Guidebook for Santa Cruz
Food Scene
Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff Drbeautiful harbor view and good happy hour
Lago di Como
21490 E Cliff DrGreat Pizza!
Cafe El Palomar
2222 E Cliff DrGood Mexican food and Happy Hour.
Windmill
21231 E Cliff DrDecent little cafe, coffee shop within walking distance
Killer breakfast burritos. Amazing view of the surfers at 1st and 2nd Peak. Walking path leads down to the hook and the shops on 41st ave. Nice stroll any time of the day.
38 locals recommend
The Point Market
23040 E Cliff DrKiller breakfast burritos. Amazing view of the surfers at 1st and 2nd Peak. Walking path leads down to the hook and the shops on 41st ave. Nice stroll any time of the day.
awesome food and happy hour. Sit on the patio for a nice view.
50 locals recommend
Paradise Beach Grille
215 Esplanadeawesome food and happy hour. Sit on the patio for a nice view.
Best breakfast and lunch in town. Funky, cool beach vibe. Huge lines on the weekend, so go early.
102 locals recommend
Harbor Café
535 7th AveBest breakfast and lunch in town. Funky, cool beach vibe. Huge lines on the weekend, so go early.
Pleasure Pizza East Side Eatery
800 41st AveGood family friendly dining. Kid friendly.
Süda
3910 Portola DrUpscale cuisine and architecture.
Betty Burgers
505 Seabright AveTerrific hamburgers and shakes
Drive up scenic highway 1 for breakfast or lunch at this terrific spot. Pick strawberries, pumpkins, etc. nearby --depending on the season.
21 locals recommend
Whale City Bakery
490 CA-1Drive up scenic highway 1 for breakfast or lunch at this terrific spot. Pick strawberries, pumpkins, etc. nearby --depending on the season.
East Cliff Brewing Company
21517 E Cliff DrNew brewery just around the corner.
Fantastic food and atmosphere! If you dine on a weekend make sure you make reservations.
32 locals recommend
East End Gastropub
1501 41st AveFantastic food and atmosphere! If you dine on a weekend make sure you make reservations.
Sightseeing
popular little enclosed beach area. However, I prefer blacks beach/twin lakes beach
33 locals recommend
Sunny Cove
popular little enclosed beach area. However, I prefer blacks beach/twin lakes beach
Black's Beach Entrance, Right @ the end of 14th ave. Nice beach! Connects to Twin Lakes Beach
100 14th Ave
100 14th AvenueBlack's Beach Entrance, Right @ the end of 14th ave. Nice beach! Connects to Twin Lakes Beach
Nice little shops & restaurants. Beach is nice. Good beginning surfing spot with easy access in & out.
151 locals recommend
Capitola
Nice little shops & restaurants. Beach is nice. Good beginning surfing spot with easy access in & out.
Everything Else
East Cliff Village Shopping Center
1510 Capitola RoadBasic dining and shopping. SUNDAY FARMERS MARKETS w. Live Music.
Twin Lakes Beach
995 Live Oak AvenueConnects to Black's Beach.
Simpkins Family Swim Center
979 17th AveGreat outdoor saltwater pool. Open to the community
Great views of the coastline. Path leads all along Pleasure Point Cliffs, with terrific views of surfers, otters, & Jack O'Neill's house. Walk to the famous "Hook" surfing spot, or 41st ave shops.
23040 E Cliff Dr
23040 East Cliff DriveGreat views of the coastline. Path leads all along Pleasure Point Cliffs, with terrific views of surfers, otters, & Jack O'Neill's house. Walk to the famous "Hook" surfing spot, or 41st ave shops.
Pacific Avenue
Pacific AvenueMain downtown stretch. Lots of shops.
University of California at Santa Cruz
Arboretum RoadGo Banana Slugs.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 N Big Trees Park RdTerrific Hiking
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos Creek Roadgood hiking
Whole Foods Market
911 Soquel AveOrganic food and produce. Can be pricey.
Santa Cruz Harbor
135 5th Aveview of the boats. Rent kayaks, SUPS, go whale watching, etc.
good bakery and lunch spot. Take a number and wait your turn to order.
155 locals recommend
Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria
504 Bay Avegood bakery and lunch spot. Take a number and wait your turn to order.
Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 W Cliff DrNice beach. Seasonal monarch butterfly migration.
Pleasure Point
This whole area is considered Pleasure Point
Mini aquarium with touch tanks and nice displays. Incredible views.
80 locals recommend
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
100 McAllister WayMini aquarium with touch tanks and nice displays. Incredible views.
Good kiteboarding spot for the very experienced. Great to watch from the shore too!
Scott Creek Beach
Good kiteboarding spot for the very experienced. Great to watch from the shore too!
Essentials
Trader Joe's
700 Front StGroceries are cheap, healthy & convenient location
Entertainment & Activities
The Boardwalk. Coasters, games, rides, carousel, etc.
745 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StThe Boardwalk. Coasters, games, rides, carousel, etc.
Shopping
Kayak Connection
413 Lake AveBest recommendation for kayak rental.
O'Neill Inc
1115 41st AveGood surfshop
Freeline Surf Shop
821 41st AveGood surfboard rental spot