Guidebook for Scotts Valley
Food Scene
Great food at the harbor with an ocean view including view of the lighthouse. Check out calendar of events online. Thursday night beach parties, Wed. night sailboat regattas and nightlife every night!
276 locals recommend
Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff DrGreat food at the harbor with an ocean view including view of the lighthouse. Check out calendar of events online. Thursday night beach parties, Wed. night sailboat regattas and nightlife every night!
Pacific Avenue in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz is the place to eat, shop and be entertained. Enjoy food from all over the world, window shop the unique stores and boutiques, take in a move at one of the 4 local theaters, have a cocktail and experience the nightlife of Santa Cruz.
88 locals recommend
Pacific Avenue
Pacific AvenuePacific Avenue in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz is the place to eat, shop and be entertained. Enjoy food from all over the world, window shop the unique stores and boutiques, take in a move at one of the 4 local theaters, have a cocktail and experience the nightlife of Santa Cruz.
Drinks & Nightlife
Great music, nice location right off Hwy 1. Check out the music calendar online.
19 locals recommend
Severino's Bar & Grill
7500 Old Dominion CtGreat music, nice location right off Hwy 1. Check out the music calendar online.
Downtown Santa Cruz has all the night life you could ask for. Whether it karaoke, pool or music you crave, Pacific Avenue is your answer.
25 locals recommend
Downtown Association
740 Front StDowntown Santa Cruz has all the night life you could ask for. Whether it karaoke, pool or music you crave, Pacific Avenue is your answer.
Take in a show at the famous Catalyst Club! Music, comedy, multiple stages, multiple bars, and more.
81 locals recommend
The Catalyst
1011 Pacific AveTake in a show at the famous Catalyst Club! Music, comedy, multiple stages, multiple bars, and more.
If you are a Blues fan this is the place to be. Great nightlife and and even better music
83 locals recommend
Moe's Alley
1535 Commercial WayIf you are a Blues fan this is the place to be. Great nightlife and and even better music
Parks & Nature
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
2591 Graham Hill RdBeautiful hiking trails & more:)
Natural Bridges is one the most iconic beaches in Santa Cruz. It gets its name from the bridge-like rocks that are left over form the waves crashing into them for years. It is also the location that millions of Monarch butterflies migrate to every year. For a full day of fun, look no further!
261 locals recommend
Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 W Cliff DrNatural Bridges is one the most iconic beaches in Santa Cruz. It gets its name from the bridge-like rocks that are left over form the waves crashing into them for years. It is also the location that millions of Monarch butterflies migrate to every year. For a full day of fun, look no further!
Essentials
Scotts Valley Market
14 Victor SquareGreat deli and specialty grocery store
Nob Hill is one of the larger grocery stores in the area and carries a lot of locally produced foods. There is also a Safeway located across the main road from here.
14 locals recommend
Nob Hill Foods
222 Mt Hermon RdNob Hill is one of the larger grocery stores in the area and carries a lot of locally produced foods. There is also a Safeway located across the main road from here.
Entertainment & Activities
Classic wooden roller coaster & many other rides right on the beach! Free outdoor movies on Thursday nights and beach concerts on Friday nights in the summer. It has a large arcade, miniature golf and the Boardwalk Bowl is right across the street.
745 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StClassic wooden roller coaster & many other rides right on the beach! Free outdoor movies on Thursday nights and beach concerts on Friday nights in the summer. It has a large arcade, miniature golf and the Boardwalk Bowl is right across the street.
Getting Around
There is also a bus system for surrounding areas that you can access in Scotts Valley
19 locals recommend
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
919B Ocean StThere is also a bus system for surrounding areas that you can access in Scotts Valley
There is a city bus that is accessible less than 10 minutes away in the town of Scotts Valley with a Park & Ride lot. It can bring you anywhere in Santa Cruz County, as well as take you into the Silicon Valley where you can connect with buses, shuttles and taxis to the San Jose Airport. Taxi cabs are are also available, but Uber tends to be cheaper in this area. Within Santa Cruz there are bike and car rentals, as well as a Trolley that can take you to the Wharf, Beach, Boardwalk and Downtown shops and restaurants for only 25 cents!
Scotts Valley Park and Ride Center
There is a city bus that is accessible less than 10 minutes away in the town of Scotts Valley with a Park & Ride lot. It can bring you anywhere in Santa Cruz County, as well as take you into the Silicon Valley where you can connect with buses, shuttles and taxis to the San Jose Airport. Taxi cabs are are also available, but Uber tends to be cheaper in this area. Within Santa Cruz there are bike and car rentals, as well as a Trolley that can take you to the Wharf, Beach, Boardwalk and Downtown shops and restaurants for only 25 cents!
Sightseeing
The Santa Cruz Wharf, located at the end of Downtown, has some of the most beautiful views. You can see the Beach Boardwalk all lit up at night, visit with the Sea Lions that call under the wharf home, watch the surfers catching waves. All from some of the best seafood restaurants you will ever experience.
143 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Wharf
21 Municipal WharfThe Santa Cruz Wharf, located at the end of Downtown, has some of the most beautiful views. You can see the Beach Boardwalk all lit up at night, visit with the Sea Lions that call under the wharf home, watch the surfers catching waves. All from some of the best seafood restaurants you will ever experience.
Highway 1 and West Cliff Drive are the most scenic drives in coastal California. Whales and Dolphins are a very common sight form the cliffs. Finding hidden beaches and beautiful walks are a great way to spend the day!
193 locals recommend
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff DriveHighway 1 and West Cliff Drive are the most scenic drives in coastal California. Whales and Dolphins are a very common sight form the cliffs. Finding hidden beaches and beautiful walks are a great way to spend the day!