Food Scene
Causal fine dining. Romantic atmosphere, but also great for groups. Fantastic cocktails and seasonal menu
70 locals recommend
Oswald Restaurant
121 Soquel AveCausal fine dining. Romantic atmosphere, but also great for groups. Fantastic cocktails and seasonal menu
Avanti Restaurant
1917 Mission StGreat Italian! The wine braised chicken is so good!
Afghan/Mediterranean Fusion. Interesting sauces, chutneys, rice dishes, kabobs and desserts.
104 locals recommend
Laili
101 Cooper StAfghan/Mediterranean Fusion. Interesting sauces, chutneys, rice dishes, kabobs and desserts.
Great truffle gnocchi, ravioli, Gorgonzola sauce, creamy pesto sauce. I like the prawn appetizer :)
125 locals recommend
Lillian's Italian Kitchen
1148 Soquel AveGreat truffle gnocchi, ravioli, Gorgonzola sauce, creamy pesto sauce. I like the prawn appetizer :)
Zachary's Restaurant
819 Pacific AveGreat breakfast spot. Try the Zach's "Old Fashioned".
Nice place for breakfast. You may have to wait a while so put your name on the list and check out Pacific Ave. Once you're seated, try the Eggs Benedict! It's all good...
38 locals recommend
The Walnut Avenue Cafe
106 Walnut AveNice place for breakfast. You may have to wait a while so put your name on the list and check out Pacific Ave. Once you're seated, try the Eggs Benedict! It's all good...
Verve Coffee Roasters
816 41st AveDelicious coffee and non-caffeinated drinks too!
Companion Bakeshop Westside Santa Cruz
2341 Mission StDelicious baked goods and coffee... yum...
Close to the beach and the Wharf. Eat there or take it to go...
Try the Reuben... so good...
50 locals recommend
The Picnic Basket
125 Beach StClose to the beach and the Wharf. Eat there or take it to go...
Try the Reuben... so good...
This little eatery is a Kiosk right on the Pacific Garden Mall.
Their fresh ingredients make it a local favorite!
Café Campesino
1130 Pacific AvenueThis little eatery is a Kiosk right on the Pacific Garden Mall.
Their fresh ingredients make it a local favorite!
Sri Lankan vegetarian. So delicious. Try the salad rolls and the dosa ... it's all good!
22 locals recommend
Malabar Restaurant
514 Front StSri Lankan vegetarian. So delicious. Try the salad rolls and the dosa ... it's all good!
Entertainment & Activities
From Trees to Shining Seas
Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz.
150 locals recommend
Roaring Camp
5401 Graham Hill RdFrom Trees to Shining Seas
Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz.
Parks & Nature
If you love the muffled quiet of a redwood forest broken only by the murmur of a creek and the faint echo of a Buddhist gong, it’s time to get on your hiking boots and explore the Land of Medicine Buddha. Please call ahead (831) 462-8383 to find out if retreats are in session.
68 locals recommend
Land of Medicine Buddha
5800 Prescott RdIf you love the muffled quiet of a redwood forest broken only by the murmur of a creek and the faint echo of a Buddhist gong, it’s time to get on your hiking boots and explore the Land of Medicine Buddha. Please call ahead (831) 462-8383 to find out if retreats are in session.