Guidebook for Santa Cruz
Drinks & Nightlife
The Crepe Place has some of the best bartenders in Santa Cruz and also some of the best live music in a funky little room on Soquel. They also happen to serve an excellent weekend brunch in the outdoor garden, not to be missed is the Eggs Benny! With character for days, don't miss this eclectic place for a bite or a beverage!
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The Crêpe Place
1134 Soquel AveThe Crepe Place has some of the best bartenders in Santa Cruz and also some of the best live music in a funky little room on Soquel. They also happen to serve an excellent weekend brunch in the outdoor garden, not to be missed is the Eggs Benny! With character for days, don't miss this eclectic place for a bite or a beverage!
Featuring some of the best entertainment Santa Cruz has to offer, Rio Theater has been bringing great music and theater to town for over 40 years. Check the listings during your visit for great entertainment options.
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Rio Theatre
1205 Soquel AveFeaturing some of the best entertainment Santa Cruz has to offer, Rio Theater has been bringing great music and theater to town for over 40 years. Check the listings during your visit for great entertainment options.
Great live music at Moe's Alley, check your local listings. Featuring the hottest in regional and national talent, with a 250-300 person capacity. Great intimate venue!
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Moe's Alley
1535 Commercial WayGreat live music at Moe's Alley, check your local listings. Featuring the hottest in regional and national talent, with a 250-300 person capacity. Great intimate venue!
Santa Cruz's historic music venue the Catalyst has played host to everyone from Willie Nelson to Snoop Dog and everything in between. With two venues in one, the Catalyst main stage and the Catalyst atrium, it's always worth checking the bookings.
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The Catalyst
1011 Pacific AveSanta Cruz's historic music venue the Catalyst has played host to everyone from Willie Nelson to Snoop Dog and everything in between. With two venues in one, the Catalyst main stage and the Catalyst atrium, it's always worth checking the bookings.
Food Scene
Without a doubt, the best Italian food in Santa Cruz. You cannot get in without a reservation, so call early and save your seats! Featuring a great local wine menu to compliment the delicious food, Lillian's should definitely make the list of must taste restaurants!
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Lillian's Italian Kitchen
1148 Soquel AveWithout a doubt, the best Italian food in Santa Cruz. You cannot get in without a reservation, so call early and save your seats! Featuring a great local wine menu to compliment the delicious food, Lillian's should definitely make the list of must taste restaurants!
Akira Sushi
1222 Soquel AveDelicious Sushi just down the street!
Definitely a unknown treat within Santa Cruz, Oyunaa's menu features several items that are made to order. Don't you dare overlook the hand made dumplings in either chicken or beef. The Lamb Riblets are also a favorite. Complimented with a selection of teas, local beers, and wines this is a meal you will remember!
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Oyunaa's Mongolian Cuisine
1209 Soquel AveDefinitely a unknown treat within Santa Cruz, Oyunaa's menu features several items that are made to order. Don't you dare overlook the hand made dumplings in either chicken or beef. The Lamb Riblets are also a favorite. Complimented with a selection of teas, local beers, and wines this is a meal you will remember!
The Staff of Life is a locally owned organic grocer and bakery located in Seabright. The butcher has an incredible selection, the bakery has fresh treats each morning, and the cheese selection is the best in town.
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Staff of Life
1266 Soquel AveThe Staff of Life is a locally owned organic grocer and bakery located in Seabright. The butcher has an incredible selection, the bakery has fresh treats each morning, and the cheese selection is the best in town.
Sightseeing
Learn about the natural history of Santa Cruz and what created this paradise by the sea. Learn how and why the Monterey Bay depends on our sea otter population to stay alive or what a Thule reed is with a visit to the SC Museum of Natural History! Visit the life size model of a Blue Whale, great for kids!
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Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
1305 E Cliff DrLearn about the natural history of Santa Cruz and what created this paradise by the sea. Learn how and why the Monterey Bay depends on our sea otter population to stay alive or what a Thule reed is with a visit to the SC Museum of Natural History! Visit the life size model of a Blue Whale, great for kids!
The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is located in the lighthouse at Lighthouse Field State Park, also known as Steamer Lane, on the west side. Detailing the history of surfing in Santa Cruz from the first visit of the Hawaiian princes in the 19th century to present day, it is a great place to visit for anyone keen on ocean history in Santa Cruz.
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Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
701 W Cliff DrThe Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is located in the lighthouse at Lighthouse Field State Park, also known as Steamer Lane, on the west side. Detailing the history of surfing in Santa Cruz from the first visit of the Hawaiian princes in the 19th century to present day, it is a great place to visit for anyone keen on ocean history in Santa Cruz.
Parks & Nature
At one time, a large portion of the coast on the west side of Santa Cruz was slated to be developed into a suburb of hundreds of homes. Thankfully, that open space was preserved instead as Wilder Ranch State Park and to this day provides an incredible resource for hiking, birding, beach visits, and escape. With trails and hiking for all ages and abilities, I recommend a early morning hike at Wilder Ranch to take in the best of our wild side!
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Wilder Ranch State Park
1401 Coast RdAt one time, a large portion of the coast on the west side of Santa Cruz was slated to be developed into a suburb of hundreds of homes. Thankfully, that open space was preserved instead as Wilder Ranch State Park and to this day provides an incredible resource for hiking, birding, beach visits, and escape. With trails and hiking for all ages and abilities, I recommend a early morning hike at Wilder Ranch to take in the best of our wild side!
Another gem of a park in Santa Cruz, featuring some incredible mountain biking and hiking amongst our enchanting Redwood forests.
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Soquel Demonstration State Forest
29400 Highland WayAnother gem of a park in Santa Cruz, featuring some incredible mountain biking and hiking amongst our enchanting Redwood forests.
Arts & Culture
First Friday art exhibits are always a hit here and the rotating features are worth making a trip for as well. Recently renovated and now part of the Abbot Square Center, the MAH is a great launch point for a down town Santa Cruz adventure.
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Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front StFirst Friday art exhibits are always a hit here and the rotating features are worth making a trip for as well. Recently renovated and now part of the Abbot Square Center, the MAH is a great launch point for a down town Santa Cruz adventure.