Guidebook for Santa Cruz

Shelby
Guidebook for Santa Cruz

Food Scene

Our neighborhood restaurant is also our favorite restaurant. Just a short block away, it feels like home. Plus, it's fabulous. Child friendly.
94 locals recommend
Bantam
1010 Fair Ave
94 locals recommend
Our neighborhood restaurant is also our favorite restaurant. Just a short block away, it feels like home. Plus, it's fabulous. Child friendly.
Beware the wharf: You'll find the worst tourist food in SC. But the view is so incredible, that here's your pro tip: Have a drink upstairs at Stagnaro's. Million dollar view, four dollar Bombay Tonic.
25 locals recommend
Stagnaro Bros.
59 Municipal Wharf
25 locals recommend
Beware the wharf: You'll find the worst tourist food in SC. But the view is so incredible, that here's your pro tip: Have a drink upstairs at Stagnaro's. Million dollar view, four dollar Bombay Tonic.
Ok this is a tourist place, but locals go here too, in droves. It sits on Twin Lakes Beach, right at the harbor mouth. Terrific view, always jumping - especially Wednesdays when the yachts are racing.
276 locals recommend
Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff Dr
276 locals recommend
Ok this is a tourist place, but locals go here too, in droves. It sits on Twin Lakes Beach, right at the harbor mouth. Terrific view, always jumping - especially Wednesdays when the yachts are racing.
This is where I go for my birthday dinner. Northern Italian. So good.
62 locals recommend
La Posta
538 Seabright Ave
62 locals recommend
This is where I go for my birthday dinner. Northern Italian. So good.
In the mood for mexican? This is the best. Plus it's located in a classic landmark building. Good margaritas.
37 locals recommend
El Palomar Restaurant
1336 Pacific Ave
37 locals recommend
In the mood for mexican? This is the best. Plus it's located in a classic landmark building. Good margaritas.
This is a fun, casual restaurant within walking distance. Plus it’s in the middle of the action down the street, brew pubs, taco bars, wine tasting. Check it out.
125 locals recommend
West End Tap and Kitchen
334 Ingalls St
125 locals recommend
This is a fun, casual restaurant within walking distance. Plus it’s in the middle of the action down the street, brew pubs, taco bars, wine tasting. Check it out.
18 locals recommend
Steamer Lane Supply
644-670 W Cliff Dr
18 locals recommend
32 locals recommend
Venus Spirits
200 High Rd
32 locals recommend

Everything Else

The first, and many say, the best of several great brew pubs in the neighborhood.
94 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard
334 Ingalls St
94 locals recommend
The first, and many say, the best of several great brew pubs in the neighborhood.
Fantastic natural foods market and cafe. Just a stones throw away!
248 locals recommend
New Leaf Community Markets
1101 Fair Ave
248 locals recommend
Fantastic natural foods market and cafe. Just a stones throw away!
Not only a beautiful beach-with tidepools, but if you time it right, you can view the migrating monarch butterflies hanging like bunches of grapes from the eucalyptus trees.
261 locals recommend
Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 W Cliff Dr
261 locals recommend
Not only a beautiful beach-with tidepools, but if you time it right, you can view the migrating monarch butterflies hanging like bunches of grapes from the eucalyptus trees.
Never seen a redwood? Don't miss the walk through the Big Tree Grove. Seriously.
Big Tree Grove
Never seen a redwood? Don't miss the walk through the Big Tree Grove. Seriously.
Terrific coffee, baked provisions and breakfast treats.
64 locals recommend
Companion Bakeshop Westside Santa Cruz
2341 Mission St
64 locals recommend
Terrific coffee, baked provisions and breakfast treats.
Grab the bikes and hope the surfs up! World famous surf spot that offers excellent viewing.
81 locals recommend
Steamer Lane
700 W Cliff Dr
81 locals recommend
Grab the bikes and hope the surfs up! World famous surf spot that offers excellent viewing.
My husband loathes the boardwalk. I love it. People watching doesn't get any better, plus you can ride the bikes down there, and skip the hassle of parking amid the throngs.
745 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach St
745 locals recommend
My husband loathes the boardwalk. I love it. People watching doesn't get any better, plus you can ride the bikes down there, and skip the hassle of parking amid the throngs.
This offers a beautifully maintained bike and pedestrian path that runs from Natural Bridges Beach (The natural bridges collapsed in the 80's) to the wharf. Make sure to catch at least one sunset!
193 locals recommend
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive
193 locals recommend
This offers a beautifully maintained bike and pedestrian path that runs from Natural Bridges Beach (The natural bridges collapsed in the 80's) to the wharf. Make sure to catch at least one sunset!
Step back a hundred years and visit one of the original farms in the area. Victoria buildings, with miles of biking and hiking trails. Beautiful.
219 locals recommend
Wilder Ranch State Park
1401 Coast Rd
219 locals recommend
Step back a hundred years and visit one of the original farms in the area. Victoria buildings, with miles of biking and hiking trails. Beautiful.
The favorite of many.
11 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Yoga
402 Ingalls St
11 locals recommend
The favorite of many.
51 locals recommend
Del Mar Theater
1124 Pacific Ave
51 locals recommend

Drinks & Nightlife

Another popular brew pub and restaurant, within a couple blocks radius.
125 locals recommend
West End Tap and Kitchen
334 Ingalls St
125 locals recommend
Another popular brew pub and restaurant, within a couple blocks radius.
Yet another super jumping brew pub, right up the street.
26 locals recommend
The Parish Publick House
841 Almar Ave
26 locals recommend
Yet another super jumping brew pub, right up the street.
Ok, this tip is farther afield. But if you are from outside of California, and staying for a few days, I highly recommend taking a drive and having lunch at this unforgettable spot.
94 locals recommend
Nepenthe
48510 CA-1
94 locals recommend
Ok, this tip is farther afield. But if you are from outside of California, and staying for a few days, I highly recommend taking a drive and having lunch at this unforgettable spot.
Well....I have a weak spot for a good Tiki bar. This is one. Fantastic Mai Tai's. Added bonus: continuous surf videos playing behind the bar.
102 locals recommend
Hula's Island Grill
221 Cathcart St
102 locals recommend
Well....I have a weak spot for a good Tiki bar. This is one. Fantastic Mai Tai's. Added bonus: continuous surf videos playing behind the bar.

Shopping

Do you love a good roller coaster? You can't miss this one. The last sea-side wooden roller coaster on the west coast.
7 locals recommend
Giant Dipper
400 Beach St
7 locals recommend
Do you love a good roller coaster? You can't miss this one. The last sea-side wooden roller coaster on the west coast.
Find yourself in need of a gift or some retail therapy? This will fit the bill. Also walking distance.
11 locals recommend
Cameron Marks
402 Ingalls St
11 locals recommend
Find yourself in need of a gift or some retail therapy? This will fit the bill. Also walking distance.