellocenter.org
The lavish setting of South County’s premier performing arts center features a luxurious stage where concerts and performances are presented, including the Santa Cruz Symphony’s full season. (Each symphony performance is also at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium.)
London Nelson Community Center
301 Center St., Santa Cruz, 831-420-6177
The famed local center often attracts quirky and diverse offerings on the theater front, but take note of its other events— everything from senior yoga to dance. The hallway doubles as an art gallery.
Motion Pacific
131 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-457-1616, motionpacific.com
Dance culture in Santa Cruz County is mushrooming and evolving, and Motion Pacific is an important hub of education and performance. Take a class or catch a show, from burlesque to hip-hop.
Mountain Community Theater
9400 Mill St., Ben Lomond, 831-336-4777, mctshows.org
Still thriving in its third decade, MCT produces several ambitious shows a year, thanks to an engaged community’s support in the charming mountain town of Ben Lomond.
Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre
santacruzactorstheatre.org
Known for productions of contemporary, cutting-edge plays along with new plays, this group produced one of the first short play festivals in the country: the renowned 8 Tens @ 8, which celebrated 25 years in 2020.
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
307 Church St., Santa Cruz, 831-420-5240
The renowned Civic has hosted festivals, symphony concerts and an abundance of famous artists, including Tony Bennett, Bob Dylan and Ray Charles. Call or check local listings for events.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare
501 Upper Park Rd., Santa Cruz, 831-460-6399, santacruzshakespeare.org
The nationally recognized Santa Cruz Shakespeare has a new home after many years on the UCSC campus. Set in an outdoor forest theater in DeLaveaga Park, the Audrey Stanley Grove promises to host the same topquality performances that have made this theater company beloved.
Tandy Beal & Company
tandybeal.com
They put on original shows spanning dance, theatre, circus and music.
ART & GALLERIES
Artisans and Agency
1368 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-8183, artisanssantacruz.com
This showcase for local talent offers a slice of everything, from woodwork and ceramics to jewelry, prints and glass art.
Felix Kulpa
107 Elm St., Santa Cruz, 408-373-2854
Specializing in offbeat, sometimes quirky but always inventive, art shows.
First Friday
Multiple locations, firstfridaysantacruz.com
Galleries and pop-up galleries countywide are at their most festive on the evening of the first Friday of every month, when dozens of venues display, for your pleasure, the unique visual feast that is the Santa Cruz arts scene.
Lille Aeske Arthouse
13160 Hwy. 9, Boulder Creek, 831-703-4183, lilleaeske.com
Art gallery, intimate performance venue, community gathering site and spacefor-hire in the San Lorenzo Valley.
M. K. Contemporary Art
703 Front St., Santa Cruz, 408-250-2224
This downtown gallery showcases the work of 40+ local and regional artists, and exhibits a rotating series of themed shows and special events inspired by the unique natural beauty and creative culture that is Santa Cruz..
Made in Santa Cruz
57 Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, 831-426-2257, madeinsantacruz.com
Expect a large selection of original paintings, blown glass, ceramics, and sculptures from local artists.
Mary
Porter Sesnon Art Gallery
Porter College, UCSC, 831-459-3606
A wide variety of art covering all genres. Closed on university holidays and during summer.
MichaelAngelo Gallery
1111 River St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-5500, michaelangelogallery.net
Located across the street from the Tannery Arts Center, MichaelAngelo offers everything from art openings to fundraisers.
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1964, santacruzmah.org
In addition to its ongoing exhibits and special events, the museum hosts interactive events.
R. Blitzer Gallery
2801 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-458-1217, rblitzergallery.com
Renovated warehouse gallery on the Westside that features local and regional artists.
Santa Cruz Art League
526 Broadway St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-5787, scal.org
A charming creative hub and hotbed of activity, especially in October, when the annual Open Studios tour is underway.
Shen’s Gallery
1521 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-457-4422 shensgallery.com
A huge selection of Chinese antiques not easily found elsewhere. Offers local delivery and worldwide shipping.
Tannery Arts Center
1010 River St., Santa Cruz, 831-621-6226, tanneryartscenter.org
This live-work arts campus is the home of many arts events, galleries, two dance studios, live theater space, a cafe/bar, and more. Check the website for a calendar.
Open Studios
Santa Cruz County santacruzopenstudios.com
The Open Studios Art Tour offers
A&E
an opportunity to explore creativity throughout Santa Cruz County, connecting art lovers with local artists during the first three weeks of October every year.
You can swing by Aptos St. BBQ for its succulent ribs, sausages, sandwiches, and vast selection of beer.
The Blue Lagoon
923 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-7117, thebluelagoon.com
Dark, moody and with great drink specials, the Blue is infamous for its low-priced, epic punk and metal shows.
Brady’s Yacht Club
413 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-425-9854
The second living room for many Seabright residents, Brady’s is a perfect place to throw back a pint after work.
Britannia Arms
110 Monterey Ave., Capitola, 831-464-2583
This authentic British pub offers a taste of Dear Old Blighty. Imported beer plus a full menu.
Callahan’s Pub
507 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-3119
Everything you want from a neighborhood bar. Come in for a quick drink or stay a while to watch a game, play some pool and enjoy the friendly bartenders serving 15 beers on tap. Plenty of parking!
Castaways
3623 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-465-8200, thecastawaysbar.com
A great neighborhood bar—festive, sporty, fun. This is a just-be-yourselfand-hang place. Good service and nice interior lounging options.
The Catalyst
1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-4135, catalystclub.com
Santa Cruz’s landmark nightclub and social hub features live music on its main stage and atrium, plus pool tables and a bar upstairs.
The Crepe Place
1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-6994, thecrepeplace.com
A Santa Cruz Institution since 1973. This is the place to find touring up-andcoming indie bands. Doubling as a restaurant and a music venue, the Crepe Place houses an eclectic blend of concerts in a comfortable, intimate setting, plus late night dining.
The Crow’s Nest
2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com
Offers a wide variety of live entertainment and dancing in the upstairs lounge. Add that to the full bar with ocean views and some appetizers from the Breakwater Grill, and you’ve got a classic night out in Santa Cruz. Full restaurant downstairs.
Nestled in bucolic downtown Felton, this live music venue will showcase local talent and touring musicians, as well as fresh craft food and drinks.
Henflings Tavern
9450 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond, 831-336-9318, henflingsbar.com
This mountain bar and grill offers some of the county’s best in free rock music several nights a week. Plus, it has one of the county’s more colorful open mics.
Kuumbwa Jazz
320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 427-2227, kuumbwajazz.org
The nonprofit Kuumbwa attracts legendary jazz icons in addition to world and local music. Food and drink are available.
Moe’s Alley
1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, 831-479-1854, moesalley.com
Offering a dependably diverse and talented lineup each week—with blues, funk and Afro-Latin beats often stirring up the dance floor. A great bar, heated patio and music attract all age groups.
Motiv/Ulterior
1209 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-8070, motivsc.com
Motiv has racked up a number of awards over the years, including
Best Dance Club, Best DJ and Best Bartender. It is no wonder some call it the best party in town.
Rotating taps, full bar, delicious pub fare, full-on atmosphere. The Aptos location has patio seating.
The Redroom
1003 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-0591
Sip. Lounge. Vanish. Whether you're after a perfectly dirty martini, a nightcap with locals, or a plush seat to disappear into-Redroom delivers.
The Rio Theatre
1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-8209, riotheatre.com
This classy and streamlined setting draws big names of all genres from around the world. It offers a dance floor as well as plush, comfortable seating.
Ulterior
110 Pearl Alley, Santa Cruz, ulteriorsc.com
Ul.te.ri.or is a Speak Easy bar hidden above Motiv Night Club.
Just a seashell’s throw from the ocean waves, Zelda’s is not the biggest bar in town, but it does pull in some of Santa Cruz’s top-notch talent for concerts.
FELTON MUSIC HALL
FELTON MUSIC HALL
CliffNotes
There are so many reasons it’s called Pleasure Point
BY JOAN HAMMEL
As a traveler, it’s always great to find those laid-back, less crowded places that cater to tourists but also offer an opportunity to mingle with locals in their native habitat. Pleasure Point is exactly that gem of a spot in Santa Cruz.
If Capitola is the diva leading lady, Pleasure Point is her cute and bubbly best friend.
It’s located along 41st Avenue near Portola Road, just a short drive (you could even bike) from the Boardwalk, harbor or downtown—and easy to get to from Soquel and Aptos as well.
For the “but first, coffee” traveler, there are three outstanding options for hyper-local java. Cat & Cloud, Coffeetopia and Verve are all noteworthy local coffee hangouts, frequently ranked as favorites by locals. To pair coffee with a jolt of sugar, check out Dunlap’s Donuts.
Sufficiently caffeinated and ready to shop? For her, head to Zen Island, offering hip-chic beach fashion as well as cool jewelry, home accessories, cards and gifts. I always get the Mermaid Soap and it’s a hit when I gift it to friends. Rootstock Collective will also have her smiling with its great
collection of jewelry, artwork and locally made artisanal items. Shops for both him and her include StokeHouse by Vissla, Freeline Surf Shop or the iconic Santa Cruz Boardroom—all places where nothing is uncool. For beautiful, unexpected and not-at-all-typical household accents with a European flair, visit Patine.
When all that shopping starts making you hungry, the Point has a bounty of excellent restaurants just steps from each other. Suda is the spot for brunch. It features indoor or outdoor dining, a menu with something for everyone and a fun bar with great drinks. My go-to order is the cold brew martini with crème brulee French toast. Nothing else needs to be said… Hit up Zameen for Mediterranean, East Side Eatery for salads, pastas and pizza. Vallarta is awesome for Mexican; grab a slice or a full pie at Pleasure Pizza or visit Dynasty for yummy Chinese in a great setting.
And while technically in Capitola, not Pleasure Point, the very popular East End Gastropub is just a few minutes up 41st Avenue. Family friendly but also great for a couples date night, East End consistently gets rated a “best of” in the Santa Cruz foodie scene.
Looking for something to throw on the grill back at the Airbnb? The Point Butcher Shop will have everything you need. If you are
looking to press the easy button, their pre-made meatloaf is a crowd pleaser. What’s also sublime about Pleasure Point is you don’t need to eat, drink or shop at all to fully appreciate the stunning location. To consume fresh air and breathtaking scenery, drive straight to The Hook parking lot (511 41st Ave.). Stroll along East Cliff Drive, heading west, and enjoy views of Pleasure Point itself, the rocky promontory for which the area is named. Duck into the Pleasure Point Market for a quick drink or snack. Continue on to Rockview and grab a seat on one of the benches. Bathe in the sea-salt air and contemplate this gorgeous slice of heaven.
A couple logistical notes: Coming from downtown, the west side, midtown or the harbor, skip the freeway and instead navigate along East Cliff Drive. Stop in for all forms of deliciousness at Bottega del Lago, a delightful Italian market on 17th and Portola (this intersection is where East Cliff Drive becomes Portola Road).
Some travelers love to wing it, others prefer to plan ahead. The latter may want to make a dinner reservation at Lago di Como, on East Cliff Drive. Not that there isn’t enough great food in Pleasure Point proper. There’s plenty. But Lago di Como is truly special. Santa Cruz is often known more as a beach-surf town than a foodie town, but restaurants like Lago di Como are flipping that script. It won’t disappoint.
PLEASURE CRUISE Head down East Cliff Drive to explore a favorite spot for locals.
PHOTO: TARMO HANNULA
Shops
ANTIQUES
After Effects
4920 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-475-5991
Anyone who appreciates beauty can treat themselves to paintings and prints, while bookworms can indulge their thirst for knowledge. Collectors of kitchenware won’t want to leave without adding a new dish to their collection.
Attilia's Antiques
2630 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, 831-475-6920
Great stuff at a great price in a huge collective of over 40 dealers. Looks like a small place from the road, but it's huge. There is even a garden.
Voted Good Times Best Antique Store. Caroline's is a non-profit thrift shop supporting children with special needs. The store sells a variety of antiques, furniture, used clothing, household items, and other goods to benefit local charities. To date, Caroline's has donated $3,355,000 to local nonprofits.
Center Street Antiques
3010 Center St., Soquel, 831-477-9211, centerstreetantiques.com
A one-stop gathering of 25 antique dealers, Center Street Antiques features an eclectic mix of interesting and oneof-a-kind items.
Miss Jessie Mays
1533 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, 831-458-9131
New/vintage jewelry, cool gifts, sugar skulls, ethnic & garden art. You won't know you need it until you see it here!
Town
and Country Antiques
9280 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond, 831-336-5993
A great selection of lovely stainedglass lamps and antique documents of all sorts, including pictures, ads and stock certificates.
Wisteria is a direct importer of French antiques and accessories.
BOOKSHOPS
Bad Animal
1011 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 831-900-5031, badanimalbooks.com
Where to begin? This independent bookstore, focusing on used rare, fine press books, is also a wine bar and restaurant featuring natural wines and seasonal California-French cuisine.
Bookshop Santa Cruz
1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831423-0900, bookshopsantacruz.com
It’s famous for so many things— first and foremost, of course, books. This venerable local bookstore is, without a doubt, one of the best and most innovative not just in the Bay Area, but the entire country. Going strong now since 1966, it has survived an earthquake, competitive chain stores and economic downturns. There’s a vast selection of books here, plus a full roster of author events and other community happenings throughout the year.
Frenchy’s Cruzin Books & Video
3960 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-475-9221, www.frenchys.com
This adult superstore sells adult books and videos, lacy unmentionables, sex toys and more.
Two Birds Books
881 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-900-5588, twobirdsbooks.com
The newest kids on the block, Two Birds Books is a great spot to find new releases, hunt for high-quality used books, and browse a quirky curation of cards, puzzles and gifts.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Amoureuse
1119 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-7363
If you’re looking for a stylish boutique with nourishing body products, accessories, elegant lingerie, classic perfumes, artistic jewelry, and unique gifts, this is the place to shop.
Bunny’s Gifts
7000 Soquel Drive, Ste 3, Aptos, 831-662-2730
A shopping experience like no other. Women’s clothing, shoes, accessories and gifts. Bunny’s in Aptos has a whole line of lovely hats, plus much more.
Looking for lipstick-red shoes with platform heels, or something just plain old comfortable? Bunny’s has a fine selection. The store always has a great sales rack outside as well.
Camouflage
1329 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-7613, shopcamouflage.com
Camouflage is a very sexy store! It carries a variety of fine lingerie, sexy clothing and intimate apparel, not to mention a wide array of sex toys. This adult store has been thriving for more than 30 years and is the perfect spot to find that seductive massage oil you’ve been looking for.
FreeStyle Clothing Exchange
110 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 831-900-5733, freestyleclothing.com
Welcome to FreeStyle – where empowerment meets fashion, and every piece has a story to tell. As a women-owned buy-sell-trade haven, we're on a mission to redefine your style journey.
910 B Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-216-6366, mme.ltd
High-end clothing and accessories for women who are looking for timeless staples that they will love wearing. Items are carefully curated for comfort and versatility.
Old School Shoes
1017 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, 831-423-2700, oldschoolsupplyco.com
Old School Shoes is a locally owned business that has operated in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz for over 15 years. Upbeat, laid-back shop for retro sneakers & other shoes, plus quirky, casual clothes & accessories.
Pacific Trading Co.
1224 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-3349; 504 C Bay Ave., Capitola, 831-476-6109, pacific-trading-co.com
This shop has won the GT Readers’ Poll award for Best Women’s Clothing many years in a row. The family-run women’s contemporary boutique also takes pride in customer service.
Pacific Wave Surf Shop
1502 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-458-9283, pacwave.com
Pacific Wave aims to bring the local surf shop mentality to a whole new level by keeping the local vibe fresh and taking care of customers.
SockShop & Shoe Company
1515 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-6101, sockshopandshoeco.com
One of the best selections of socks and tights you’ll find anywhere, as well as a variety of comfort shoes for men, women and children. Service is great, so you can take your time to choose the right pair.
FITNESS
Cabrillo Fitness Club
6200 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-475-5979 Part of Toadal Fitness.
Toadal Fitness
716 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-3764; 1200 17th Ave., #108, Santa Cruz, 831-464-3764; 269 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-430-9200; 2929 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-466-3764; 25 Penny Lane, Watsonville, 831-337-8623
Toadal operates on the belief that fitness should be accessible to all, and good health is a key part of happiness. Also: The member is always right.
Providing everything needed to enjoy the outdoors, from patio furniture and outdoor umbrellas and beach chairs to ski and snowboard rentals, winter apparel and more.
This family-owned and operated business offers a variety of high-end and affordable home decor.
Natural Selection Furniture
607 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-4711, naturalselectionfurnituresc.com
Focusing on a casual, contemporary style, Natural Selection offers boutique shopping at affordable prices.
Redo Consign & Redesign
1523 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, 831-439-9201, redoconsign.com
This large space maintains high standards for vintage-to-new furnishings, art, mirrors, lamps, rugs, pots, statuary, and some outdoor items sourced from interior designers, private owners, stagers, and manufacturer sample sales.
SC41 Furniture
2647 41st Ave., Soquel, 831-464-2228, sc41.com
The award-winning SC41 Furniture store features quality, stylish home
furnishings and a large selection that’s worth a few hours of your time. Most are made with sustainable materials.
Woodstove & Sun
510 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz 831- 425-5123 woodstoveandsun.com
Woodstove & Sun has been heating homes on the Central Coast since 1982. They also carry a wide array of outdoor products, including outdoor furniture, kitchens, BBQ's, fire pits, and more.
GARDEN
American Leisure Patio
1118 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-2425, americanleisurepatio.com
American Leisure is a leading retailer of indoor and outdoor furniture, with a focus on quality, integrity and treating each customer as though they are the only customer. No order is too small or large for them.
DIG Gardens
420 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-466-3444; 7765 Soquel Drive, #A, Aptos, diggardens.com
DIG stands for Design Interior Garden, and you will definitely “dig” it! DIG has all kinds of plants—from palms, grevilleas, grasses, and bamboo to succulents and edibles. Stock up on DIG’s large range of organic heirloom veggies for your own garden, and find patio furniture for dining outdoors.
The Garden Company
2218 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-8424, thegardenco.com
From wonderful perennials, tropicals, bulbs, and succulents that are easy to travel with to its gift shop filled with ceramics, candles, books, soaps, lotions, hats, and more, the Garden Company has much to offer.
Mountain Feed & Farm Supply
9550 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond, 831-336-8876, mountainfeed.com
This eccentric and well-rounded locally owned shop is far from simply a feed and farm supply. With its homesteading section, you can find everything you need to do your own canning and make
your own cheese and sausage. They also have a gift shop and an expansive edible nursery, along with all sorts of fun things for the home and garden.
Orchard Keepers
116 McPherson St, Santa Cruz, 831-854-7811, orchardkeepers.com
Orchard Keepers is a full service business that installs, maintains, and restores backyard orchards and edible landscapes.
San Lorenzo Garden Center
235 River St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-0223, sanlorenzolumber.com/garden-center
San Lorenzo Garden Center in Santa Cruz offers high-quality plant materials, gardening tools and supplies, and a special focus on organic growing methods.
Terra Nova Ecological Landscaping
831-425-3514, terranovalandscaping.com
This team takes the practices of organic gardening and ethics of permaculture and applies them to landscaping. Go to them for your landscape design, installation and maintenance needs.
In addition to being sold at highend stores like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s, local Ann Morhauser’s glass creations are shipped all over the world. Check out her online store for glassware and wine-tasting events at the Watsonville factory.
Take note of the abundance of choice books and music available here. There is a splendid collection of natural and crafted crystals, too—plus spiritual readings and an aura station.
Botanic and Luxe
701-A Front St., Santa Cruz, botanicandluxe.com
This shop is the perfect place to find a unique gift for the plant lover in your life,
and you will leave inspired by the simple beauty of natural design.
Visit the marketplace for a range of stores and eateries, including Cheese Shop 831, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Roux Dat Cajun Creole, Zizzo’s Coffeehouse and Wine Bar, and much more.
Clementine & Co.
126 San Jose Ave., Capitola, 831-889-8290
Clementine & Co. is a shop with an eclectic mix of beautiful home decor, furniture, flea market finds
Helping environmentally conscious shoppers reduce consumption of plastics and waste by offering a wide range of personal care items, home goods and on-the-go products.
Go Ask Alice
1125 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, 831-469-4372, goaskalicesantacruz.com
Women-owned shop carrying organic herbs and teas, as well as crystals, incense, and ritual supplies.
Good Vibrations
111 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 831-466-9870, goodvibes.com/s
This sex-positive sexual health and wellness toy retailer offers education and information promoting sexual health, pleasure, and empowerment in addition to toys.
We specialize in raw and polished gems and minerals from all over the world. We also offer jewelry, beads, new and used books, candles, statues, oils, incense,
Shops
cards and journals, local art, kid's stuff, and classes....all with a touch of magic. We love handmade things... our goal is to inspire you...to inspire others.
OM Gallery carries creatively designed lighting—lamps that look like giant lotuses, flower string lights, floor lamps, and paper star lanterns. OM also has gorgeous handmade silk clothing in classic Vietnamese and Chinese styles, linen pants, handbags, scarves, and accessories.
Offering gifts, home decor, jewelry, and luxury clothing with an emphasis on supporting local artisans and businesses. Their store specializing in educational toys, books and clothes—named OutsideIn Kids—is next door to the main store.
Pipeline
1130 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-425-7473, @pipelinesantacruz
Opened in 1978, PipeLine has a legacy
as the oldest smoke shop with the largest eclectic collection in Santa Cruz.
Rootstock Collective
861 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 386-956-5479, rootstockcollective.com
Rootstock Artisan Collective is a thoughtfully curated retail location designed to facilitate the success of local artists and makers. We aim to bring the skill and creativity that makes up the heart of California to the residents who support and value locally hand-crafted goods.
Toque Blanche
1527 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-1351, mytoque.com/pages/our-stores
Toque Blanche carries hundreds of kitchen products. Knives, bowls, espresso machines and much more.
The True Olive Connection
831-458-OILS, trueoliveconnection.com
Specializes in fresh, high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar from around the world.
Helicopter tours and aerobatic airplane rides, plus training.
BEACHES
Natural Bridges State Park
2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-423-4609, parks.ca.gov/naturalbridges
Natural Bridges is a Santa Cruz treasure.
JEWELRY
Byzantine Jewelry
1530 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-2308, bfinejewelry.com
Byzantine Jewelry specializes in colored stones, and their professional staff of experienced jewelers can create 3D images of any ring a customer designs to ensure complete satisfaction.
Dell Williams
1320 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-4100, dellwilliams.com
Selling classic and contemporary jewelry, Dell Williams has been locally owned and family operated for four generations. In addition to jewelry, they sell watches and other giftware. A full restoration department can help customers repair a broken necklace or an inherited antique brooch. Dell Williams has been downtown since 1927 and has a loyal, generations-old customer base.
Ideal Jewelry
720 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-457-9245
This family owned and operated boutique features an artist and in-house jeweler.
Mark Areias Jewelers
7552 Soquel Drive at Aptos Center, Aptos, 831-688-2799, areiasjewelers.com
Fine jewelry and timepieces with a
With fascinating tide pools and the monarch butterflies hanging from the eucalyptus trees in the fall, the locale never ceases to inspire generations of beachgoers. Bask in the beauty here.
Capitola Beach
The Esplanade, Capitola Village
It typically gets voted best beach in California. And with its close proximity to the Capitola Wharf, plus a slew of great restaurants and bars around, it’s pretty much one big slice of paradise. To avoid the crowds, the beach on the other side of the wharf is usually less crowded. With free shuttle service to your car, you can’t beat it.
Castle Beach
East Cliff Drive at Seabright Avenue
The castle may have fallen over, but that hasn’t affected Castle Beach’s great sandy stretch. Located between the Boardwalk and the harbor, it’s a great place to let the saltwater air flow through your hair and the ocean lap over your feet.
specialty in custom design. Also offers a wide selection of new and estate jewelry, plus a watchmaker on the premises for your watch-repair needs.
Stephan’s Fine Jewelry
102 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-458-9950, stephansjewelry.com
Over 30 years of experience servicing Santa Cruz with a great selection of contemporary and classic fine jewelry and good prices.
This hotspot with locations in downtown Santa Cruz, the Capitola Mall and Capitola Village houses thousands of sterling silver chains, rings, earrings, charms, stone necklaces, hoops, and body jewelry.
Variance
1537 Pacific Ave. #101, Santa Cruz, 831-346-6758, varianceobjects.com
Variance jewelry is handmade at our studio in Santa Cruz, California. From stone cutting to metal mixing to photographing each piece, every part of the process is passed through our hands — never cast, outsourced or manufactured. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and born from a rich artistic collaboration between maker and material.
Moran Lake
East Cliff Drive, Live Oak
It’s one of the nicest beaches in the county, with great views and easy access. A secluded treasure.
Manresa State Beach and Sunset State Beach
La Selva Beach and Watsonville, 831-761-1795, 831-763-7062
Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins that regularly surf the waves, and the priceless sand dollars that wash up on shore.
New Brighton State Beach
1500 Park Ave., Capitola, 831-464-6329
A great campground nestled in coastal cypress and pines makes this a beachcamper’s paradise. The campground is always full in the summer, so making reservations is a must. A good spot for long summer walks, especially during low tide.
Whether you plan to parachute into Santa Cruz for a weekend or you can hang here for a few days, here are two walks that visitors never forget. If you’re new to Santa Cruz, start with a stroll along West Cliff Drive to meet Monterey Bay, the “Serengeti of the Sea.” If you have more time, a short drive to Redwood Grove State Park can be your gateway to forest bathing among the oldest and tallest trees on earth.
Fast Way to Feel the Spirit
If you’re short on time, head to West Cliff Drive and take the iconic Santa Cruz wharf to Natural Bridges stroll, a stretch of coast that is sacred to Santa Cruzans.
The 110-year-old Santa Cruz Wharf is 2,745 feet long. The longest pier on the West Coast, out and back, is over a mile, but it is a way to let the wind fill your hair and your sails. The wharf does have some of the nicest restaurants in Santa Cruz and tourist trap shops abound with virtually everything manufactured in China stamped with the name Santa Cruz. Walking the wharf is the clearest view you’ll get of the entire Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Walk back inland toward the roundabout at Front Street and you can drop down off the wharf and get a short beach walk in on the north end of Cowell’s Beach. You can get to the West Cliff Drive sidewalk on paths around the Dream Inn.
The sidewalk will take you past marine cliff fauna and you can watch the ever-present surfers ride the waves of the world-famous Steamer Lane. This is where Jack O’Neill developed the modern surfing wetsuit (the water is cold). The path reaches its furthermost point out into Monterey Bay just before it takes a sharp right turn to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Check out the photographs and exhibits that chronicle over 100 years of surfing history. It’s open from noon to 5pm, closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Just past the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum to the left of the path is Lighthouse Field State Beach. Inland is Lighthouse Field, the site of the Herculean effort to rescue this 37-acre
Long and
Short of It
How much time do you have to experience natural majesty?
BY
RICHARD STOCKTON
parcel from developers. There are paths throughout the field where you are free to walk (dogs are allowed on-leash only). If you want more beach, you can drop down into Mitchell Cove Beach, more protected than Santa Cruz Beach. You can walk down ramps into yet another stunning stretch of sand, Natural Bridges State Beach. At the corner of Swanton Boulevard and West Cliff Drive you can rent an electric bike for $7 for each 30 minutes. The bikeshare system has over 80 parking stations in Santa Cruz. Visit santacruz.org.
A Longer Loop
Just 150 feet from the parking lot you can saunter into the 0.8-mile loop of the Redwood Grove of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, home of the old-growth “virgin” coast redwood trees that extend into the 1,400- to 1,800-year-old-range. The walking trail passes within a few feet of some of the tallest trees in the world. The largest tree in the grove has a diameter of over 17 feet and a height of 280 feet.
The trail is easy and can be completed in under an hour, great for kids and those with limited mobility. This grove allows for self-guided tours, but there are free guided walks led by docents on summer weekends.
Here is where you can begin a walk that you may want to continue for the rest of your life. Through this park you can walk into the Santa Cruz Mountains, where hundreds of wellmaintained trails explore the unique ecosystem of the coastal mountains. You might try the Henry Cowell Observation Deck Loop Trail, 5.3 miles, which includes an observation deck with a 360-degree view of Monterey Bay and surrounding mountains. Remember to bring your binoculars, although the observation deck’s Flash Gordon–era telescopes do work.
How to get there: Redwood Grove Loop Trail is just south of Felton on Highway 9; access begins off the Meadow Trail. The trailhead is located in the day use parking lot near the nature center. Visit parks.ca.gov.
BY THE SEA Santa Cruz newbies can start with a stroll along West Cliff Drive. PHOTO: RICHARD STOCKTON
• Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf
• Wharf Locals Parking Pass Program
• Support Local Wharf Businesses
• Available to residents of the City and County of Santa Cruz Provides 2 hours of free parking*
• $20.00 for City Residents
• $25.00 for County Residents
• Purchase at the Wharf Gate!
*Some blackout dates
R&R
North Coast Beaches
Just a few miles north of the Santa Cruz city limits are some of the most beautiful miles of coastline in the world. Most beaches can be accessed by dirt trails or small roads.
Panther Beach
Highway 1, about 1 mile south of Davenport
Known for its beautiful rock formations and shiny, clean sand, Panther Beach is a memorable adventure. A take-yourbreath-away beach.
Pleasure Point Beach
East Cliff Drive and Pleasure Point Drive, Santa Cruz
A little to the left of the late Jack O’Neill’s green cliff house is a nice protected beach that makes for a sunny spot after the morning fog has burned off. Perfect pleasure.
Rio Del Mar Beach
Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos
The surf is milder than Manresa, but that doesn’t preclude the nasty riptides that have towed numerous unsuspecting swimmers into the deep. Great place to tan.
Santa Cruz Main Beach
Beach Street, Santa Cruz
Boasting volleyball nets, hundreds (sometimes thousands) of sunbathers and lolling surf, Main Beach, directly in front of the Boardwalk, is pretty much how it used to be 80 years ago.
Seacliff State Beach
State Park Drive, Aptos, 831-685-6500
Surf perch and halibut have been caught off the side of the area’s wellknown cement ship, but this destination stands out for its striking views.
Twin Lakes State Beach
East Cliff Drive at 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz, 831-427-4868
This beach caters to families, kite flyers, picnickers and the like, and it is said to be one of the warmest beaches in the county. It’s also a great place at night around a bonfire.
Waddell State Beach
Highway 1, about 5 miles north of Davenport, 831-427-2288
Rich beachcombing and tidepooling beach, though it tends to get too windy for lying in the sun. Every sort of sport except skiing seems to be practiced here, including hang gliding, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
BEACH DAY RENTALS
Shady Days
707.599.1818, shadydayssantacruz.com
At Shady Days we make your beach day easy and fun. You don’t have to do a thing. When your friends and family show up, it’s all set. Your beach site is waiting for you. Enjoy oversized umbrellas, luxury beach loungers, sand rugs, sling chairs, coolers filled with refreshments and all the amenities to make your day what it should be. Perfect, easy and fun. Whether it’s a b-day, anniversary, or a “just because” hang sesh, with our custom crafted drinks and snacks, an array of loungers and highend umbrellas, we got you covered.
BIKE PARK & RENTALS
BICYCLE TRIP
1001 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2580, bicycletrip.com
Choose from cruisers, comfort, mountain, road and kids' bikes, with helmet, handlebar bag and lock. Delivery and pickup within 12 miles.
Current E-Bikes
585 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-621-2309, currentebikes.com
At this full-service bike store, you can rent an e-bike before buying. Once you make the purchase, you’ll enjoy free tune-ups for the life of your eBike.
Depot Park Bike Park
119 Center St., Santa Cruz, 831-420-5270
BMX riders unite. The park boasts a bowed 8-foot-high wall ride and jumps, plus street obstacles and zero inline skaters.
Shuttle Smith Adventures
8035 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-234-3383
Mountain bikers can catch a shuttle to the top of Nisene Marks State Park to bike around the Soquel Demonstration State Forest trails. If your exercise
plan involves lifting a beer to your mouth, take advantage of their party bus services for safe transit between destinations of your choice.
BOATING
Chardonnay Sailing Charters
790 Mariner Park Way, Dock FF, Santa Cruz, 423-1213, chardonnay.com
Multiple sails a day on the iconic, locally designed Santa Cruz 70, with specialty charters including winemaker, brewmaster, pizza and more.
Lighthall Yacht Charters
790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz, 831-429-1970, lighthallcharters.com
Up to six passengers can enjoy a voyage on one of the luxurious 34-47foot yachts for an affordable price. Yachts may be booked for private charters, lessons, events, or spreading the remains of a loved one at sea.
Take a 90-minute cruise on a custom electric catamaran through the Elkhorn Slough. There’s restroom on board and children of all ages are welcome.
O’Neill Yacht Charters
275A Lake Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-818-3645, sailoyc.com
Sail aboard the custom-built luxury 65' Team O'Neill catamaran. Sailing tours include scenic daytime and sunset sails, local regatta viewing sails, wine and beer tasting sails, and seasonal fireworks cruises. Also available for private charters.
Pacific Yachting Sailing School & Charter Boating
790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz, 831-423-7245, pacificsail.com
Pacific Yachting incorporates team building and more on its excursions, with 18 sailboats from 22-43 feet.
Santa Cruz Boat Rentals
15 Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, 831-423-1739
Some of the best variety is found here, with 24 wooden skiffs, 17 feet long with six-horsepower motors.
Stagnaro Fishing Trips
32 Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, 831-427-2334, stagnaros.com
One of the original local Italian fishing
families, Stagnaro offers fishing trips, whale watching and cruises.
GOLF
Boulder Creek Golf and Country Club
16901 Big Basin Highway, Boulder Creek, 831-338-2111, bouldercreekgolf.com
You can have both 18- and 9-hole courses on more than 6,000 yards, situated between cypress trees. SGC also has an on-site Nike Golf learning center.
DeLaveaga Golf Course
401 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz, 831-423-7214, delaveagagolf.com
This gorgeous course surrounded by trees offers an 18- or 9-hole course and driving range plus cart rentals. The driving range has 40 stalls, so you are almost guaranteed a spot.
Pasatiempo Golf Course
20 Clubhouse Road, Santa Cruz, 831-459-9155, pasatiempo.com
A semi-private golf club which makes certain tee times available to the public. It offers a driving range, golf carts, golf instruction and club rentals. The course has a mandatory dress code, so be sure to dress appropriately.
KAYAKING
Adventure Sports Unlimited
303 Potrero St., Unit 15, Santa Cruz, 458-3648, asudoit.com
Certified dive instructors teach scuba and lead dive trips. Kayak rental and instruction.
Aqua Safaris SCUBA Center
6896 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-479-4386, aquasafaris.com
Classes from beginner to instructor level, plus rentals and retail gear.
Kayak Connection
413 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-479-1121; 2370 Hwy.1, Moss Landing, kayakconnection.com
A one-stop-shop for all things paddle related, Kayak Connection offers sea kayaking, stand-up paddling rentals, tours, and instruction in Santa Cruz and Moss Landing.
photo: Luis Contreras
R&R
Venture Quest Kayaking
2 Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, 831-425-8445, kayaksantacruz.com
Bring your kayak or rent one here and explore the bay. Tours available.
RACING
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
1021 Salinas Hwy., Monterey, 831-242-8201
This world-renowned raceway hosts exciting auto and motorcycle competitions.
Agility Boulders is a bouldering and obstacle gym serving the greater Santa Cruz area.
Castle Rock State Park
In the Santa Cruz Mountains, along Skyline Boulevard. A premier bouldering destination.
Pacific Edge Rock Climbing Gym
104 Bronson St., #12, Santa Cruz, 831-454-9254, pacificedgeclimbinggym.com
An impressive variety of indoor climbing. Bouldering, face climbs from 5.2 to 5.13, a roof, weight room, even a crack climb.
SCUBA
Aqua Safaris
6896 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-479-4386, aquasafaris.com
Explore the world’s oceans with Aqua Safaris.
Adventure
Sports
303 Potrero St., Unit 15, 831-458-3648, asudoit.com
Divers of all skill levels can explore Monterey Bay’s reefs with complete training beforehand.
SKATEPARKS & SKATE SHOPS
Berdels
1233 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-332-7422, berdels.com
Berdels offers everything the skating heart could desire from men’s apparel to all skate needs—get your pizzaprinted skate socks here.
Cali Style
222 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-440-1088
Local shop specializing in skate and surf brands in Scotts Valley
Derby Skatepark
508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz
Built in 1967, Derby has a long concrete skate run that ends in a big bowl.
Bill’s Wheels Skateshop
1240 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 831-469-0904, billswheels.com
Since 1977, this shop has featured a wide variety of boards and accessories.
Highland Skate Park
Highlands County Park, 8668 HWY 9, Ben Lomond
Concrete park featuring a bowl and street area.
Mike Fox Skate Park
225 San Lorenzo Blvd., Santa Cruz
Wormhoudt, Inc. designed the 15,000 square foot park featuring a full pipe, two bowls with pool coping and tile, a practice bowl and street course with steps, hubba ledges, wall ridges, metal rails, and great artwork.
Monte Family Skate Park
1550 McGregor Dr, Capitola
Skateboarders and bikers enjoy ramps and other facilities at this park, which also features a dog area.
Santa Cruz Boardroom
825 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-464-2500, santacruzboardroom.com
Great quality boards and gear, plus tons of community involvement.
Scotts Valley Skate Park
361 Kings Village Drive, Scotts Valley, 831-426-8424
Here you’ll find lines, rails, and large and small bowls for all skill levels to enjoy.
Skateworks
131 Center St, Santa Cruz, 831-427-4292, skateworks.com
Jump out of a perfectly good airplane in the world’s highest tandem skydive for once-in-a-lifetime views of the Monterey Bay and beyond.
STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING
Covewater Paddle Surf
726 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-6007230, covewater.com
Covewater is Northern California’s only dedicated stand-up paddle board (SUP) shop, providing stand-up paddle boards, equipment, rentals, and classes.
SUP Shack Santa Cruz
2214 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831464-7467, supshacksantacruz.com
Beginners and pros alike enjoy the yearround rentals and classes offered through this stand-up paddle boarding company, located in the Santa Cruz harbor.
SURF SPOTS SOUTH COUNTY
Capitola Jetty
When the swell is up, this spot is the place to be. A nice left careens in front of the jetty, and a turn to the right can go on forever, assuming your skag doesn’t hit the kelp-infested water.
The Hook
Named for the copious amounts of kelp in the lineup that “hooks” around skags and booties, this nice little point break has a loyal following.
Manresa/La Selva
Manresa is a mélange of peaks, valleys and sandbars, but often the place is
epic, breaking left and right and all over. Expect a long, grueling paddle during the wintertime to the outside.
Pleasure Point
Like its moniker, this place is pleasure for just about everyone. As a result, it’s generally crowded with everyone from groms to experts, longboarders to ultrathin glassed rippers.
SURF SPOTS SANTA CRUZ Cowell
The bunny slope of surfing gets its fair share of beginners, but it also has nice, sloping waves that go on forever. Easy access and easy attitudes make Cowell stand out.
Steamer Lane
One of the best classic breaks in the world, Steamer Lane more than lives up to its reputation. With four reef breaks rolled into one spot—The Point, Middle Peak, The Slot, and Indicators—the Lane has it all.
TOURS & TRAILS
Pacific to Redwoods Loop
Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Old Coast Rd., Santa Cruz, 831-423-9703, 831-426-0505, parks.ca.gov
A 12-mile loop that offers great views and a wide variety of birds and wildlife along the California coastline.
Neary Lagoon
Bay St. and California St., Santa Cruz, cityofsantacruz.com
Navigate wooden walkways while admiring all sorts of wildlife. Entrances are located at the end of Chestnut Street, the end of Blackburn Street, and the corner of Bay and California streets.
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
A 2-mile coastal walk where you can watch the local surfers and sea otters during the day and view the lights of the Boardwalk at night.
We’re driven by a simple idea: Better companies make
The best tube rides available if the conditions are just right. It’s a speedy right that peaks over an outer reef and peels toward the beach.
SURF SPOTS NORTH COUNTY
Three Mile
A great reef break that is usually uncrowded (until now), especially during the weekdays. Three Mile, as with most North Coast spots south of Davenport, includes a long walk through brussels sprouts fields.
Scott’s Creek
From long paddles and strong currents to sharky waters and unpredictable peaks, Scott’s isn’t for the faint of heart or arms. But when it goes off, it’s heaven on water.
Waddell Creek
Similar conditions for Waddell Creek as for Scott’s, except during the summer and early fall, when Waddell is one of the world’s premier wind- and kite-surfing spots.
SURF SCHOOLS & RENTALS
Adventure Out
800-509-3954, adventureout.com
Offers many surf clinics, plus mountain biking, backpacking and rock-climbing.
Capitola Surf and Paddle
831-435-6503, capitolasurfandpaddle.com
Capitola Surf and Paddle is a womanowned surf and stand up paddle school in Capitola. We meet our clients at Capitola Beach for all of our services. We provide professional and personalized surf/stand up paddle (SUP) lessons.Our team prioritizes ocean safety, surf etiquette, environmental stewardship and of course fun! All instructors are certified in CPR and First Aid and trained in ocean safety.
Club Ed Surf School and Rentals, Inc.
831-464-0177, club-ed.com
Great for locals and visitors. Located at Cowell Beach between the Wharf and the Dream Inn.
Cowell’s Surf Shop
30 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2355
Surf lessons, rentals and close to the best beginner break in the area.
Freeline Surf Shop
821 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-476-2950, freelinesurf.com
Surfboard rentals and more—everything from foam or soft-top boards, and fins, flippers, wetsuits and even stand-up paddle boards.
You can nab surfboards, rent wetsuits and find brand-new gear.
Richard Schmidt Surf School
236 San Jose Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-0928, richardschmidt.com
Richard Schmidt won Best Surf School in our readers’ poll. Note the individual and group surf lessons, plus summer camps.
Surf School Santa Cruz
3548 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz; 345 Swift St., Santa Cruz, 831-428-3647, surfschoolsantacruz.com
Bud Freitas grew up surfing all over Santa Cruz County and has more than 20 years of water experience to channel into his surfing lessons. Board and wetsuit are provided.
SURF REPAIRS
BE Sanding Ding Repair
1336 Brommer St., Ste. A2, Santa Cruz, 831-325-5487, besanding.com
This local expert ding repair company services surfboards, kayaks and standup paddleboards.
ZIPLINING
Mount Hermon Adventures
17 Conference Drive, Mount Hermon, 831-430-4357, mounthermonadventures.com
A typical tour is a two-hour foray into the forest, which includes six ziplines and two sky bridges that sit 150 feet in the air.
HOTELS, RESORTS & B&B’S
Babbling Brook Bed & Breakfast Inn
1025 Laurel St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2437, babblingbrookinn.com
This B&B with 13 rooms is on one of the few redwood acres of land in downtown. Modern rooms in separate chalet-style buildings have private entrances, some with jet tubs, fireplaces and decks overlooking a historic water wheel, shade gardens and waterfalls. Full breakfast, and wine and cheese are served in the parlor. Five minutes to the beach, Boardwalk and downtown.
Best Western CapitolaBy-The-Sea Inn & Suites
1435 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-477-0607
This charming inn is perfectly located in Capitola, near the mall and close to the beach and shopping district. Easy access and fabulous customer service.
Best Western Rose Garden Inn
740 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, 831-724-3367
This inn has fine decor and a great vibe. Located in Watsonville, near Moss Landing and a short drive from Santa Cruz. Close to an array of shops and restaurants in downtown Watsonville, too.
Discover the iconic Brookdale Lodge. Where history haunts and legends linger Live music every weekend Book direct for the best rates and packages!
Casablanca Inn
101 Main St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-1570, casablanca-santacruz.com
Located across from the Boardwalk, Casablanca is a fabulous inn, featuring 33 elegant accommodations—from rooms and bungalows to a guesthouse. Great for weddings.
Chaminade Resort & Spa
1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, 831-475-5600, chaminade.com
Here, you’ll find unforgettable views of Monterey Bay and guest rooms that come with full amenities and room service. Chaminade boasts an excellent conference center and is also ideal for weddings. Meals at Chaminade are created and presented
with expert attention. Also check out the irresistible spa.
Cliff Crest Bed & Breakfast Inn
407 Cliff St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2609, cliffcrestinn.com
The 1887 Queen Anne Victorian estate overlooks the ocean and mountains. A cluster of redwoods, lilacs, rockroses, bamboo, and jasmine surround the original carriage house. Full breakfast—including fresh fruit, homemade muffins, eggs to order, and tea—is served in the sunny solarium. A short walk to the Boardwalk, beaches and downtown. Each of the five rooms has its own bath, some with original clawfoot tubs and ocean views.
Continental Inn
414 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1221
Just a short walk from the Boardwalk and Main Beach, this inn has great deals and a great location.
It’s just a half-hour north of Santa Cruz and was created for people who prefer a gentler kind of camping. Offers furnished canvas cabins with heaters, down comforters and tent service. You can also stay in the 40-room lodge or in one of the Douglas fir cabins with shared “comfort station” facilities. Note the great spa treatments, too.
Dream Inn
175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 866-774-7735, dreaminnsantacruz.com
Situated on Cowell Beach, this boutique hotel offers newly renovated rooms with stunning views and close proximity to the wharf and Boardwalk. Each of the 165 ocean-facing rooms has a private balcony or patio. Take a swim in the pool or relax in the spa. Eat at Aquarius, the inn’s popular restaurant.
Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
5030 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 831-438-1500, marriott.com
Spacious rooms and suites, plus a gym, restaurant and lounge, and complimentary parking.
The Hilton Santa Cruz/ Scotts Valley
6001 La Madrona Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-440-1000
One of the area’s finest hotels, complete
R&R
with great service, big guestrooms and many amenities. Stonehouse Bar & Grill is the hotel’s impressive restaurant. Not far from Felton and Ben Lomond.
Hinds Victorian Guest House
529 Chestnut St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-0423, hinds-house.com
Weekly lodging in a historic landmark. It is a self-catered alternative to a standard hotel with full kitchen, laundry, common rooms, cable, phone, free WiFi, dining room, parlor, and sitting room.
Hotel Paradox
611 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-7100, thehotelparadox.com
Striking the perfect balance between natural beauty and urban design, Hotel Paradox challenges the typical Santa Cruz hotel experience with a bold blend of contradictions. A paradox invites open discussion and investigation, challenging you to look beyond the obvious, and our Autograph Collection Hotel does just that. Here, you’ll discover a different side of Santa Cruz, where rugged mountains, majestic redwoods, and vibrant communities hide in plain sight
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
407 Broadway, Santa Cruz, 831-226-2300, hyatt.com
Find spacious rooms and amenities including free breakfast, free internet access, a fitness center, pool and much more.
The Inn at Depot Hill was once the site of the original railroad depot built in 1881. Each of the 12 rooms is beautifully decorated and includes a fireplace, stereo, modem, phone, featherbeds, TV/VCR, robes, and most have private hot tubs on their patios.
Pacific Blue Inn
636 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-600-8880, pacificblueinn.com
The Pacific Blue Inn’s nine rooms were built using recycled and reclaimed construction materials.
Mission Inn
2250 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-5455, mission-inn.com
A modest Spanish Colonial-style hotel 1.9 miles from the Santa Cruz Wharf, Mission Inn is located on the main travel artery in and out of Santa Cruz in proximity to grocery stores, restaurants and one of the most photographed local icons, Natural Bridges State Beach.
Redwood Croft
Bed & Breakfast
275 Northwest Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-458-1939
This cedar home with a wrap-around veranda and rural Bonny Doon setting is a place where pets and children are welcome. All three rooms are plush and clean, each with a fireplace, antiques, leather couches, and quality linens. Breakfast is prepared from allorganic ingredients.
Sea & Sand Inn
201 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-427-3400, seaandsandinn.com
Enjoy the scenic location close to the Wharf and Boardwalk as well as complimentary amenities, including free breakfast scones and yogurt.
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos, 831-688-7300; reservations at 800-367-2003, seacliffinn.com
Our hotel is less than a mile from beautiful beaches and close to dozens of unique restaurants and shops. We’re eight miles from downtown Santa Cruz, Capitola Village, and Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Keep up your routine with our 24-hour fitness center and enjoy our Sevy's restaurant, bar, and heated outdoor pool.
Overlooking the bay, Seascape Beach Resort is the perfect place to wind down and relax. This four-diamond, greencertified resort features villa-like rooms and award-winning restaurant: Sanderlings. Get a massage or take a fitness class here. Great for weddings.
Ventana Inn
48123 Hwy. 1, Big Sur, 831-667-2331, ventanainn.com
Discover a combination of luxury and natural beauty at this Big Sur getaway.
DAY SPAS
The Spa at Chaminade
1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, 831-457-5600, chaminade.com
With a vast 1,700-square-foot luxury destination spa and 200+ acres of natural beauty, prepare to indulge in the ultimate journey of relaxation and renewal.
Faust Salon and Spa
1855 41st Ave., Suite B4, Capitola, 831-462-9201
110 Cooper St., #100F, Santa Cruz, 831-420-0701
219 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-706-8960, faustsalon.com
Offering everything from men and women’s haircuts to hair rebonding and Brazilian blowouts, Faust can help just about anyone find the look they seek.
Flying Crane
245 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-515-8380; 2381 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-288-5888; 1501 41st Ave., Suite J, Capitola, 831-687-8188, flyingcranemassage.com
Flying Crane will help you relax, whether you’re carrying your stress in your neck or your feet. The spa offers acupressure foot massages (also known as reflexology) and very affordable body massage in each of its three convenient shopping center locations.
Kalani Day Spa
245 Mt Hermon Road D, Scotts Valley, 831-600-7116, kalanidayspa.com
Relax, review and renew with facials, massage, waxing, lashes and wellness.
Pacific Skin Care
2628 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-476-1060, pacificskincaresc.com
From facials to waxing, mineral makeup, diamond microdermabrasion, and massage, Pacific Skin Care can make you feel like a new person. Great attitude and service make it stand out. By appointment only.
Santa Cruz Core
317 Potrero St., Suite C, Santa Cruz, 831-425-9500, santacruzcore.com
Santa Cruz Core staff are experts in integrative wellness. They offer an array of massage and bodywork services, including Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial release, Thai, shiatsu, acupressure, Tui na, acupuncture, prenatal, hot stone, and aromatherapy.
Skin Care Pleasure Point
871 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-475-1001, skincarepleasurepoint.com
Skin Care Pleasure Point offers a variety of beauty treatments and skin treatments, in addition to hair removal and waxing services customized for each person’s unique skin and hair type.
Tea House Spa
112 Elm St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-9700, teahousespa.com
The redwood decks, private ozonepurified hot tubs with jets, cedar-lined saunas and shoji windows that open into a 1940s Japanese bamboo garden are divine. The Tea House is known for its fine array of green, black and herbal teas. It offers massage in a variety of techniques, and even has a frequenttubber discount.
Well Within Spa
417 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 831-458-9355, wellwithinspa.com
A retreat in the center of downtown, Well Within is a favorite spot for locals and visitors to soak in tubs set in a soothing, private indoor-outdoor space. Or treat your body to a private sauna, therapeutic massage or facial. Their house line of herbal and aromatherapy products can be purchased.
Yoso Wellness
740 Front St., #110, Santa Cruz, 831-600-8053, yosowellness.com
Wellness spa offering facials, massages and peels and more while using only organic products.
3
Bros
1100B Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-345-0281; 1515 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, 831-226-2994 3brossantacruz.com
