Guidebook for Santa Cruz
Food Scene
Cafe Brasil
1410 Mission StA Santa Cruz classic Brazilian style cafe.
Oswald Restaurant
121 Soquel AveExcellent food and the best cocktails in town!
Gabriella Café
910 Cedar StCozy, romantic spot.
La Posta
538 Seabright AveBest Italian-inspired menu in town.
Lulu Carpenter's
1545 Pacific AveMy favorite local coffee shop.
Naka Sushi Restaurant
1200 41st AveWorth the drive for this amazing sushi!
Brand new quintessentially Santa Cruz coffee experience. Right on the water overlooking world famous surf spot, Steamer Lane. View of the entire Monterey Bay on a clear day. Also serves breakfast and lunch.
18 locals recommend
Steamer Lane Supply
644-670 W Cliff DrBrand new quintessentially Santa Cruz coffee experience. Right on the water overlooking world famous surf spot, Steamer Lane. View of the entire Monterey Bay on a clear day. Also serves breakfast and lunch.
Engfer Pizza Works
537 Seabright AveGreat wood fire pizza made with love by a friendly staff.
Bantam
1010 Fair AveThis place never disappoints.
Steamer Lane Supply
644-670 W Cliff DrDrinks & Nightlife
Excellent selection of wines and very knowledgable, friendly staff. Great tasting flights. There is also a restaurant and a live jazz quartet on Monday nights.
55 locals recommend
Soif
105 Walnut AveExcellent selection of wines and very knowledgable, friendly staff. Great tasting flights. There is also a restaurant and a live jazz quartet on Monday nights.
Lots of little local breweries and wine tasting rooms in this area. Fun to hop around.
94 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard
334 Ingalls StLots of little local breweries and wine tasting rooms in this area. Fun to hop around.
Best brewery in town. Super Santa Cruz local experience in a quirky, industrial part of town.
8 locals recommend
Shanty Shack Brewing
138 Fern StBest brewery in town. Super Santa Cruz local experience in a quirky, industrial part of town.
Brand new installment with little eateries and bars. Live music. Right in the heart of downtown. Fun for the whole family.
14 locals recommend
Abbot square market
725 Front StBrand new installment with little eateries and bars. Live music. Right in the heart of downtown. Fun for the whole family.
Lupulo Craft Beer House
233 Cathcart StParks & Nature
Stunning giant redwoods. The oldest is 1500 years old! Short hike only about a 15 minute drive away.
335 locals recommend
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 N Big Trees Park RdStunning giant redwoods. The oldest is 1500 years old! Short hike only about a 15 minute drive away.
Sightseeing
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff DriveGorgeous views of the boardwalk and Monterey Bay.
Entertainment & Activities
One of the most famous surf spots in the world. Anytime there is surf you can watch world class surfers shralping the gnar
81 locals recommend
Steamer Lane
700 W Cliff DrOne of the most famous surf spots in the world. Anytime there is surf you can watch world class surfers shralping the gnar
Arts & Culture
Great exhibitions of local artists and local history.
133 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front StGreat exhibitions of local artists and local history.
Cute little museum with exhibitions of local indigenous cultures.
50 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
1305 E Cliff DrCute little museum with exhibitions of local indigenous cultures.