Guidebook for Santa Cruz
Food Scene
Charlie Hong Kong
1141 Soquel AveOrganic, fresh Asian fusion
Viva's Mexican Food
1201 Soquel AveFresh variety of Mexican dishes
Lillian's Italian Kitchen
1148 Soquel AveAuthentic italian dishes. Try the Sunday Gravy!
Linda's Seabreeze Café
542 Seabright AveHefty brunch where locals dine
Verve Coffee Roasters
816 41st AveFor discriminating coffee lovers
The Buttery
702 Soquel Avepastries, sandwiches and salads
Johnny's Harborside
493 Lake AveTaco Tuesdays! Stunning view of the harbor.
Copal Restaurant
1203 Mission StreetGenuine Oaxaca food. mole!
Parks and nature
Nearby hiking, biking and golfing trails. Easy to moderate 3-6mi loop.
17 locals recommend
Delaveaga Park
855 Branciforte DriveNearby hiking, biking and golfing trails. Easy to moderate 3-6mi loop.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 N Big Trees Park RdBlue Trailhead
3552 Paul Sweet RdCreek side
Cowell Beach
Front StDrinks & Nightlife
West End Tap and Kitchen
334 Ingalls StGreat brews, wine and small plates
Oswald Restaurant
121 Soquel AveOur go-to cocktails and apps
Lupulo Craft Beer House
233 Cathcart StCraft beer, yummy small plates
Beer 30
2504 S Main StSightseeing
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff DriveLeisurely walk or bike ride with fantastic views of the beach
Elkhorn Slough
Parks & Nature
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 N Big Trees Park RdAncient redwoods
Land of Medicine Buddha
5800 Prescott Rd6 miles of tranquil hiking
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StIconic Santa Cruz scene
Meditative 2-mile hike in uncrowded redwood trails. park past the tennis court and choose the red or blue trail.
30 locals recommend
The Spa at Chaminade
1 Chaminade LnMeditative 2-mile hike in uncrowded redwood trails. park past the tennis court and choose the red or blue trail.
Essentials
Shopper's Corner
622 Soquel AveWhole Foods Market
911 Soquel AveStaff of Life
1266 Soquel AveShopping
Swift Street Courtyard
746 Swift StBoutique and artisan shops; casual eateries