Guidebook for Santa Cruz
Sightseeing
Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 W Cliff DrA great spot for sunset and the Monarch butterflies
Lots of restaurants to chose from & a good spot for souvenirs. The sea lions hang out under the wharf and are a 'must see' when visiting Santa Cruz.
143 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Wharf
21 Municipal WharfLots of restaurants to chose from & a good spot for souvenirs. The sea lions hang out under the wharf and are a 'must see' when visiting Santa Cruz.
This is a free museum with wonderful information about the history of surfing in our area. Also a great spot to watch the surfers.
Lighthouse Avenue
Lighthouse AvenueThis is a free museum with wonderful information about the history of surfing in our area. Also a great spot to watch the surfers.
If you want to get out on the water this is the way to do it. You can take a number of 2 hour cruises, they serve drinks and apps and it is a wonderful way to see the Monterey Bay.
45 locals recommend
Chardonnay Sailing Charters
790 Mariner Park WayIf you want to get out on the water this is the way to do it. You can take a number of 2 hour cruises, they serve drinks and apps and it is a wonderful way to see the Monterey Bay.
This beautiful spot just up the coast is a hiker or biker's dream. But you'll need to bring your own bike because the beach cruiser just won't do.
219 locals recommend
Wilder Ranch State Park
1401 Coast RdThis beautiful spot just up the coast is a hiker or biker's dream. But you'll need to bring your own bike because the beach cruiser just won't do.
These redwoods are awe inspiring. You can take a leisurely 1 mi. loop walk or lose yourself and hike all day among these majestic giants. The drive up Hwy 9 is quite an adventure too.
335 locals recommend
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 N Big Trees Park RdThese redwoods are awe inspiring. You can take a leisurely 1 mi. loop walk or lose yourself and hike all day among these majestic giants. The drive up Hwy 9 is quite an adventure too.
Whale watching on the Monterey Bay is one of the best spots around. Last year when we went we saw the elusive Blue whales. Tons of fun.
21 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Whale Watching
1718 Brommer StWhale watching on the Monterey Bay is one of the best spots around. Last year when we went we saw the elusive Blue whales. Tons of fun.
Shopping
Cute shops and delicious restaurants. Stroll Pacific Avenue and see our unique shops. Be sure to get there via Walnut Street's Historic Victorians neighborhood.
242 locals recommend
Santa Cruz
Cute shops and delicious restaurants. Stroll Pacific Avenue and see our unique shops. Be sure to get there via Walnut Street's Historic Victorians neighborhood.
Arts & Culture
The rides are so much fun. The Big Dipper Roller coaster should not be missed.
744 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StThe rides are so much fun. The Big Dipper Roller coaster should not be missed.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is just one of many wine tasting rooms in this complex. They are local Santa Cruz mountain grown wines, delicious!
26 locals recommend
MJA Vineyards
328 Ingalls StThis is just one of many wine tasting rooms in this complex. They are local Santa Cruz mountain grown wines, delicious!
Louie's Cajun Kitchen and Bourbon Bar
110 Church StA lively, fun restaurant downtown with good eats.
Everything Else
University of California at Santa Cruz
Arboretum RoadClose to campus
A free place to explore the wonders of the Marine Sanctuary. Don't miss the 15~ minute documentary.
25 locals recommend
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
35 Pacific AveA free place to explore the wonders of the Marine Sanctuary. Don't miss the 15~ minute documentary.
Essentials
New Leaf Community Markets
1101 Fair AveWonderful grocery store
Shopper's Corner
622 Soquel AveLocally-owed grocery store with a great wine selection.
Food Scene
Laili
101 Cooper StOne of our favorite restaurants downtown
Our favorite restaurant on the wharf. They have great chowder and we love to go for wine and apps at sunset.
6 locals recommend
FireFish Grill
25 Municipal WharfOur favorite restaurant on the wharf. They have great chowder and we love to go for wine and apps at sunset.