Drinks & Nightlife
Michael's on Main
2591 S Main StGood food and live music for dancing.
Well known for great location and views, good food, and live music.
276 locals recommend
Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff DrWell known for great location and views, good food, and live music.
Moe's Alley
1535 Commercial WayNightly live entertainment.
Food Scene
Seascape Beach Resort
1 Seascape Resort DrTerrific location. Excellent food and brunch.
The Cook House
706 Capitola AveTerrific breakfast diner.
Stunningly romantic scenery and excellent food. Fun to stop in for a quick bite in the bar by the fireplace.
205 locals recommend
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf RdStunningly romantic scenery and excellent food. Fun to stop in for a quick bite in the bar by the fireplace.
Great spot to satisfy your sweet tooth or stop for a sandwich.
155 locals recommend
Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria
504 Bay AveGreat spot to satisfy your sweet tooth or stop for a sandwich.
Excellent food. I especially like going there for lunch and having one of the salads.
88 locals recommend
Café Cruz
2621 41st AveExcellent food. I especially like going there for lunch and having one of the salads.
Great ahi appetizer and seafood. Terrific place to catch the sunset.
47 locals recommend
Café Rio Aptos
131 EsplanadeGreat ahi appetizer and seafood. Terrific place to catch the sunset.
Carpo's Restaurant
2400 Porter StGood food at a great value.
Pleasure Pizza
4000 Portola DrBest local Pizza. Tuesdays are $2 cheese slice days.
Pizza My Heart
209 EsplanadeAward winning pizza.
Great downtown location to catch the "action". At times they have cooks spinning the pizzas. I like the spinach salad.
19 locals recommend
Kiantis Pizza & Pasta Bar
1100 Pacific AveGreat downtown location to catch the "action". At times they have cooks spinning the pizzas. I like the spinach salad.
Café Sparrow
8042 Soquel DrTerrific small romantic restaurant with great food.
Peet's Coffee
214 Mt Hermon RdExcellent coffee, tea, and pastries.
Verve Coffee Roasters
816 41st AveLocal favorite.
Kelly's French Bakery
402 Ingalls StLocal west side favorite.
Marianne’s Ice Cream
218 State Park DrBest ice cream anywhere. Try the cinnamon chocolate.
Tortilla Flats
4616 Soquel DrExcellent Mexican food in an upscale setting.
Terrific spot to sit out on the deck and catch the Capitola scene.
68 locals recommend
Zelda's on the Beach
203 EsplanadeTerrific spot to sit out on the deck and catch the Capitola scene.
Essentials
AJ's has it all. Gas, car wash, organic produce, select meat. Best burger in town. Try the schwarma. It's good!
11 locals recommend
AJ's Chevron Mart & Car Wash
5955 Soquel DrAJ's has it all. Gas, car wash, organic produce, select meat. Best burger in town. Try the schwarma. It's good!
Casalegno's Country Store
3 Laurel Glen RdJust up the road when you need a few things.
Nob Hill Foods
809 Bay AveConvenient grocery chain.
Safeway
2720 41st AveParks & Nature
Rio Del Mar State Beach
Beach goes on forever (literally miles).
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos Creek RoadGreat hiking.
Entertainment & Activities
It's a classic. Try the big dipper roller coaster. or the carousel.
744 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StIt's a classic. Try the big dipper roller coaster. or the carousel.
World famous. Not far away. Great displays including otters.
668 locals recommend
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery RowWorld famous. Not far away. Great displays including otters.
Well Within Spa
417 Cedar StGreat tub and massage spa.
Shopping
Capitola Mall
1855 41st AveMacy's, Target, Chili's, Ross, etc.
Sightseeing
Municipal Wharf
Municipal WharfMust stop for seafood, drinks, viewing.
Learn more about the Monterey Bay and its inhabitants. And it's free.
25 locals recommend
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
35 Pacific AveLearn more about the Monterey Bay and its inhabitants. And it's free.
Iconic beachside town once the state capitol now great shopping, eating and beach going.
151 locals recommend
Capitola
Iconic beachside town once the state capitol now great shopping, eating and beach going.
Famously beautiful home to many celebrities and great shopping.
354 locals recommend
Carmel by the sea
San Antonio AvenueFamously beautiful home to many celebrities and great shopping.
Steamer Lane
700 W Cliff DrBest surf watching spot.
Picturesque drive from downtown past boardwalk and harbor to Pleasure Point and Capitola. One way east bound for the prettiest part.
20 locals recommend
East Cliff Drive
East Cliff DrivePicturesque drive from downtown past boardwalk and harbor to Pleasure Point and Capitola. One way east bound for the prettiest part.