Guidebook for Santa Cruz
Food Scene
The outdoor seating of this high-end Afghan Food restaurant is beautiful, and the food is great.
104 locals recommend
Laili
101 Cooper StThe outdoor seating of this high-end Afghan Food restaurant is beautiful, and the food is great.
Locally owned, close to Main beach, Wharf, and Boardwalk. Much better than other food options nearby. Perfect for lunch.
50 locals recommend
The Picnic Basket
125 Beach StLocally owned, close to Main beach, Wharf, and Boardwalk. Much better than other food options nearby. Perfect for lunch.
Amazing hand made cakes and cupcakes. Vegan and gluten free options.
6 locals recommend
Buttercup Cakes & Farm House Frosting
1411 Pacific AveAmazing hand made cakes and cupcakes. Vegan and gluten free options.
Companion Bakeshop Westside Santa Cruz
2341 Mission StQuality baked goods and coffee.
A Westside Santa Cruz favorite for brunch with sunny outdoor seating and a range from pastries to ice cream to sandwiches and salads. At peak times there is a line.
98 locals recommend
Kelly's French Bakery
402 Ingalls StA Westside Santa Cruz favorite for brunch with sunny outdoor seating and a range from pastries to ice cream to sandwiches and salads. At peak times there is a line.
Bantam
1010 Fair AveA quality hipster pizza restaurant away from Downtown.
The only completely hand made from scratch ice cream in Santa Cruz. Locally owned.
64 locals recommend
The Penny Ice Creamery
913 Cedar StThe only completely hand made from scratch ice cream in Santa Cruz. Locally owned.
Cafe Delmarette
1126 Pacific Ave Downtown, good for lunch.
Assembly
1108 Pacific AvenueSightseeing
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff DriveIconic ocean views of Santa Cruz coastline
Municipal Wharf
Municipal WharfUniversity of California at Santa Cruz
Arboretum RoadParks & Nature
Great trails for walking, biking, running, and picnics. There is also a historical farmhouse and museum, and farm animals.
219 locals recommend
Wilder Ranch State Park
1401 Coast RdGreat trails for walking, biking, running, and picnics. There is also a historical farmhouse and museum, and farm animals.
Arts & Culture
Amazing Art and History Museum that is very connected and involved with the community. They put on public events every 1st and 3rd Friday.
133 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front StAmazing Art and History Museum that is very connected and involved with the community. They put on public events every 1st and 3rd Friday.
Drinks & Nightlife
Lupulo Craft Beer House
233 Cathcart StSoif
105 Walnut AveEssentials
New Leaf Community Markets
1101 Fair AveLocally owned, natural food and other products.
Entertainment & Activities
A small, locally owned theater. There are larger ones on Pacific Ave.
63 locals recommend
Landmark's Nickelodeon Theatre
210 Lincoln StA small, locally owned theater. There are larger ones on Pacific Ave.
Cowell's Beach Surf Shop
30 Front StGreat place to get surf lessons.