Guidebook for Santa Cruz
Everything Else
Everyone's out there: walking, riding, skating. Beautiful views!
193 locals recommend
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff DriveEveryone's out there: walking, riding, skating. Beautiful views!
University of California at Santa Cruz
Arboretum RoadEasy trip up the hill to campus.
A few steps to our branch library (Arts & Crafts Bungalow) - books, magazines and newspapers...friendly place
Garfield Park Branch Library
705 Woodrow AveA few steps to our branch library (Arts & Crafts Bungalow) - books, magazines and newspapers...friendly place
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front StEvents, free First Fridays
Nice walk to downtown through nature. Enter on California at Bay Street. Walk past tennis courts to gate.
Neary lagoon Path
Nice walk to downtown through nature. Enter on California at Bay Street. Walk past tennis courts to gate.
Wilder Ranch State Park
1401 Coast RdHiking, beaches, historic buildings and special events
The very best wine - family owned.
Several other wine tasting rooms and a brewpub within one block. Say hello to Lois, Michael and Ben!
11 locals recommend
Sones Cellars
334-B Ingalls StThe very best wine - family owned.
Several other wine tasting rooms and a brewpub within one block. Say hello to Lois, Michael and Ben!
Food Scene
Sushi Totoro
1701 Mission StBest sushi and close to house.
Sabieng
1218 Mission StExcellent Thai food,
informal atmosphere
Largest of SC farmers' markets. Another, smaller one is close to the house at Western Drive and Mission Street. Aptos Market is Saturday at 7:30 am and Westside Market Saturday @ 10 am until 1 pm.
44 locals recommend
Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
6500 Soquel DrLargest of SC farmers' markets. Another, smaller one is close to the house at Western Drive and Mission Street. Aptos Market is Saturday at 7:30 am and Westside Market Saturday @ 10 am until 1 pm.
In the neighborhood - excellent pastries and bread! They also have booths at the Saturday farmers markets at Cabrillo College or Westside.
64 locals recommend
Companion Bakeshop Westside Santa Cruz
2341 Mission StIn the neighborhood - excellent pastries and bread! They also have booths at the Saturday farmers markets at Cabrillo College or Westside.
Gets busy and noisy. Go early, sit outside if possible. Make reservation.
125 locals recommend
West End Tap and Kitchen
334 Ingalls StGets busy and noisy. Go early, sit outside if possible. Make reservation.
The Buttery
702 Soquel AveIt's the best for Danish and cakes.
Parks & Nature
Nice greenspace close to town and bordering the university. Park either at the top of Spring Street (off High St.) or on Gold Club Drive (off Hwy 9). Views.
18 locals recommend
Pogonip
501 and 410 Golf Club DrNice greenspace close to town and bordering the university. Park either at the top of Spring Street (off High St.) or on Gold Club Drive (off Hwy 9). Views.
It's in Felton, a separate section of Henry Cowell State Park. Beautiful place to hike in the redwoods along a creek. 3.5 mile loop
From main intersection in Felton go uphill on Felton Empire Road and look for sign LEY RD about 1/4 mile from main intersection in Felton. Entrance is on right on a curve just after that sign.
36 locals recommend
Fall Creek Unit Trailhead
Felton Empire RoadIt's in Felton, a separate section of Henry Cowell State Park. Beautiful place to hike in the redwoods along a creek. 3.5 mile loop
From main intersection in Felton go uphill on Felton Empire Road and look for sign LEY RD about 1/4 mile from main intersection in Felton. Entrance is on right on a curve just after that sign.
Shopping
New Leaf Community Markets
1101 Fair AveA large market in a nice building.
Santa Cruz Pottery
1642 Mission StreetBookshop Santa Cruz
1520 Pacific AveIconic local bookstore. Fantastic browsing.
It is a Santa Cruz institution (and it's near The Buttery Bakery).
Great wine selection and butcher.
76 locals recommend
Shopper's Corner
622 Soquel AveIt is a Santa Cruz institution (and it's near The Buttery Bakery).
Great wine selection and butcher.