Guidebook for Santa Cruz
Food Scene
Locals know that they will always find something new to try on their daily menus, as well as seasonal favorites. Locally grown and organic produce is prepared whenever possible. Italian inspired menu. Go early on the weekends, reservations are best. Four blocks from my house!
47 personas locales recomiendan
Avanti Restaurant
1917 Mission StLocals know that they will always find something new to try on their daily menus, as well as seasonal favorites. Locally grown and organic produce is prepared whenever possible. Italian inspired menu. Go early on the weekends, reservations are best. Four blocks from my house!
I am addicted to good bread.
Fresh, locally made, organic, chewy, crusty...
64 personas locales recomiendan
Companion Bakeshop Westside Santa Cruz
2341 Mission StI am addicted to good bread.
Fresh, locally made, organic, chewy, crusty...
Italian coffee, scones, eggs and greens, breakfast burritos, line spritzers, art hanging on the loft walls.
25 personas locales recomiendan
Café Iveta
2125 Delaware AveItalian coffee, scones, eggs and greens, breakfast burritos, line spritzers, art hanging on the loft walls.
Locally roasted coffee served here.
Friendly.
Art on the walls.
Cold brew.
Smoothies.
Bagel sandwiches.
15 personas locales recomiendan
Coffeetopia
Locally roasted coffee served here.
Friendly.
Art on the walls.
Cold brew.
Smoothies.
Bagel sandwiches.
Bar, pool, and food.
A little bit dark.
Corner spot, easy parking. Locals, lots of students. Good beer selection. Delicious sandwiches and Bangers and Mash.
26 personas locales recomiendan
The Parish Publick House
841 Almar AveBar, pool, and food.
A little bit dark.
Corner spot, easy parking. Locals, lots of students. Good beer selection. Delicious sandwiches and Bangers and Mash.
Both bakery and cafe...just yummy. Indoor and outside courtyard seating.
98 personas locales recomiendan
Kelly's French Bakery
402 Ingalls StBoth bakery and cafe...just yummy. Indoor and outside courtyard seating.
Drinks & Nightlife
Santa Cruz might be out of the way but lots of first rate bands and musicians find their way here en route to or from San Francisco. We are blessed with the opportunity to experience headliners in some of our intimate local venues and Moe's is one of them!
83 personas locales recomiendan
Moe's Alley
1535 Commercial WaySanta Cruz might be out of the way but lots of first rate bands and musicians find their way here en route to or from San Francisco. We are blessed with the opportunity to experience headliners in some of our intimate local venues and Moe's is one of them!
Parks & Nature
Henry Cowell has a terrific redwood trail loop that is short and sweet for children, seniors and anyone who just wants to park the car and be drawn into a majestic redwood grove within moments. Super accessible! Plus, it is right next door to the Roaring Camp where you can catch a ride on a steam engine train up the mountain and through the trees.
335 personas locales recomiendan
Parque Estatal de los Bosques de Secuoyas de Henry Cowell
101 N Big Trees Park RdHenry Cowell has a terrific redwood trail loop that is short and sweet for children, seniors and anyone who just wants to park the car and be drawn into a majestic redwood grove within moments. Super accessible! Plus, it is right next door to the Roaring Camp where you can catch a ride on a steam engine train up the mountain and through the trees.
Favorite spot to go hiking- either along the ocean or up into the hills. Also, a bike path from the Westside of town makes it easy to access without car traffic. Mountain bikers also love it! Trails for both hiking and biking abound. Also, visit historic Wilder Ranch on site...barns, blacksmith and victorian farmhouses...seasonal festivals happen there.
219 personas locales recomiendan
Parque Estatal Wilder Ranch
1401 Coast RdFavorite spot to go hiking- either along the ocean or up into the hills. Also, a bike path from the Westside of town makes it easy to access without car traffic. Mountain bikers also love it! Trails for both hiking and biking abound. Also, visit historic Wilder Ranch on site...barns, blacksmith and victorian farmhouses...seasonal festivals happen there.
Arts & Culture
A little bit of history, a little bit local flavor, the MAH always has some event or occasion happening...right in the middle of downtown. Great permanent exhibit about local history on the second floor, very kid friendly too.
133 personas locales recomiendan
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front StA little bit of history, a little bit local flavor, the MAH always has some event or occasion happening...right in the middle of downtown. Great permanent exhibit about local history on the second floor, very kid friendly too.
Shopping
Not just a bookstore, they sell unique gifts, toys and stationary too. However, their new and used selection of books is outstanding. Cozy kid's section, has comfy spots to read aloud. Locally owned and operated, they host visiting authors numerous dates each month. They are situated on Pacific Avenue across the street from Sock Shop...amazing shoes. Directly in front of the bookstore in Chocolate- awesome spot for a meal or coffee and their in-house created chocolate desserts.
57 personas locales recomiendan
Bookshop Santa Cruz
1520 Pacific AveNot just a bookstore, they sell unique gifts, toys and stationary too. However, their new and used selection of books is outstanding. Cozy kid's section, has comfy spots to read aloud. Locally owned and operated, they host visiting authors numerous dates each month. They are situated on Pacific Avenue across the street from Sock Shop...amazing shoes. Directly in front of the bookstore in Chocolate- awesome spot for a meal or coffee and their in-house created chocolate desserts.
Essentials
Locally grown produce.
Many unusual and non-mainstream brands.
Organics. On-site butcher. Deli and coffee/juice bar. Super cheese selection. The store hosts food-related classes and workshops.
There is also a Safeway nearby.
Both stores are walking distance.
248 personas locales recomiendan
New Leaf Community Markets
1101 Fair AveLocally grown produce.
Many unusual and non-mainstream brands.
Organics. On-site butcher. Deli and coffee/juice bar. Super cheese selection. The store hosts food-related classes and workshops.
There is also a Safeway nearby.
Both stores are walking distance.
Entertainment & Activities
Iconic, Art Deco influenced architecture, mostly restored and remodeled. Real popcorn with real butter served here. Where else can you have a slice of chocolate cake and cup of coffee while watching a movie? Oh yes, at the sister theater, the Nickelodeon, around the corner on Lincoln St. And the Delmar hosts Midnight Movies too!
We have four movie theaters in downtown Santa Cruz...
51 personas locales recomiendan
Del Mar Theater
1124 Pacific AveIconic, Art Deco influenced architecture, mostly restored and remodeled. Real popcorn with real butter served here. Where else can you have a slice of chocolate cake and cup of coffee while watching a movie? Oh yes, at the sister theater, the Nickelodeon, around the corner on Lincoln St. And the Delmar hosts Midnight Movies too!
We have four movie theaters in downtown Santa Cruz...
Because we are one of the few oceanside areas that still have our old rollercoasters! Ride on the Big Dipper! Eat saltwater taffy and caramel apples and cotton candy from Marini's Candies. Build a sandcastle, Go on the original, historic Merry-Go-Round...Eat sourdough and clam chowder. And if you still have energy, play miniature golf, laser tag, or head across the street for a few games at the SurfBowl.
745 personas locales recomiendan
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StBecause we are one of the few oceanside areas that still have our old rollercoasters! Ride on the Big Dipper! Eat saltwater taffy and caramel apples and cotton candy from Marini's Candies. Build a sandcastle, Go on the original, historic Merry-Go-Round...Eat sourdough and clam chowder. And if you still have energy, play miniature golf, laser tag, or head across the street for a few games at the SurfBowl.