Guidebook for Santa Cruz

Chuck
Guidebook for Santa Cruz

Food Scene

Great for breakfast and lunch. The closest restaurant to our cottage, and a family favorite for 30 years. Go early, or you'll be waiting for 30-45 minutes. Still worth it.
67 helybéli ajánlásával
Linda's Seabreeze Café
542 Seabright Ave
67 helybéli ajánlásával
Great for breakfast and lunch. The closest restaurant to our cottage, and a family favorite for 30 years. Go early, or you'll be waiting for 30-45 minutes. Still worth it.
Good local brew pub with a pub menu. Outdoor dining in the summer.
74 helybéli ajánlásával
Seabright Social
519 Seabright Ave
74 helybéli ajánlásával
Good local brew pub with a pub menu. Outdoor dining in the summer.
Extremely popular, and for a good reason. Excellent food, outdoor drinks and dining in good weather, and great view of the harbor and ocean.
276 helybéli ajánlásával
Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff Dr
276 helybéli ajánlásával
Extremely popular, and for a good reason. Excellent food, outdoor drinks and dining in good weather, and great view of the harbor and ocean.
Closest fine dining to our home. Extensive wine list and Italian food selection. My wife's favorite place.
62 helybéli ajánlásával
La Posta
538 Seabright Ave
62 helybéli ajánlásával
Closest fine dining to our home. Extensive wine list and Italian food selection. My wife's favorite place.
Fish restaurant with a commanding view of the yacht harbor. Sandwiches and fresh fish, cooked several ways. Full bar.
57 helybéli ajánlásával
Johnny's Harborside
493 Lake Ave
57 helybéli ajánlásával
Fish restaurant with a commanding view of the yacht harbor. Sandwiches and fresh fish, cooked several ways. Full bar.
Organic Asian food that is delicious and very reasonably priced. A favorite of students and those who love healthy food.
80 helybéli ajánlásával
Charlie Hong Kong
1141 Soquel Ave
80 helybéli ajánlásával
Organic Asian food that is delicious and very reasonably priced. A favorite of students and those who love healthy food.
A very nice, mature place to have a cocktail or a tasty select of unique dishes. We like the bar menu, but a complete menu is available. Quiet, convenient, with nearby parking. Limited but delicious menu.
70 helybéli ajánlásával
Oswald Restaurant
121 Soquel Ave
70 helybéli ajánlásával
A very nice, mature place to have a cocktail or a tasty select of unique dishes. We like the bar menu, but a complete menu is available. Quiet, convenient, with nearby parking. Limited but delicious menu.
Fun sushi restaurant with some Santa Cruz-themed rolls. Large convenient parking lot shared with Trader Joe's.
28 helybéli ajánlásával
Mobo Sushi
105 River St S
28 helybéli ajánlásával
Fun sushi restaurant with some Santa Cruz-themed rolls. Large convenient parking lot shared with Trader Joe's.
One of the three great bakeries in Santa Cruz. Wonderful breads, desserts, and custom sandwiches. Across from Shopper's Corner, another Santa Cruz institution.
133 helybéli ajánlásával
The Buttery
702 Soquel Ave
133 helybéli ajánlásával
One of the three great bakeries in Santa Cruz. Wonderful breads, desserts, and custom sandwiches. Across from Shopper's Corner, another Santa Cruz institution.
Great view of the city and Monterey Bay, about a dozen restaurants, fresh seafood, relatively inexpensive parking on the wharf.
143 helybéli ajánlásával
Santa Cruz móló
21 Municipal Wharf
143 helybéli ajánlásával
Great view of the city and Monterey Bay, about a dozen restaurants, fresh seafood, relatively inexpensive parking on the wharf.
Nice, family-owned restaurant with excellent food and some reasonably priced wine. A family favorite, and also a UCSC hangout.
29 helybéli ajánlásával
Sabieng
1218 Mission St
29 helybéli ajánlásával
Nice, family-owned restaurant with excellent food and some reasonably priced wine. A family favorite, and also a UCSC hangout.
This is the closest Starbucks, and there are a variety of other local coffee shops as well. Also one at Portola and 17th, which is walkable if you want a stroll.
29 helybéli ajánlásával
Starbucks
21620 E Cliff Dr
29 helybéli ajánlásával
This is the closest Starbucks, and there are a variety of other local coffee shops as well. Also one at Portola and 17th, which is walkable if you want a stroll.
Our own local coffee roasting company, VERVE is about two blocks away. Very strong, locally roasted coffee and pastries. You can smell the coffee roasting in the morning.
220 helybéli ajánlásával
Verve Coffee Roasters
816 41st Ave
220 helybéli ajánlásával
Our own local coffee roasting company, VERVE is about two blocks away. Very strong, locally roasted coffee and pastries. You can smell the coffee roasting in the morning.
Nice Italian restaurant with good service and reasonable prices. About 7 minutes away by car.
22 helybéli ajánlásával
Lago di Como
21490 E Cliff Dr
22 helybéli ajánlásával
Nice Italian restaurant with good service and reasonable prices. About 7 minutes away by car.
Intimate Italian restaurant with good service, traditional food, and a homey feel.
11 helybéli ajánlásával
Star Bene
East Cliff Drive
11 helybéli ajánlásával
Intimate Italian restaurant with good service, traditional food, and a homey feel.
Very good Mexican restaurant downtown with full bar. Broad menu including seafood. Also check out the Taco Bar, just outside of the bar, with excellent tacos and burritos, freshly made. M-Th low $$.
37 helybéli ajánlásával
El Palomar Restaurant
1336 Pacific Ave
37 helybéli ajánlásával
Very good Mexican restaurant downtown with full bar. Broad menu including seafood. Also check out the Taco Bar, just outside of the bar, with excellent tacos and burritos, freshly made. M-Th low $$.
We tend to forget this waterfront restaurant, but it has reasonably good food and it's right on the Twin Lakes Beach. Watch the surf and volleyball, and enjoy a broad menu of breakfast and lunch/dinner entrees.
35 helybéli ajánlásával
Cafe El Palomar
2222 E Cliff Dr
35 helybéli ajánlásával
We tend to forget this waterfront restaurant, but it has reasonably good food and it's right on the Twin Lakes Beach. Watch the surf and volleyball, and enjoy a broad menu of breakfast and lunch/dinner entrees.
(Currently closed for renovation.) Right ON the harbor, with views of the channel and passing boats. Smaller inside dining for inclement weather. Breakfast menu, sandwiches, fresh fish, and burgers. Dog friendly. Bring a hat.
56 helybéli ajánlásával
Aldo's Harbor Restaurant
790 Mariner Park Way
56 helybéli ajánlásával
(Currently closed for renovation.) Right ON the harbor, with views of the channel and passing boats. Smaller inside dining for inclement weather. Breakfast menu, sandwiches, fresh fish, and burgers. Dog friendly. Bring a hat.
Our favorite, hands down. Excellent food and drinks, comfortable, and not at all a "chain" restaurant. Call for reservations most nights. Snapper Special on Friday is muy bien! 688-4848
91 helybéli ajánlásával
Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
261 Center Ave
91 helybéli ajánlásával
Our favorite, hands down. Excellent food and drinks, comfortable, and not at all a "chain" restaurant. Call for reservations most nights. Snapper Special on Friday is muy bien! 688-4848
Youngish scene, full bar, and good menu. Burgers, tacos, fish. A little loud for intimate conversations, but a favorite among our adult children. Easy parking off Portola.
59 helybéli ajánlásával
Süda
3910 Portola Dr
59 helybéli ajánlásával
Youngish scene, full bar, and good menu. Burgers, tacos, fish. A little loud for intimate conversations, but a favorite among our adult children. Easy parking off Portola.
Breakfast-lunch place that is a harbor favorite. Big breakfasts, including three egg omelets that will keep you reaching for your statins. Nice servers, extensive menu.
102 helybéli ajánlásával
Harbor Café
535 7th Ave
102 helybéli ajánlásával
Breakfast-lunch place that is a harbor favorite. Big breakfasts, including three egg omelets that will keep you reaching for your statins. Nice servers, extensive menu.

Entertainment & Activities

Last of the Pacific seaside resorts with fun rides, free access, and a wide safe beach. Great for people watching, thrilling rides, and junk food. If it isn't fried, you won't find it at the Boardwalk. Great beach, too.
745 helybéli ajánlásával
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach St
745 helybéli ajánlásával
Last of the Pacific seaside resorts with fun rides, free access, and a wide safe beach. Great for people watching, thrilling rides, and junk food. If it isn't fried, you won't find it at the Boardwalk. Great beach, too.
Our local renowned climbing gym is only two blocks away! 50' walls, friendly service, and a fun atmosphere. Yoga is also available there.
16 helybéli ajánlásával
Pacific Edge Climbing Gym
104 Bronson St
16 helybéli ajánlásával
Our local renowned climbing gym is only two blocks away! 50' walls, friendly service, and a fun atmosphere. Yoga is also available there.
Nearby park is dog-friendly, and has nice climbing structures for kids. Gateway to the upper yacht harbor.
12 helybéli ajánlásával
Frederick Street Park & Dog Park
168 Frederick St
12 helybéli ajánlásával
Nearby park is dog-friendly, and has nice climbing structures for kids. Gateway to the upper yacht harbor.
Cute park, also nearby, which looks over the river and Boardwalk. Good for picnics, and a walking path leads to the river.
18 helybéli ajánlásával
Ocean View Park
102 Ocean View Ave
18 helybéli ajánlásával
Cute park, also nearby, which looks over the river and Boardwalk. Good for picnics, and a walking path leads to the river.
World famous for a good reason: it totally rocks for kids, adults, anyone! Gorgeous facility on the bay with the most amazing exhibits. Allow three hours.
668 helybéli ajánlásával
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row
668 helybéli ajánlásával
World famous for a good reason: it totally rocks for kids, adults, anyone! Gorgeous facility on the bay with the most amazing exhibits. Allow three hours.

Everything Else

Nice hiking area north of the harbor. Enter by Santa Cruz Bible Church bridge, at the end of Broadway. Great 3-mile loop from our home.
13 helybéli ajánlásával
Arana Gulch Park
101 Mentel Ave
13 helybéli ajánlásával
Nice hiking area north of the harbor. Enter by Santa Cruz Bible Church bridge, at the end of Broadway. Great 3-mile loop from our home.
Hey, just another Costco, but I love Costco and this is our local location. They also have a gas station a block away.
16 helybéli ajánlásával
Costco Wholesale
220 Sylvania Ave
16 helybéli ajánlásával
Hey, just another Costco, but I love Costco and this is our local location. They also have a gas station a block away.
Large city park with golf, hiking, little league, biking, and picnics.
17 helybéli ajánlásával
Delaveaga Park
855 Branciforte Drive
17 helybéli ajánlásával
Large city park with golf, hiking, little league, biking, and picnics.
One of the premier surf spots in California. Bring your camera and telephoto lens. You are perched 25' on a cliff with a panoramic view of the waves and surfers. Surving Museum is adjacent. Excellent.
81 helybéli ajánlásával
Steamer Lane
700 W Cliff Dr
81 helybéli ajánlásával
One of the premier surf spots in California. Bring your camera and telephoto lens. You are perched 25' on a cliff with a panoramic view of the waves and surfers. Surving Museum is adjacent. Excellent.
Closest yoga studio.
6 helybéli ajánlásával
Ashtanga Yoga Institute at Pacific Cultural Center
1307 Seabright Ave
6 helybéli ajánlásával
Closest yoga studio.

Essentials

Yes, we have a Whole Foods. Great produce and other organic products. Bring your checkbook...
157 helybéli ajánlásával
Whole Foods Market
911 Soquel Ave
157 helybéli ajánlásával
Yes, we have a Whole Foods. Great produce and other organic products. Bring your checkbook...
OK, just in case, here's the nearest ER and other hospital services. Susan has worked there for over 30 years. Great place to have a baby.
12 helybéli ajánlásával
Dominican Hospital
1555 Soquel Dr
12 helybéli ajánlásával
OK, just in case, here's the nearest ER and other hospital services. Susan has worked there for over 30 years. Great place to have a baby.

Shopping

One of Santa Cruz's oldest health food markets with a wonderful selection of fresh foods, including a hot select to take home. Loved by the community.
69 helybéli ajánlásával
Staff of Life
1266 Soquel Ave
69 helybéli ajánlásával
One of Santa Cruz's oldest health food markets with a wonderful selection of fresh foods, including a hot select to take home. Loved by the community.
Well-respected boutique grocery store that's been there for 80 years. Extensive wine and cheese selection, with full butcher shop, excellent produce. Friendly service and good parking.
76 helybéli ajánlásával
Shopper's Corner
622 Soquel Ave
76 helybéli ajánlásával
Well-respected boutique grocery store that's been there for 80 years. Extensive wine and cheese selection, with full butcher shop, excellent produce. Friendly service and good parking.

Parks & Nature

Our local beach, between the harbor and rivermouth. Broad sand beach with gentle surf, mostly, and fire pits if you want to cook out. Dogs on leashes! Bring your kite and skimboard.
59 helybéli ajánlásával
Seabright Állami Strand
59 helybéli ajánlásával
Our local beach, between the harbor and rivermouth. Broad sand beach with gentle surf, mostly, and fire pits if you want to cook out. Dogs on leashes! Bring your kite and skimboard.
Well, not actually the park, but the entire area around the lighthouse is special. Walk along the cliff on West Cliff Dr and you'll see why so many people love Santa Cruz.
49 helybéli ajánlásával
Lighthouse Field State Beach
49 helybéli ajánlásával
Well, not actually the park, but the entire area around the lighthouse is special. Walk along the cliff on West Cliff Dr and you'll see why so many people love Santa Cruz.

Arts & Culture

Very highly acclaimed community college which has recently had a major facelift. Frequent dramatic and musical presentations. Nursing school has graduated many excellent nurses!
15 helybéli ajánlásával
Student Activities Center
6500 Soquel Dr
15 helybéli ajánlásával
Very highly acclaimed community college which has recently had a major facelift. Frequent dramatic and musical presentations. Nursing school has graduated many excellent nurses!
Major university in one of the prettiest settings every. Great views of Monterey Bay.
67 helybéli ajánlásával
University of California at Santa Cruz
Arboretum Road
67 helybéli ajánlásával
Major university in one of the prettiest settings every. Great views of Monterey Bay.