Guidebook for Santa Cruz
Essentials
New Leaf Community Markets
1101 Fair AveSanta Cruz Local Health Food Market
Parks & Nature
Great place to walk, jog or ride a moutain bike along the ocean that is a bit less crowded and built up than West Cliff Drive. Also a terrific place to access to mountain biking trails.
219 locals raden deze aan
Wilder Ranch State Park
1401 Coast RdGreat place to walk, jog or ride a moutain bike along the ocean that is a bit less crowded and built up than West Cliff Drive. Also a terrific place to access to mountain biking trails.
In the fall and spring, the Monarchs rest in a grove near the northeast edge of the park. This is a short walk from the house.
49 locals raden deze aan
Vuurtoren Field State Beach
In the fall and spring, the Monarchs rest in a grove near the northeast edge of the park. This is a short walk from the house.
You can rent a kayak and paddle in close proximity to marine life.
46 locals raden deze aan
Elkhorn Slough
You can rent a kayak and paddle in close proximity to marine life.
One of the most scenic California Coastal places to hike. The North Shore Trail from Whaler's Cove to Headland Cove is my favorite, but all of it is spectacular.
309 locals raden deze aan
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
62 CA-1One of the most scenic California Coastal places to hike. The North Shore Trail from Whaler's Cove to Headland Cove is my favorite, but all of it is spectacular.
You can register in advance to take a guided tour to see the elephant seals close up.
88 locals raden deze aan
Ano Nuevo State Park
You can register in advance to take a guided tour to see the elephant seals close up.
Historic Lighthouse. Unfortunately, you can't go up in at this time because it's under repair, but you can see the Fresnel lens and the grounds.
23 locals raden deze aan
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Pigeon Point RoadHistoric Lighthouse. Unfortunately, you can't go up in at this time because it's under repair, but you can see the Fresnel lens and the grounds.
This is a very close 20 min max drive where you can walk around a 3/4 mile trail in a grove of the largest trees in the park. The closest big bang for the time short outing to see redwood trees if you've never seen them, or even if you have!
335 locals raden deze aan
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 N Big Trees Park RdThis is a very close 20 min max drive where you can walk around a 3/4 mile trail in a grove of the largest trees in the park. The closest big bang for the time short outing to see redwood trees if you've never seen them, or even if you have!
Only a short walk down Centennial to Bay and along the Italian Heritage Park to California Street, this tucked away little gem makes a lovely urban hike if you do it in a loop and swing by the wharf on the way back to see the sea lions out at the end. Add in a drink at the Jack O’Neill Lounge and find your way back along West Cliff.
The floating walkways take you across estuary and the benches allow you to sit and enjoy the birding.
13 locals raden deze aan
Neary Lagoon Park
110 California StOnly a short walk down Centennial to Bay and along the Italian Heritage Park to California Street, this tucked away little gem makes a lovely urban hike if you do it in a loop and swing by the wharf on the way back to see the sea lions out at the end. Add in a drink at the Jack O’Neill Lounge and find your way back along West Cliff.
The floating walkways take you across estuary and the benches allow you to sit and enjoy the birding.
Tourist trap if you want to, but down at the very end are sea lions to see up close and personal.
143 locals raden deze aan
Santa Cruz Wharf
21 Municipal WharfTourist trap if you want to, but down at the very end are sea lions to see up close and personal.
Food Scene
Verve Coffee Roasters
816 41st AveEveryone loves Verve.
Avanti Restaurant
1917 Mission StDelicious fresh Italian food.
Not your average middle eastern fare. Delicious and different. Look at the menu.
104 locals raden deze aan
Laili
101 Cooper StNot your average middle eastern fare. Delicious and different. Look at the menu.
Great burger and massive amount of fries (and healthy options as well). Plenty of interesting beers and ciders on tap.
125 locals raden deze aan
West End Tap and Kitchen
334 Ingalls StGreat burger and massive amount of fries (and healthy options as well). Plenty of interesting beers and ciders on tap.
Hula's Island Grill
221 Cathcart StMust make reservations or sit at the bar or wait, but worth it.
125 locals raden deze aan
Lillian's Italian Kitchen
1148 Soquel AveMust make reservations or sit at the bar or wait, but worth it.
Assembly
1108 Pacific AvenueLocal farm to table, variable menu, nice ambiance.
Best ice cream in town, organic and local ingredients. A not to be missed stop. I'd say the hazelnut is best, but you can try as many flavors as you want and decide for yourself, so don't hesitate!
13 locals raden deze aan
Mission Hill Coffee & Creamery
1101 B Pacific AveBest ice cream in town, organic and local ingredients. A not to be missed stop. I'd say the hazelnut is best, but you can try as many flavors as you want and decide for yourself, so don't hesitate!
Veg On The Edge
725 Front StDrinks & Nightlife
Lupulo Craft Beer House
233 Cathcart StSanta Cruz Mountain Vineyard
334 Ingalls StKuumbwa Jazz Center
320-2 Cedar StThe Reef Bar & Restaurant
200 Locust StEntertainment & Activities
Landmark's Nickelodeon Theatre
210 Lincoln StForeign and unusual films
Arts & Culture
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front StShopping
Patagonia Outlet: Open for Curbside Pickup
415 River StSockshop & Shoe Company
1515 Pacific AveBookshop Santa Cruz
1520 Pacific Ave