Ky's Guidebook for Santa Cruz
Sightseeing
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery RowTo ride the “Big Dipper,” roller coaster.
745 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StTo ride the “Big Dipper,” roller coaster.
Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 W Cliff Dr
Sea Goddess Whale Watching
7881 Sandholdt RdA great way to experience whale watching: at sea.
Food scene
Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff DrBest clam chowder and fried calamari in town.
Santa Cruz Wharf
21 Municipal WharfCharlie Hong Kong
1141 Soquel AveJohnny's Harborside
493 Lake AveOswald Restaurant
121 Soquel AveChocolate the Restaurant
1522 Pacific AveThe Penny Ice Creamery Pleasure Point
820 41st AveFerrell's Donuts
2227 Mission StBagelry
1636 Seabright AveWest End Tap and Kitchen
334 Ingalls StTam's Restaurant
2403 Mission StHumble Sea Brewing Co.
820 Swift StSmall batch craft brews
Neighborhoods
Capitola
Peaceful and cool
Cozy beachfront town with world-class fish market (Phil’s Fish Market). There’s usually a wait, but they will let you buy a bottle of wine or anything while you wait.
37 locals recommend
Moss Landing
Cozy beachfront town with world-class fish market (Phil’s Fish Market). There’s usually a wait, but they will let you buy a bottle of wine or anything while you wait.
Traveler advice
Ways to save
Fishing off of the pier or any man-made structure is free
Go down to the warf, and rent or buy a rod and reel from Santa Cruz Boat rentals. There is usually a guy there that can help you get setup and casting in no time.
Don't miss
Saturday: Westside Farmer’s Market
The Westside farmer’s market is just down the street every Saturday from 9:00am PT to 1:00pm PT.
Getting around
Cars or bikes are the fastest mode of transportation
Parking meters in Santa Cruz are all coin operated. So if you go out or go to downtown Santa Cruz, be sure to bring change for the parking meter.
Book before you go
Sea Goddess Whale Watching
Book tickets through https://seagoddesswhalewatch.com/
Ways to save
Check Groupon for discounts on whale watching
I was able to get tickets for whale watching on Groupon for the Sea Goddess Whale watching in Monterrey bay.