Guidebook for Santa Cruz
Food Scene
Verve has a total of 4 locations throughout Santa Cruz. This is the closest one to our home, but the Westside and Downtown locations are equally recommended.
Among the many coffee shops in Santa Cruz, this is by far our favorite for their expert coffee creations and extensive high quality teas and snacks (cappuccino and bowl of soul recommended). Don't expect a meal here, although the pastries are amazing (almond or chocolate croissants highly recommended).
220 locals recommend
Verve Coffee Roasters
816 41st AveVerve has a total of 4 locations throughout Santa Cruz. This is the closest one to our home, but the Westside and Downtown locations are equally recommended.
Among the many coffee shops in Santa Cruz, this is by far our favorite for their expert coffee creations and extensive high quality teas and snacks (cappuccino and bowl of soul recommended). Don't expect a meal here, although the pastries are amazing (almond or chocolate croissants highly recommended).
Our favorite Sushi spot if we had to pick one but many others are right on par.
12 locals recommend
Sushi Garden
820 Bay AveOur favorite Sushi spot if we had to pick one but many others are right on par.
Further than other attractions, this upscale Mexican restaurant will ALWAYS be busy. Make reservations the day before or drink strong house margs while you wait or checkout the cement ship.
91 locals recommend
Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
261 Center AveFurther than other attractions, this upscale Mexican restaurant will ALWAYS be busy. Make reservations the day before or drink strong house margs while you wait or checkout the cement ship.
Akira Sushi
1222 Soquel AveAnother great sushi spot. Great atmosphere.
Essentials
Whole Foods Market
911 Soquel AveIt's super close!!
A few minutes by foot. If you're not familiar they specialize in snacks and quick prep foods perfect for your adventure (go to Whole Foods for ready to eat food though)
165 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
700 Front StA few minutes by foot. If you're not familiar they specialize in snacks and quick prep foods perfect for your adventure (go to Whole Foods for ready to eat food though)
Everything Else
Cruise the cliffs and enjoy stunning views or grab a board and catch some waves yourself!!
116 locals recommend
Pleasure Point
Cruise the cliffs and enjoy stunning views or grab a board and catch some waves yourself!!
Our go to spot in the neighborhood for yoga. Looking for a challenge, try the Sweaty Flow (among our favorite instructors are Leigh, Sean, Gabriel and Billy)
11 locals recommend
Pleasure Point Yoga
3707 Portola DrOur go to spot in the neighborhood for yoga. Looking for a challenge, try the Sweaty Flow (among our favorite instructors are Leigh, Sean, Gabriel and Billy)
Get outfitted for riding in the redwoods or along the coast if you didn't bring your own bike. We may have a bike or two you can borrow as well but not guaranteed.
19 locals recommend
Epicenter Cycling
8035 Soquel DrGet outfitted for riding in the redwoods or along the coast if you didn't bring your own bike. We may have a bike or two you can borrow as well but not guaranteed.
Rent kayaks and SUP's here. I rented kayaks for a couple months recovering from a knee surgery, the staff went out of their way to help me get on the water!!
31 locals recommend
Kayak Connection
413 Lake AveRent kayaks and SUP's here. I rented kayaks for a couple months recovering from a knee surgery, the staff went out of their way to help me get on the water!!
Parks & Nature
Close to town and offers great viewing of the forest surrounding Santa Cruz
335 locals recommend
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 N Big Trees Park RdClose to town and offers great viewing of the forest surrounding Santa Cruz
Best hiking close to Santa Cruz. Some mountain biking is accessible from here as well.
272 locals recommend
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos Creek RoadBest hiking close to Santa Cruz. Some mountain biking is accessible from here as well.