Food scene
Hawaiian food (poke, fish etc.) and delicious, if not dangerous, cocktails.
102 locals recommend
Hula's Island Grill
221 Cathcart StHawaiian food (poke, fish etc.) and delicious, if not dangerous, cocktails.
Amazing ice cream made from scratch in the most unique flavors imaginable.
64 locals recommend
The Penny Ice Creamery
913 Cedar StAmazing ice cream made from scratch in the most unique flavors imaginable.
Salads, Sandwiches, coffee, pastries all 100% MADE FRESH
Their ingredients are delivered daily from the farms, fields and food artisans of Santa Cruz County.
50 locals recommend
The Picnic Basket
125 Beach StSalads, Sandwiches, coffee, pastries all 100% MADE FRESH
Their ingredients are delivered daily from the farms, fields and food artisans of Santa Cruz County.
Abbott Square Market is a culinary and entertainment venue in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz.
Vibrant from morning ‘til night, you can kickstart your weekend with a Saturday morning coffee session, or tap your feet to a local band beneath the stars. Relax with an exceptional glass of regional wine, an intriguing local beer, or divine craft cocktail. Join friends and family for an energizing breakfast, scrumptious lunch, satisfying dinner, or delightful dessert.
32 locals recommend
Abbott Square
118 Cooper StAbbott Square Market is a culinary and entertainment venue in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz.
Vibrant from morning ‘til night, you can kickstart your weekend with a Saturday morning coffee session, or tap your feet to a local band beneath the stars. Relax with an exceptional glass of regional wine, an intriguing local beer, or divine craft cocktail. Join friends and family for an energizing breakfast, scrumptious lunch, satisfying dinner, or delightful dessert.
Sightseeing
West Cliff Drive is perfect for strolling or, if you’re looking to exercise, a nice run. It is bookended by The Wharf on one end and Natural Bridges State Beach on the other.
The Lighthouse sits roughly in the middle and shares the point with the renowned Steamer Lane surf spot and Its Beach, a nice local-ish beach.
The entire length of West Cliff from the Wharf to Natural Bridges is three miles. It’s a great bike
ride on a beautiful day. If you are at the Boardwalk just go
toward the Municipal Wharf and up the hill.
Once you pass the Dream Inn, you are on West Cliff Drive.
193 locals recommend
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff DriveWest Cliff Drive is perfect for strolling or, if you’re looking to exercise, a nice run. It is bookended by The Wharf on one end and Natural Bridges State Beach on the other.
The Lighthouse sits roughly in the middle and shares the point with the renowned Steamer Lane surf spot and Its Beach, a nice local-ish beach.
The entire length of West Cliff from the Wharf to Natural Bridges is three miles. It’s a great bike
ride on a beautiful day. If you are at the Boardwalk just go
toward the Municipal Wharf and up the hill.
Once you pass the Dream Inn, you are on West Cliff Drive.
The Santa Cruz coastline awaits discovery on Wilder Ranch State Park’s 7,000 acres. From the crest of Ben Lomond Mountain, the landscape rolls down ancient wave-cut terraces through the marsh lands of a nature preserve to the seashore. Step back in time to the late 1800's and visit an early dairy ranch. You can explore California's early ranching history by visiting an 1897 Victorian home, or experience a 1896 water-powered machine shop. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the front lawn, and visit the farm animals. With more than 35 miles of trail, you can adventure into the Santa Cruz Mountains or walk along the coastal bluffs.
219 locals recommend
Wilder Ranch State Park
1401 Coast RdThe Santa Cruz coastline awaits discovery on Wilder Ranch State Park’s 7,000 acres. From the crest of Ben Lomond Mountain, the landscape rolls down ancient wave-cut terraces through the marsh lands of a nature preserve to the seashore. Step back in time to the late 1800's and visit an early dairy ranch. You can explore California's early ranching history by visiting an 1897 Victorian home, or experience a 1896 water-powered machine shop. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the front lawn, and visit the farm animals. With more than 35 miles of trail, you can adventure into the Santa Cruz Mountains or walk along the coastal bluffs.
Capitola Village is the perfect "all in one" spot. Whether spending a day at the beach, strolling through local artisan shops, or tasting some local wines, the village has it all.
167 locals recommend
Capitola Beach Company
131 Monterey AveCapitola Village is the perfect "all in one" spot. Whether spending a day at the beach, strolling through local artisan shops, or tasting some local wines, the village has it all.
Unique Activities
Opened in 1950, still with the original maple wood floor, this is a local favorite for kids and adults alike!
13 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Roller Palladium
1606 Seabright AveOpened in 1950, still with the original maple wood floor, this is a local favorite for kids and adults alike!
The Mystery Spot is a tourist attraction near Santa Cruz, California, opened in 1939 by George Prather. Visitors experience demonstrations that appear to defy gravity, on the short but steep uphill walk and inside a wooden building on the site.
208 locals recommend
The Mystery Spot
465 Mystery Spot RdThe Mystery Spot is a tourist attraction near Santa Cruz, California, opened in 1939 by George Prather. Visitors experience demonstrations that appear to defy gravity, on the short but steep uphill walk and inside a wooden building on the site.