Guidebook for Santa Cruz
Food Scene
Great spot with a cool vibe nearby for food and drinks. Full bar and open late for dinners. Might just be a band playing up front or a movie playing out back.
109 locals recommend
The Crêpe Place
1134 Soquel AveGreat spot with a cool vibe nearby for food and drinks. Full bar and open late for dinners. Might just be a band playing up front or a movie playing out back.
Amazing location at the entrance to the Santa Cruz Harbor. Tough to beat the views.
276 locals recommend
Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff DrAmazing location at the entrance to the Santa Cruz Harbor. Tough to beat the views.
The Buttery
702 Soquel AveSanta Cruz's best spot for pastries, coffee and lunch.
It's on the other side of town but their place is awesome. If you have to go to the West Side, might as well make the most of it.
94 locals recommend
Bantam
1010 Fair AveIt's on the other side of town but their place is awesome. If you have to go to the West Side, might as well make the most of it.
Essentials
Locally-owned market featuring everything you'd expect in Santa Cruz!
69 locals recommend
Staff of Life
1266 Soquel AveLocally-owned market featuring everything you'd expect in Santa Cruz!
Everything Else
Santa Cruz's local golf course. As beautiful as any course in the Monterey Bay area at a fraction of the cost.
24 locals recommend
Delaveaga Park Golf Course
401 Upper Park RdSanta Cruz's local golf course. As beautiful as any course in the Monterey Bay area at a fraction of the cost.
Steamer Lane, the soul of the West Side. Just paddle out and yell, "I'm staying at an AirBnB in the Midtown!", guaranteed to get waves.
81 locals recommend
Steamer Lane
700 W Cliff DrSteamer Lane, the soul of the West Side. Just paddle out and yell, "I'm staying at an AirBnB in the Midtown!", guaranteed to get waves.
Found it's way into Time Magazine sometime in the 1950s and has been a tourist tra-, I mean destination since.
208 locals recommend
The Mystery Spot
465 Mystery Spot RdFound it's way into Time Magazine sometime in the 1950s and has been a tourist tra-, I mean destination since.
The parking lot is crazy, just like the Whole Foods in your town.
157 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
911 Soquel AveThe parking lot is crazy, just like the Whole Foods in your town.
Wilder Ranch State Park
1401 Coast RdA snap-shot of Santa Cruz in the frontier days.
Entertainment & Activities
The world famous Boardwalk, thanks to The Lost Boys!
745 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StThe world famous Boardwalk, thanks to The Lost Boys!
Santa Cruz has one of the best beaches to learn to surf in the world! Cowell's beach is located just West of the Municipal Wharf and is watched over by the best lifeguards in the business.
21 Municipal Wharf
21 Municipal WharfSanta Cruz has one of the best beaches to learn to surf in the world! Cowell's beach is located just West of the Municipal Wharf and is watched over by the best lifeguards in the business.
Club Ed Surf Rentals & Lessons sets up his trailer right on Cowell's Beach nice and early. Has everything you need right there so no need to drag stuff home or back to a shop.
40 locals recommend
Cowell Beach
Front StClub Ed Surf Rentals & Lessons sets up his trailer right on Cowell's Beach nice and early. Has everything you need right there so no need to drag stuff home or back to a shop.
Arts & Culture
Rio Theatre
1205 Soquel AveOne of Santa Cruz's hidden gems for music and live shows.
Shopping
Bicycle Trip
1001 Soquel AveClose by spot for bike rentals while in town.