Guidebook for Santa Cruz County
Sightseeing
Fun for kids and adults - iconic 'mystery spot' - alleged gravitational anomaly located in the redwood forests just outside of Santa Cruz, California. Its a little silly but still fun. Kids love it.
34 locals recommend
Mystery Spot Road
Mystery Spot RoadFun for kids and adults - iconic 'mystery spot' - alleged gravitational anomaly located in the redwood forests just outside of Santa Cruz, California. Its a little silly but still fun. Kids love it.
Arts & Culture
Fantastic local museum. One of our friends works there. Let us know if you plan to visit.
133 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front StFantastic local museum. One of our friends works there. Let us know if you plan to visit.
Nature/Hiking and Parks
Los Gatos & Santa Cruz County
Glenwood Preserve
300-414 Glenwood Dr
Heintz Open Space
Valley View Trail
Castle Rock State Park
15451 CA-35
Ano Nuevo State Park
1 New Years Creek RoadSee the elephant seals!
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
21600 Big Basin WayAnother family favorite of ours for family hikes
272 locals recommend
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos Creek RoadAnother family favorite of ours for family hikes
Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve
15 min drive -
Local hiking spot
Beaches
Close family friendly good beginner surf spot. Not dog friendly though. Can be crowded during the summer and parking can be a challenge at times, otherwise easy access and very popular
40 locals recommend
Cowell Beach
Front StClose family friendly good beginner surf spot. Not dog friendly though. Can be crowded during the summer and parking can be a challenge at times, otherwise easy access and very popular
Less crowded in peak beach season, dog friendly - one of our favorites but does require a short walk to access the beach
20 locals recommend
Davenport beach
446 CA-1Less crowded in peak beach season, dog friendly - one of our favorites but does require a short walk to access the beach
Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 W Cliff DrLively local beach - great for families and close to shops, restaurants etc
167 locals recommend
Capitola Beach Company
131 Monterey AveLively local beach - great for families and close to shops, restaurants etc
One of our other favorite dog friendly beach spots - quiet, less busy in beach season. A local secret. Requires a short walk to access
15 locals recommend
Waddell Beach
One of our other favorite dog friendly beach spots - quiet, less busy in beach season. A local secret. Requires a short walk to access
Food scene
great generally but especially brunch - can be busy on weekends
16 locals recommend
Heavenly Roadside Café
1210 Mt Hermon Rdgreat generally but especially brunch - can be busy on weekends
Poke House
excellent food and fun space - occasional live music 🎶
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Rdawesome spot for special occasion dinner/linch/brunch
great all around food, art, hang out space with lots of food and outdoor seating options
14 locals recommend
Abbot square market
725 Front Stgreat all around food, art, hang out space with lots of food and outdoor seating options
The View at Chaminade
awesome outdoor view - good food and frequent live music
Stagnaro Bros.
59 Municipal Wharfthe best fresh sea food - casual and all take out
great dinner/lunch/brunch spot for a special occasion- over looks the ocean
276 locals recommend
Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff Drgreat dinner/lunch/brunch spot for a special occasion- over looks the ocean
great beer options, food and space for a good beer and food outside
Laughing Monk Brewing and Gastropub
great beer options, food and space for a good beer and food outside
The Penny Ice Creamery | Scotts Valley
a favorite ice cream spot
outdoor an indoor brewery bring your own food optional - dogs and kids welcome and frequent live music
14 locals recommend
Steel Bonnet Brewing Company
20 Victor Squareoutdoor an indoor brewery bring your own food optional - dogs and kids welcome and frequent live music
Felton Farmers Market
120 Russell Avetuesdays 1:30-5:30
Scott Valley Farmers' Market
5060 Bluebonnet LnSaturday 9-1
Pizza My Heart
casual - great pizza
coffee shop/hang out to get work done in a hammock!
Roxa Hammock Cafe
110 Cooper StreetTraveler advice
Don't miss
Los Gatos park and trail map
City of Los Gatos park and trail map https://www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13803/Bike-Parks-and-Trails-Map-FINAL?bidId=
Don't miss
Coastal trail guide
https://openspacetrust.org/content-library/coastal-hikes-download/?utm_source=pardot&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ar-coastal-hikes