Lately, I’ve been making up for lost time: meals at restaurants, long walks outside, going to the grocery store without panicking that I am out of hand wipes. So it came as a surprise recently when one of Santa Cruz’s creative types gave me a great reason to stay home—and enjoy it.

I’ve wanted to go to one of Kaitlin Bonifacio’s natural dyeing classes since I wrote about her for Good Times several years ago. Bonifacio, owner of the Santa Cruz-based business Yuzu & Rose, first introduced me to using natural dyes—from Shibori (a Japanese method of dyeing with indigo) to onion and avocado skins. Fortunately for me, Bonifacio made it easy to teach myself from home. 

Bonifacio launched DIY home dyeing kits—both Shibori and natural dyes—during the Covid-19 pandemic so that people could do their own dye projects from home. 

“All you need is a bucket of water,” she says; everything else is included. Bonifacio says she has been thinking about launching kits for a while now, but when she began teaching at Cabrillo College remotely, she started packing up kits for her students so they could follow along from home. Bonifacio says that within Santa Cruz there has been a need for creative wellness during the pandemic, from home or otherwise. 

“I haven’t seen a lot of other people doing this yet, but I do feel like there is a market for it,” Bonifacio says. “A lot of people I’ve talked to have loved it. It seems like it could work for something like macrame or embroidery. I’m sure that’s on the horizon.” 

I got everything I needed to make my own little dyeing workshop in the mail. I opted for natural and shibori dyeing kits—and in retrospect, I had my work cut out for me. I probably could have dyed every article of clothing I own, everything my neighbors own, and then some. Note to self: buy more things to dye next time. 

“The community has been so supportive of this during this time that everything feels like it’s on hold,” Bonifacio says. “Because everything has gone digital, I’m teaching classes digitally all over the place now. I had some in Colorado, some in Los Angeles, and there’s a school in Michigan that I taught at. It hasn’t been easy for a lot of small businesses, but since shifting to remote teaching and the kits, the business has grown a lot.” 

Bonifacio makes the process remarkably easy, there are step by step instructions, online videos, and she astoundingly avails herself to anyone who has questions via the chat feature on her website. This was particularly helpful for me because when the vat of blue indigo dye started bubbling and fizzing, I knew I had managed to royally screw it up.  

She assures me that this is totally normal. “This is the ‘mother’ layer protecting the rest of the dye from oxidizing.” Whew. Now, how do I get rid of the five-gallon vat of dye in my backyard once I am done? 

“It’s safe for groundwater, and your plants will enjoy the pH as fertilizer,” she writes over chat. At 5pm on a Sunday, no less. “Just make sure it’s somewhere you don’t mind getting blue.”

Bonifacio makes it look easy; the kits are easy to follow, beautifully and conveniently packaged, but it’s anything but easy for artists to pivot to this kind of remote, DIY style—particularly those who may be used to teaching in person. 

“It can be daunting for artists to develop a product and have to price it out and think about scaling it and sourcing materials,” she says. “I did the troubleshooting already when I measured out materials for my students while teaching online, but it’s been really popular since the kits have been in stores for everyone.” 

Now, several hours and a pair of completely blue hands later (I wore the gloves, but was reckless with my splashing), I have a new set of pillowcases and several one-of-a-kind naturally-dyed tea towels. But the best part of the experience was the opportunity to be creative from the comfort of home. The beauty about these kits is that they are versatile: they can be an individual creative project, a date activity, or shared at a party. 

Although the world is starting to reopen again, and with that comes the opportunity to be in person and take part in creative workshops, there is something humble and validating about having access to these new projects from home and doing it on my own. Blue hands and all. 

For more information on Yuzu & Rose kits, or for in-person workshops, visit yuzuandrose.com.

This guide is part of Explore Santa Cruz 2021.

Art League Broadway Playhouse  

526 Broadway St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-5787, scal.org   

There’s an impressive art gallery on one end and a small black-box theater on the other. Overall, it manages to deliver some wonderful artistic splendor on both sides from creative locals.

Cabrillo Stage 

6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-479-6154, cabrillostage.com 

A live orchestra with high quality sets and production values enhance the performances of this acclaimed musical theater.

Henry J. Mello Center   

215 E. Beach St., Watsonville, 831-763-4047, mellocenter.org 

The lavish setting of South County’s premier performing arts center features a luxurious stage where concerts and performances are presented, including the Santa Cruz Symphony’s full season. (Each symphony performance is also at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium.)

Jewel Theatre Company  

1010 River St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-7506, jeweltheatre.net  

JTC performs at the Colligan Theater, located in the Tannery’s former hide house. The highly respected company produces an eclectic season each year that includes drama, comedy and one musical. 

Louden Nelson Community Center   

301 Center St., Santa Cruz, 831-420-6177 

The famed local center often attracts quirky and diverse offerings on the theater front, but take note of its other events—everything from senior yoga to dance. The hallway doubles as an art gallery. 

Motion Pacific 

131 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-457-1616, motionpacific.com 

Dance culture in Santa Cruz County is mushrooming and evolving, and Motion Pacific is an important hub of education and performance. Take a class or catch a show, from burlesque to hip-hop.

Mountain Community Theater  

9400 Mill St., Ben Lomond, 831-336-4777, mctshows.org 

Still thriving in its third decade, MCT produces several ambitious shows a year, thanks to an engaged community’s support in the charming mountain town of Ben Lomond.

Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre  

santacruzactorstheatre.org  

Known for productions of contemporary, cutting-edge plays along with new plays, this group produced one of the first short play festivals in the country: the renowned 8 Tens @ 8, which celebrated 25 years in 2020. 

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium 

307 Church St., Santa Cruz, 831-420-5240 

The renowned Civic has hosted festivals, symphony concerts and an abundance of famous artists, including Tony Bennett, Bob Dylan and Ray Charles. Call or check local listings for events. 

Santa Cruz Shakespeare

501 Upper Park Rd., Santa Cruz, 831-460-6399, santacruzshakespeare.org 

The nationally recognized Santa Cruz Shakespeare has a new home after many years on the UCSC campus. Set in an outdoor forest theater in DeLaveaga Park, the Audrey Stanley Grove promises to host the same top-quality performances that have made this theater company beloved.

Tandy Beal & Company  

tandybeal.com 

They put on original shows spanning dance, theatre, circus and music. 

Art

Artisans and Agency   

1368 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-8183, artisanssantacruz.com 

This showcase for local talent offers a slice of everything, from woodwork and ceramics to jewelry, prints and glass art.

Felix Kulpa

107 Elm St., Santa Cruz, 408-373-2854

Specializing in offbeat, sometimes quirky but always inventive, art shows. 

First Friday

Multiple locations, firstfridaysantacruz.com

Galleries and pop-up galleries countywide are at their most festive on the evening of the first Friday of every month, when dozens of venues display, for your pleasure, the unique visual feast that is the Santa Cruz arts scene.

Lille Aeske Arthouse 

13160 Hwy. 9, Boulder Creek, 831-703-4183, lilleaeske.com

Art gallery, intimate performance venue, community gathering site and space-for-hire in the San Lorenzo Valley.

Made in Santa Cruz   

57 Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, 831-426-2257, madeinsantacruz.com 

Expect a large selection of original paintings, blown glass, ceramics, and sculptures from local artists. 

Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery 

Porter College, UCSC, 831-459-3606 

A wide variety of art covering all genres. Closed on university holidays and during summer.

MichaelAngelo Gallery  

1111 River St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-5500, michaelangelogallery.net 

Located across the street from the Tannery Arts Center, MichaelAngelo offers everything from art openings to fundraisers.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History 

705 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1964, santacruzmah.org

In addition to its ongoing exhibits and special events, the museum hosts interactive events. 

R. Blitzer Gallery

2801 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-458-1217, rblitzergallery.com

Renovated warehouse gallery on the Westside that features local and regional artists.

Santa Cruz Art League  

526 Broadway St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-5787, scal.org  

A charming creative hub and hotbed of activity, especially in October, when the annual Open Studios tour is underway.

Shen’s Gallery  

2404 Mission St., Santa Cruz 831-457-4424, shensgallery.com 

A huge selection of Chinese antiques not easily found elsewhere. Offers local delivery and worldwide shipping. 

Tannery Arts Center

1010 River St., Santa Cruz, 831-621-6226, tanneryartscenter.org

This live-work arts campus is the home of many arts events, galleries, two dance studios, live theater space, a cafe/bar, and more. Check the website for a calendar.

Open Studios Santa Cruz County 

santacruzopenstudios.com 

The Open Studios Art Tour offers an opportunity to explore creativity throughout Santa Cruz County, connecting art lovers with local artists during the first three weeks of October every year. 

Entertainment

515 Kitchen & Cocktails 

515 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-5051, 515santacruz.com  

Often voted one of the best places to indulge in a signature cocktail, the popular hangout in downtown Santa Cruz offers a wide variety of inspired cocktails and a drink menu that changes regularly. Take note of the impressive Mediterranean food menu, too. A fantastic enclave for both students and professionals, 515 has it all. 

Aptos St. BBQ

8059 Aptos St., Aptos, 831-662-1721, aptosstbbq.com 

You can swing by Aptos St. BBQ for its succulent ribs, sausages, sandwiches, and vast selection of beer. 

The Blue Lagoon

923 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-7117, thebluelagoon.com  

Dark, moody and with great drink specials, the Blue is infamous for its low-priced, epic punk and metal shows.  

Brady’s Yacht Club 

413 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-425-9854  

The second living room for many Seabright residents, Brady’s is a perfect place to throw back a pint after work. 

Britannia Arms 

110 Monterey Ave., Capitola, 831-464-2583  

This authentic British pub offers a taste of Dear Old Blighty. Imported beer plus a full menu.  

Callahan’s Pub

507 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-3119

Everything you want from a neighborhood bar. Come in for a quick drink or stay a while to watch a game, play some pool and enjoy the friendly bartenders serving 15 beers on tap. Plenty of parking!

Castaways 

3623 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-465-8200, thecastawaysbar.com 

A great neighborhood bar—festive, sporty, fun. This is a just-be-yourself-and-hang place. Good service and nice interior lounging options.

The Catalyst

1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-4135, catalystclub.com

Santa Cruz’s landmark nightclub and social hub features live music on its main stage and atrium, plus pool tables and a bar upstairs.

The Crepe Place

1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-6994, thecrepeplace.com  

Often overflowing, this is a locale to find touring up-and-coming indie bands. Doubling as a restaurant and a music venue, the Crepe Place houses an eclectic blend of concerts in a comfortable, intimate setting, plus late night dining.

The Crow’s Nest 

2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com  

Offers a wide variety of live entertainment and dancing in the upstairs lounge. Add that to the full bar with ocean views and some appetizers from the Breakwater Grill, and you’ve got a classic night out in Santa Cruz. Full restaurant downstairs. 

Felton Music Hall

6275 Hwy. 9, Felton, 510-350-8896, feltonmusichall.com 

Nestled in bucolic downtown Felton, this live music venue will showcase local talent and touring musicians, as well as fresh craft food and drinks. 

Henflings Tavern

9450 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond, 831-336-9318, henflingsbar.com

This mountain bar and grill offers some of the county’s best in free rock music several nights a week. Plus, it has one of the county’s more colorful open mics.

Kuumbwa Jazz 

320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 427-2227, kuumbwajazz.org  

The nonprofit Kuumbwa attracts legendary jazz icons in addition to world and local music. Food and drink are available. 

Michael’s on Main

2591 S Main St., Soquel, 831-479-9777, michaelsonmain.net 

This is a good place to hear some fun tunes while you enjoy their famous comfort food and visit their new taproom. 

Moe’s Alley 

1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, 831-479-1854, moesalley.com  

Offering a dependably diverse and talented lineup each week—with blues, funk and Afro-Latin beats often stirring up the dance floor. A great bar, heated patio and music attract all age groups. 

Motiv
1209 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-8070, motivsc.com 

Motiv has racked up a number of awards over the years, including Best Dance Club, Best DJ and Best Bartender. It is no wonder some call it the best party in town.

The Parish Publick House 

841 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-421-0507; 8017 Soquel Drive, Aptos,

831-708-2036, parishpublickhouse.com  

Rotating taps, full bar, delicious pub fare, full-on atmosphere. The Aptos location has patio seating.

The Rio Theatre 

1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-8209, riotheatre.com 

This classy and streamlined setting draws big names of all genres from around the world. It offers a dance floor as well as plush, comfortable seating. 

The Red/The Red Room 

200 Locust St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-1913

One of the town’s best hotspots. The upstairs Red boasts a memorable menu—a great dinner lounge. The street-level Red Room is a funky throwback bar, completely original and distinct. 

Zelda’s on the Beach

203 Esplanade, Capitola, 831-475-4900, zeldasonthebeach.com 

Just a seashell’s throw from the ocean waves, Zelda’s is not the biggest bar in town, but it does pull in some of Santa Cruz’s top-notch talent for concerts.

After spending the day on the beach, picking sand out from between your toes, or screaming on the rides on the Boardwalk, it’s time for some laughter. From breweries to bars and hotels to parks, you have multiple chances to catch some of the best national, regional and local comedians from California and beyond.

Stand-up comedy has a long history in Santa Cruz. UCSC students include SNL greats Adam Samberg and Maya Rudolph. Recent Banana Slug graduate Emily Catalano had a blisteringly funny set on Conan and has over 7 million views on TikTok. (Check out her hilarious comedy podcast, Hesby Street.)

Weekly comedy shows are still finding a foothold as venues reopen and normal hours resume. Every Friday night, catch the best of the Bay Area comedy world at Greater Purpose Brewery, located at 21517 East Cliff Drive. Tasty, locally crafted brews and pub food are available, and admission is $10. The shows are 7-9pm, and advance tickets are advised.

Underground comedy is alive and well in Santa Cruz with the drive-in shows on top of the Church Street parking lot every Friday at 8pm. Motor up there and enjoy some renegade comedy shows.

Every Sunday, the longest running weekly show in California returns to the Crow’s Nest at 2218 East Cliff Drive. It started in the 1980s and is still run by comedy producer and legend Jon Fox. The show starts at 9pm, costs $8 and features a mix of California comics and comedians traveling through the area.

New comedy rooms are popping up all the time. If you’re a local looking for a night of laughter or a visitor who wants to check out the local flavor, look no further than every fourth Saturday where you can see (and do) comedy at the Rush Inn at 113 Knight St. with host Ryne Watkins. Sign-ups are at 6:30pm, and everyone is welcome.

Monthly shows are happening all over Santa Cruz. Up in the mountains, it’s the historically haunted Brookdale Lodge, featuring mostly music, but their monthly comedy is not to be missed at 7pm, for $5. Bring a date, but don’t get ghosted.

The newest, coolest venue is the Felton Music Hall, at 6275 Highway 9 in Felton. On Sept. 21, you can see the homeless guy from the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin, Creed Bratton. The show starts at 8pm and is $25. Expect more comedy from this new upstart.

Spend a Sunday afternoon at the beautiful Skov Winery on 2364 Bean Creek Road in Scotts Valley. Nestled among the vineyards, see the best of Los Angeles and San Francisco comics at 4pm for $40, which includes a glass of wine or beer. And if wine is your game, check out the monthly comedy shows at Vino by the Sea, 55 Municipal Wharf, upstairs with the best view in Santa Cruz. Shows are free, take place on one Friday each month and are from 7-9pm.

Coming Aug. 14-28, it’s the 8th annual Santa Cruz Comedy Festival with Saturday afternoon shows in Laurel Park behind the Louden Nelson Community Center in downtown Santa Cruz. National headliners like the fabulous Jackie Kashian, Kellen Erskine and Chris Estrada mingle with the best of the Bay Area comedy scene. Each Saturday features a new show with plenty of room to spread out your blanket and chairs and build community through laughter. Shows are at 4pm for $25.

The festival will also hold special evening events throughout town at venues like Moe’s Alley at 1535 Commercial Way, The Crepe Place at 1134 Soquel Ave., Humble Sea Brewery at 820 Swift St., Urbani Cellar at 140 Encinal St., and more. Check out dnascomedylab.com for up-to-date information on the festival.  

This guide is part of Explore Santa Cruz 2021.

Agricultural History Project Museum  

2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville, 831-724-5898, aghistoryproject.org  

See antique farm machinery and get fascinated by how they used to do it in the good old days.

Boardwalk Bowl  

115 Cliff St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-3324, boardwalkbowl.com  

State-of-the-art bowling spot with arcade and lounge. 

Capitola Historical Museum  

410 Capitola Ave., Capitola, 831-464-0322, cityofcapitola.org/capitola-museum 

Showcases photographs and artifacts dating back to the days of Camp Capitola.

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve  

1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, 831-728-2822, elkhornslough.org  

Tours, trails, exhibits and events led by knowledgeable naturalists. Explore woodlands, wetlands, and meadows at the center of Monterey Bay. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 

Elkhorn Slough Safari  

7881 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, 831-633-5555, elkhornslough.com  

Explore the wetlands on a 27-foot pontoon boat to spot sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and more. 

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park  

101 Big Trees Park Road, Felton, 831-335-7077, parks.ca.gov  

Known for the 40-acre grove of old-growth redwood trees, this park is a short drive from Santa Cruz. Take the .8-mile flat loop trail through the gigantic coastal redwoods or visit the old Roaring Camp Railroad heritage railway.

Kinderwood Farms Goat Yoga  

Aptos, 831-345-9766, kinderwoodfarms.com  

Yoga with bouncing baby goats. It’s an experience you likely won’t forget.

San Lorenzo Valley Historical Museum  

12547 Hwy. 9, Boulder Creek, 831-338-8382, slvmuseum.com  

The San Lorenzo Valley is rich in historical interests, and this museum covers it all, from life-size dioramas depicting pioneer life to the tools they carried. 

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

400 Beach St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-5590, beachboardwalk.com 

A limited selection of rides are open, with reservations recommended. 

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery

1855 41st Ave. #10, Capitola, 888-424-8035, sccmod.org

The Children’s Museum of Discovery seeks to inspire, delight and challenge by providing opportunities to interact with an innovative and unique learning environment for children and adults. Regular storytimes and other educational events for kids.

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

144 School St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-5849  

Built during the 1800s, the Mission de la Exaltación de la Santa Cruz is where the town gets its name: Holy Cross. 

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History 

705 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1964, santacruzmah.org

Check out the ongoing exhibits and special events. 

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History  

1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-420-6115, santacruzmuseum.org  

Discover the diverse flora and fauna of the Monterey Bay region at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. The Museum features permanent and special exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages, as well as monthly events. Find the Museum across from Seabright State Beach, beside the gray whale statue in Tyrrell Park. 

Santa Cruz Mystery Spot

465 Mystery Spot Road, 831-423-8897, mysteryspot.com

You’ve seen the bumper stickers and billboards, but nothing quite prepares you for a place where up is down and down is up. Built into a forest hillside, the Mystery Spot will amaze and impress even the most cynical kids. Balls roll upwards, the walls are made for climbing and people mysteriously grow taller and shrink. The tour guides have a wealth of funny lines and the price is reasonable. Make reservations: tours often sell out by noon.

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, 701 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-420-6289 

The museum is perched above one of the world’s premier surf spots, Steamer Lane, where you can watch some of the best in surfing. 

Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab   

100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, 831-459-3800, seymourcenter.ucsc.edu 

A place to see and experience marine life in the area. The center’s exhibit hall includes an inveterate pool and a shark pool that allows visitors to get a look at Monterey Bay species close up, and behind-the-scenes areas offer a peek into marine research. 

Educational

1440 Multiversity

800 Bethany Drive, Scotts Valley, 844-544-1440, 1440.org  

A day contains 1,440 minutes, and 1440 Multiversity seeks to inspire you in each of them while you experience time differently on their beautiful campus set in the redwoods. Attend classes and connect with yourself or others. 

Five Branches University, Santa Cruz  

200 7th Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-464-0322, fivebranches.edu 

A Traditional Chinese Medicine teaching facility as well as a provider of quality healthcare including acupuncture, herbal prescriptions, therapeutic massage, medical qigong, and dietary consultation.

Aviation

Specialized Aviation 

150 Aviation Way, Watsonville, 831-763-2244, specializedheli.com 

Helicopter tours and aerobatic airplane rides, plus training. 

Beaches

Natural Bridges State Park 

2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-423-4609, parks.ca.gov/naturalbridges  

Natural Bridges is a Santa Cruz treasure. With fascinating tide pools and the monarch butterflies hanging from the eucalyptus trees in the fall, the locale never ceases to inspire generations of beachgoers. Bask in the beauty here. 

Capitola Beach 

The Esplanade, Capitola Village  

It typically gets voted best beach in California. And with its close proximity to the Capitola Wharf, plus a slew of great restaurants and bars around, it’s pretty much one big slice of paradise. To avoid the crowds, the beach on the other side of the wharf is usually less crowded. With free shuttle service to your car, you can’t beat it. 

Castle Beach 

East Cliff Drive at Seabright Avenue  

The castle may have fallen over, but that hasn’t affected Castle Beach’s great sandy stretch. Located between the Boardwalk and the harbor, it’s a great place to let the saltwater air flow through your hair and the ocean lap over your feet. 

Moran Lake 

East Cliff Drive, Live Oak  

It’s one of the nicest beaches in the county, with great views and easy access. A secluded treasure. 

Manresa State Beach and Sunset State Beach 

La Selva Beach and Watsonville, 831-761-1795, 831-763-7062  

Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins that regularly surf the waves, and the priceless sand dollars that wash up on shore. 

New Brighton State Beach 

1500 Park Ave., Capitola, 831-464-6329  

A great campground nestled in coastal cypress and pines makes this a beach-camper’s paradise. The campground is always full in the summer, so making reservations is a must. A good spot for long summer walks, especially during low tide.

North Coast Beaches 

Just a few miles north of the Santa Cruz city limits are some of the most beautiful miles of coastline in the world. Most beaches can be accessed by dirt trails or small roads. 

Panther Beach 

Highway 1, about 1 mile south of Davenport  

Known for its beautiful rock formations and shiny, clean sand, Panther Beach is a memorable adventure. A take-your-breath-away beach. 

Pleasure Point Beach 

East Cliff Drive and Pleasure Point Drive, Santa Cruz  

A little to the left of the late Jack O’Neill’s green cliff house is a nice protected beach that makes for a sunny spot after the morning fog has burned off. Perfect pleasure.

Rio Del Mar Beach 

Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos  

The surf is milder than Manresa, but that doesn’t preclude the nasty riptides that have towed numerous unsuspecting swimmers into the deep. Great place to tan.

Santa Cruz Main Beach  

Beach Street, Santa Cruz  

Boasting volleyball nets, hundreds (sometimes thousands) of sunbathers and lolling surf, Main Beach, directly in front of the Boardwalk, is pretty much how it used to be 80 years ago.

Seacliff State Beach 

State Park Drive, Aptos, 831-685-6500  

Surf perch and halibut have been caught off the side of the area’s well-known cement ship, but this destination stands out for its striking views.

Twin Lakes State Beach  

East Cliff Drive at 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz, 831-427-4868 

This beach caters to families, kite flyers, picnickers and the like, and it is said to be one of the warmest beaches in the county. It’s also a great place at night around a bonfire.

Waddell State Beach  

Highway 1, about 5 miles north of Davenport, 831-427-2288  

Rich beachcombing and tidepooling beach, though it tends to get too windy for lying in the sun. Every sort of sport except skiing seems to be practiced here, including hang gliding, windsurfing and kitesurfing. 

Bike park/Rentals

BICYCLE TRIP

1001 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2580, bicycletrip.com

Choose from cruisers, comfort, mountain, road and kids’ bikes, with helmet, handlebar bag and lock. Delivery and pickup within 12 miles. 

Current E-Bikes

131 Front St., Suite D, Santa Cruz, 831-621-2309, currentebikes.com

At this full-service bike store, you can rent an e-bike before buying. Once you make the purchase, you’ll enjoy free tune-ups for the life of your eBike.

Cycle Works

1420 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-316-7671, cycleworks.bike 

Your new friends at Cycle Works have everything you need for your biking adventure. Whether you’re cruising along West Cliff or up for some mountain biking thrills, Cycle Works can help it happen with fairly priced rentals or a wide selection of bikes for purchase.

Depot Park Bike Park 

119 Center St., Santa Cruz, 831-420-5270 

BMX riders unite. The park boasts a bowed 8-foot-high wall ride and jumps, plus street obstacles and zero inline skaters.

Shuttle Smith Adventures

8035 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-234-3383

Mountain bikers can catch a shuttle to the top of Nisene Marks State Park to bike around the Soquel Demonstration State Forest trails. If your exercise plan involves lifting a beer to your mouth, take advantage of their party bus services for safe transit between destinations of your choice.

Boating

Capitola Boat and Bait 

1400-A Capitola Wharf Road, 831-462-2208  

Be the captain of your boat when you rent a 16-foot skiff and eight-horsepower motor.

Chardonnay Sailing Charters

790 Mariner Park Way, Dock FF, Santa Cruz, 423-1213, chardonnay.com

Multiple sails a day on the iconic, locally designed Santa Cruz 70, with specialty charters including winemaker, brewmaster, pizza and more. 

Lighthall Yacht Charters 

790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz, 831-429-1970, lighthallcharters.com 

Up to six passengers can enjoy a voyage on one of the luxurious 34-47-foot yachts for an affordable price. Yachts may be booked for private charters, lessons, events, or spreading the remains of a loved one at sea.

Monterey Bay Eco Tours 

10932 Clam Way, Moss Landing, 831-200-3454, montereybayecotours.com  

Take a 90-minute cruise on a custom electric catamaran through the Elkhorn Slough. There’s restroom on board and children of all ages are welcome. 

O’Neill Yacht Charters

L Dock at the Santa Cruz Harbor, 275 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-475-1561, oneillyachtcharters.com   

Offering sailing lessons, rentals and charters on their giant catamaran, O’Neill is tops when it comes to experiencing the bay firsthand.

Pacific Yachting Sailing School & Charter Boating

790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz, 831-423-7245, pacificsail.com  

Pacific Yachting incorporates team building and more on its excursions, with 18 sailboats from 22-43 feet. 

Santa Cruz Boat Rentals 

15 Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, 831-423-1739

Some of the best variety is found here, with 24 wooden skiffs, 17 feet long with six-horsepower motors.

Stagnaro Fishing Trips  

32 Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, 831-427-2334, stagnaros.com 

One of the original local Italian fishing families, Stagnaro offers fishing trips, whale watching and cruises.

Golf

Boulder Creek Golf and Country Club  

16901 Big Basin Highway, Boulder Creek, 831-338-2111, bouldercreekgolf.com  

The clubhouse is open. 

Seascape Golf Course  

610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos, 831-688-3214, seascapegc.com 

You can have both 18- and 9-hole courses on more than 6,000 yards, situated between cypress trees. SGC also has an on-site Nike Golf learning center. 

DeLaveaga Golf Course  

401 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz, 831-423-7214, delaveagagolf.com 

This gorgeous course surrounded by trees offers an 18- or 9-hole course and driving range plus cart rentals. The driving range has 40 stalls, so you are almost guaranteed a spot. 

Pasatiempo Golf Course  

20 Clubhouse Road, Santa Cruz, 831-459-9155, pasatiempo.com 

A semi-private golf club which makes certain tee times available to the public. It offers a driving range, golf carts, golf instruction and club rentals. The course has a mandatory dress code, so be sure to dress appropriately. 

Kayaking

Adventure Sports Unlimited 

303 Potrero St., Unit 15, Santa Cruz, 458-3648, asudoit.com 

Certified dive instructors teach scuba and lead dive trips. Kayak rental and instruction. 

Aqua Safaris SCUBA Center 

6896 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-479-4386, aquasafaris.com 

Classes from beginner to instructor level, plus rentals and retail gear. 

Kayak Connection

413 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-479-1121; 2370 Hwy. 1, Moss Landing, kayakconnection.com  

A one-stop-shop for all things paddle related, Kayak Connection offers sea kayaking, stand-up paddling rentals, tours, and instruction in Santa Cruz and Moss Landing.

Venture Quest Kayaking 

2 Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, 831-425-8445, kayaksantacruz.com 

Bring your kayak or rent one here and explore the bay. Tours available. 

Racing

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

1021 Salinas Hwy., Monterey, 831-242-8201

This world-renowned raceway hosts exciting auto and motorcycle competitions.

Rock Climbing

Castle Rock State Park 

In the Santa Cruz Mountains, along Skyline Boulevard. A premier bouldering destination.

Pacific Edge Rock Climbing Gym  

104 Bronson St., #12, Santa Cruz, 831-454-9254, pacificedgeclimbinggym.com 

An impressive variety of indoor climbing. Bouldering, face climbs from 5.2 to 5.13, a roof, weight room, even a crack climb. 

Scuba

Aqua Safaris 

6896 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-479-4386, aquasafaris.com 

Explore the world’s oceans with Aqua Safaris. 

Adventure Sports  

303 Potrero St., Unit 15, 831-458-3648, asudoit.com 

Divers of all skill levels can explore Monterey Bay’s reefs with complete training beforehand. 

Skateparks/shops

Berdels

1233 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-332-7422, berdels.com 

Berdels offers everything the skating heart could desire from men’s apparel to all skate needs—get your pizza-printed skate socks here.

Cali Style

222 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-440-1088

Local shop specializing in skate and surf brands in Scotts Valley

Derby Skatepark 

508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz  

Built in 1967, Derby has a long concrete skate run that ends in a big bowl. 

Bill’s Wheels Skateshop 

1240 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 831-469-0904, billswheels.com 

Since 1977, this shop has featured a wide variety of boards and accessories. 

Ken Wormhoudt Skate Park 

225 San Lorenzo Blvd., Santa Cruz  

This huge park boasts a full pipe, two bowls with pool coping and tile, a practice bowl and street course with steps, hubba ledges, wall ridges, metal rails, and great artwork. 

Scotts Valley Skate Park 

361 Kings Village Drive, Scotts Valley, 831-426-8424

Here you’ll find lines, rails, and large and small bowls for all skill levels to enjoy.

Santa Cruz Boardroom 

825 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-464-2500, santacruzboardroom.com 

Great quality boards and gear, plus tons of community involvement.

Skydiving 

Skydive Surf City 

160 Aviation Way, Watsonville, 831-435-5169

Expertly trained jumpers give you an insane adrenaline rush.

Skydive Monterey Bay 

721 Neeson Road, Marina, 831-384-3483, skydivemontereybay.com 

Jump out of a perfectly good airplane in the world’s highest tandem skydive for once-in-a-lifetime views of the Monterey Bay and beyond.

Stand-up Paddle Boarding

Cal Sup Outlet  

719 Swift St., Suite 16, Santa Cruz, 831-332-8503, calsupoutlet.business.site  

Paddle board, sup and surfboard outlet providing fins and a warranty on all boards as a testament to their quality. 

Covewater Paddle Surf  

726 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-600-7230, covewater.com 

Covewater is Northern California’s only dedicated stand-up paddle board (SUP) shop, providing stand-up paddle boards, equipment, rentals, and classes.

Stand-Up Paddle Board Co. 

Santa Cruz Harbor, 831-818-7225

Unique services offered. Located in the harbor.

SUP Shack Santa Cruz 

2214 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-464-7467, supshacksantacruz.com  

Beginners and pros alike enjoy the year-round rentals and classes offered through this stand-up paddle boarding company, located in the Santa Cruz harbor. 

Surf spots South County 

Capitola Jetty 

When the swell is up, this spot is the place to be. A nice left careens in front of the jetty, and a turn to the right can go on forever, assuming your skag doesn’t hit the kelp-infested water. 

The Hook  

Named for the copious amounts of kelp in the lineup that “hooks” around skags and booties, this nice little point break has a loyal following. 

Manresa/La Selva  

Manresa is a mélange of peaks, valleys and sandbars, but often the place is epic, breaking left and right and all over. Expect a long, grueling paddle during the wintertime to the outside. 

Pleasure Point 

Like its moniker, this place is pleasure for just about everyone. As a result, it’s generally crowded with everyone from groms to experts, longboarders to ultra-thin glassed rippers. 

Surf spots Santa Cruz 

Cowell 

The bunny slope of surfing gets its fair share of beginners, but it also has nice, sloping waves that go on forever. Easy access and easy attitudes make Cowell stand out. 

Steamer Lane 

One of the best classic breaks in the world, Steamer Lane more than lives up to its reputation. With four reef breaks rolled into one spot—The Point, Middle Peak, The Slot, and Indicators—the Lane has it all. 

Natural Bridges 

The best tube rides available if the conditions are just right. It’s a speedy right that peaks over an outer reef and peels toward the beach. 

Surf spots North County 

Three Mile 

A great reef break that is usually uncrowded (until now), especially during the weekdays. Three Mile, as with most North Coast spots south of Davenport, includes a long walk through brussels sprouts fields. 

Scott’s Creek 

From long paddles and strong currents to sharky waters and unpredictable peaks, Scott’s isn’t for the faint of heart or arms. But when it goes off, it’s heaven on water.

Waddell Creek 

Similar conditions for Waddell Creek as for Scott’s, except during the summer and early fall, when Waddell is one of the world’s premier wind- and kite-surfing spots. 

Surf schools/Rentals

Adventure Out 

800-509-3954, adventureout.com  

Offers many surf clinics, plus mountain biking, backpacking and rock-climbing. 

Club Ed Surf School and Rentals, Inc. 

831-464-0177, club-ed.com 

Great for locals and visitors. Located at Cowell Beach between the Wharf and the Dream Inn.

Cowell’s Surf Shop 

30 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2355

Surf lessons, rentals and close to the best beginner break in the area.  

Freeline Surf Shop 

821 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-476-2950, freelinesurf.com 

Surfboard rentals and more—everything from foam or soft-top boards, and fins, flippers, wetsuits and even stand-up paddle boards. 

O’Neill Surf Shop 

400 Beach St., Santa Cruz, 831-459-9230; 110 Cooper St. # D, Santa Cruz, 831-469-4377; 1115 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-475-4151, oneill.com 

You can nab surfboards, rent wetsuits and find brand-new gear.

Richard Schmidt Surf School

236 San Jose Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-0928, richardschmidt.com 

Richard Schmidt won Best Surf School in our readers’ poll. Note the individual and group surf lessons, plus summer camps. 

Surf School Santa Cruz

3548 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz;  345 Swift St., Santa Cruz, 831-428-3647, surfschoolsantacruz.com

Bud Freitas grew up surfing all over Santa Cruz County and has more than 20 years of water experience to channel into his surfing lessons. Board and wetsuit are provided.

Surf Repairs

BE Sanding Ding Repair

1336 Brommer St., Ste. A2, Santa Cruz, 831-325-5487, besanding.com 

This local expert ding repair company services surfboards, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. 

Ziplining

Mount Hermon Adventures

17 Conference Drive, Mount Hermon, 831-430-4357, mounthermonadventures.com 

A typical tour is a two-hour foray into the forest, which includes six ziplines and two sky bridges that sit 150 feet in the air. 

They say the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and for Debbie Bulger, that step was onto the Beach Hill stairs that many locals—but not many tourists—know connect downtown Santa Cruz to the Beach Boardwalk via Cliff Street. There’s a reason those stairs are on the cover of Secret Walks and Staircases in Santa Cruz, the book she recently published with her husband Richard Stover.

It was 1986, and Bulger had come to Santa Cruz for the first time to run in the Wharf to Wharf race. She asked someone how she could get downtown from the beach, and they told her about the stairs. She loved the walk, but she didn’t love the sign on Cliff Street that said “Not a Through Street.” Bulger moved to Santa Cruz two years later, and she never really got over her beef with the sign.

“It’s always bugged me,” she says. “It’s only ‘not a through street’ if you’re in a car.”

Clearly the seed had been planted for Bulger to champion the Santa Cruz pedestrian. But it didn’t bear fruit until she had spent years on several local advisory committees and task forces, where the lack of attention to the local walking world was noted over and over.

“It always came up,” she says. “Someone would say, ‘We need a walking guide for Santa Cruz.’”

Finally, Bulger decided to write it. It was six years in the making, and even then it took the eerie lull of quarantine last year to motivate her to pull it all together.

“I guess when we all got locked down, Richard and I got serious about it,” she says.

But there was plenty of work put into it before that, of course.

“There was about a year of planning where I made a list of all the pedestrian shortcuts and staircases,” she says. Then she and Stover walked the routes. Stover, the project’s computer tech, used open source data to track them, while Bulger preferred pushpins and yarn on a map of Santa Cruz. After a while, though, it started to look like one of those conspiracy theorists’ crazy charts that the FBI agents find in thriller films.

“It got complicated as more and more walks got on my list,” she says. “I sort of had to impose a limit before it got too big.”

Then there’s the fact that not all walks are created equal—even if they sound great on paper.

“We would do the walks, and sometimes they didn’t work out,” Bulger says with a laugh.

But she’s proud of the 28 walks meticulously documented with photos, maps and a complete list of turns in the book—some of which even most locals won’t have walked before. Like the alley by Arana Gulch on pages 242-243.

“That is a hidden gem,” she says. “You think you’re in such an exotic place.”

Bulger says she doesn’t really have a favorite Santa Cruz walk; it depends on what she’s in the mood for at any given time. And when she says the best thing about walking in Santa Cruz is that we have the perfect weather for it, she doesn’t just mean a sunny stroll through Pogonip—she can be just as happy promenading down West Cliff Drive in the rain.

Perhaps what’s most impressive is that even after logging all these steps, she still finds something surprising almost every time she goes out for a walk, whether it’s a mother duck and her babies nesting in the Bay Street median or a particular kind of flower newly in bloom.

“You just have to keep your eyes open,” she says.

The book has been selling briskly, even though it was released when tourism was discouraged, or flatly prohibited. That means that plenty of locals have been using it to explore Santa Cruz in a different way than they might be used to. She knows one city planner, for instance, who bought the book and took a very, er, officious approach.

“He said he did all the walks in the order they were in the book,” says Bulger. “He was true to his profession.”

‘Secret Walks and Staircases in Santa Cruz’ is available at Bookshop Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History and other places where books are sold. For more information, go to lostballoonpress.com.

This guide is part of Explore Santa Cruz 2021.

Alfaro Family Vineyards

420 Hames Road, Corralitos, 831-728-5172, alfarowine.com

Armida Winery in Capitola Village

103 Stockton Ave., Capitola, 831-462-1065, armida.com

Armitage Wines

105 Post Office Drive, Aptos, 831-708-2874, armitagewines.com

Bargetto Winery

3535 N. Main St., Soquel, 831-475-2258, bargetto.com

Beauregard Vineyards Tasting Room

10 Pine Flat Road, Bonny Doon, 831-425-7777, beauregardvineyards.com

Big Basin Vineyards 

830 Memory Lane, Boulder Creek, 831-621-8028, bigbasinvineyards.com

Birichino

204 Church St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-4811, birichino.com

Bottle Jack Winery

1088 La Madrona Drive, Santa Cruz; 402 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, 831-227-2288, bottlejackwines.com

Burrell School Vineyards

24060 Summit Road, Los Gatos, 408-353-6290, burrellschool.com 

Byington Winery

21850 Bear Creek Road, Los Gatos, 408-354-1111, byington.com

Cantine Winepub

8050 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-612-6191, cantinewinepub.com

Capitola Wine Bar

115 San Jose Ave., Capitola, 831-476-2282, capitolawinebar.com

Cork and Fork Capitola

312-B Capitola Ave., Capitola, 831-435-1110, corkandforkcapitola.com

David Bruce Winery

21439 Bear Creek Road, Los Gatos, 408-354-4214, davidbrucewinery.com

El Vaquero Winery  

2901 Freedom Blvd., Corralitos, 831-607-8118, elvaquerowinery.com 

Equinox Sparkling Wines/Bartolo Wines

334-C Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, 831-471-8608, equinoxwine.com

Ferrari Ranch Wines  

ferrariranchwines.com          

Gali Vineyards

galivineyards.com 

Hallcrest Vineyards & Organic Wine Works

379 Felton Empire Road, Felton, 831-335-4441, hallcrestvineyards.com

Integrity Wines

135 Aviation Way, Watsonville, 831-322-4200, integrity.wine

Kissed by an Angel Wines

75 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-234-6252, kissedbyanangelwines.com

La Rusticana d’Orsa Vineyards

408-371-3067, larusticanadorsa.com

Left Bend Winery

346 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408-502-9280, leftbend.com

Lester Estate Wines  

1950 Pleasant Valley Road, Aptos, 831-728-3793, deerparkranch.com

Loma Prieta Winery

26985 Loma Prieta Way, Los Gatos, 408-353-2950, lomaprietawinery.com

Madson Wines  

madsonwines.com 

McHenry Vineyard

6821 Bonny Doon Road, Santa Cruz, 530-756-3202, mchenryvineyard.com

MJA Vineyards

328-A Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, 831-421-9380; 24900 Highland Way, Los Gatos, 408-353-6000, mjavineyards.com

Muccigrosso Vineyards

21450 Bear Creek Road, Los Gatos, 408-354-0821, muccigrosso.com

Nicholson Vineyards

2800 Pleasant Valley Road, Aptos, 831-724-7071, nicholsonvineyards.com

Pelican Ranch Winery

2364 Bean Creek Road, Capitola, 831-426-6911, pelicanranch.com

Radonich Brothers Vineyards

25700 Radonich Road, Los Gatos, 510-552-5302

Regale Winery and Vineyards  

24040 Summit Road, Los Gatos, 408-353-2500, regalewine.com

Rexford Winery

429 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-1500; 19 East Carmel Valley Road, Suite C, Carmel Valley, rexfordwinery.com

Rhys Vineyards

11715 Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos, 510-552-5302, rhysvineyards.com

Roudon-Smith Winery

14572 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, 408-313-5229, roudonsmith.com 

Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard

334-A Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-6209, santacruzmountainvineyard.com

Sante Arcangeli Family Wines 

154 Aptos Village Way, Aptos, 831-207-6048; 879 North St., Pescadero, 831-265-2713, santewinery.com 

Ser Winery Tasting Room 

10 Parade St., Suite B, Aptos, 831-612-6062, serwinery.com

Silver Mountain Vineyards

Silver Mountain Drive, off Miller Cutoff, Santa Cruz; 402 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz

408-353-2278, silvermtn.com

Sones Cellars

334 B Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, 831-420-1552, sonescellars.com

Soquel Vineyards

8063 Glen Haven Road, Soquel, 831-462-9045, soquelvineyards.com

Stockwell Cellars

110 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-818-9075, stockwellcellars.com

Storrs Winery

1560 Pleasant Valley Road, Aptos, 831-724-5030; Old Sash Mill, 303 Potrero St., #35, Santa Cruz, 831-458-5030, storrswine.com 

Surf City Vintners

Swift & Ingalls streets and the Sash Mill, Santa Cruz, surfcityvintners.com

Testarossa Winery

300 College Ave., Los Gatos, 408-354-6150, testarossa.com

Thomas Fogarty Winery

19501 Skyline Blvd., Woodside, 650-851-6777, fogartywinery.com

Villa del Monte Winery

23076 Summit Road, Los Gatos, 408-353-0995, villadelmontewinery.com

Vino by the Sea 

55 Municipal Wharf, Suite B, Santa Cruz, 831-426-0750, vino-by-the-sea.com  

Vinocruz 

4901 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-426-8466, vinocruz.com

Wargin Wines

11 Hangar Way, Watsonville; 5015 Soquel Drive, Soquel; 831-531-8108, warginwines.com

Windy Oaks Estate

550 Hazel Dell Road, Corralitos, 831-786-9463, windyoaksestate.com

Wrights Station Vineyard & Winery

24250 Loma Prieta Ave., Los Gatos, 408-560-9343, wrightsstation.com

Zayante Vineyards

420 Old Mount Road, Felton, 831-335-7992, zayantevineyards.com

This guide is part of Explore Santa Cruz 2021.

Beer Mule

45 Aviation Way, Watsonville, 831-254-9789

Beer Thirty Bottle Shop and Pour House

2504 S. Main St., Soquel, 831-477-9967, beerthirtysantacruz.com

Corralitos Brewing Co.

2536 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, 831-728-2311, corralitosbrewingco.com

Discretion Brewing 

2703 41st Ave., Suite A, Soquel, 831-316-0662, discretionbrewing.com

East End Gastropub

1501 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-475-8010, eastendpub.com

Greater Purpose Brewing Co.

21517 E Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-713-5540, greaterpurposebrewing.com 

Humble Sea Brewing Co.

820 Swift St., Santa Cruz, humblesea.com         

Lùpulo Craft Beer House

233 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz, 831-454-8306, lupulosc.com

Michael’s on Main

2591 Main St., Soquel, 831-479-9777, michaelsonmain.info

New Bohemia Brewing Co.

1030 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-350-0253, nubobrew.com

Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing

402 Ingalls St., #27, Santa Cruz, 831-425-4900, scmbrew.com

Sante Adairius Rustic Ales 

103 Kennedy Drive, Capitola, 831-462-1227, rusticales.com

Sante Adairius Santa Cruz Portal

1315 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-201-4141, rusticales.com

Seabright Social  

519 Seabright Ave., #107, Santa Cruz, 831-426-2739, seabrightsocial.com

Shanty Shack Brewing

138 Fern St., Santa Cruz, 831-3160800, shantyshackbrewing.com

Slough Brewing Collective

65 Hangar Way D, Watsonville, 831-288-3152, thesloughbrewing.com

Steel Bonnet Brewing Co.

20 Victor Square, Scotts Valley, 831-621-6270, steelbon.net

Uncommon Brewers 

303 Potrero St., Santa Cruz, 831-621-6270, uncommonbrewers.com

West End Tap and Kitchen

334 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, 831-471-8115, westendtap.com

Woodhouse Blending & Brewing 

119 Madrone St., Santa Cruz, 831-739-2337, woodhousebrews.com

This guide is part of Explore Santa Cruz 2021.

Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College

Open year-round, rain or shine, from 8am-noon on Saturdays. 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, montereybayfarmers.org 

Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers Market

Fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, seafood, honey, flowers, and chocolate are all available. Open 1-6pm on Wednesdays at Lincoln and Cedar streets in Santa Cruz. Visit facebook.com/santacruzfarmersmarket and santacruzfarmersmarket.org. 

Felton Farmers Market

Open 1-6pm on Tuesdays. Fresh fruit, vegetables and food. 120 Russell Ave., Felton. Visit facebook.com/santacruzfarmersmarket and santacruzfarmersmarket.org.

Live Oak Farmers Market

Open 9am-1pm on Sundays. Local organic fruit, vegetables, flowers, and prepared food. East Cliff Shopping Center at 15th Avenue and East Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. Visit facebook.com/santacruzfarmersmarket and santacruzfarmersmarket.org. 

Westside Farmers Market

Open 9am-1pm on Saturdays, year-round, rain or shine. Fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers and locally prepared foods. Western Drive and Mission Street Extension in Santa Cruz. Visit facebook.com/santacruzfarmersmarket and santacruzfarmersmarket.org. 

Scotts Valley Farmers Market

Open 9am-1pm on Saturdays, year-round. Fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers. Scotts Valley Square off Mount Hermon Road. Visit facebook.com/santacruzfarmersmarket and santacruzfarmersmarket.org. 

UCSC Farm and Garden

Fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers. 1156 High St., Santa Cruz, 831-459-3240. casfs.ucsc.edu 

This guide is part of Explore Santa Cruz 2021.

AMERICAN

515 Kitchen & Cocktails

515 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-5051, 515santacruz.com

One of the best places for cocktails, where mixologists work with loads of ingredients (have you ever seen so many types of bitters?) and present a dizzying array of house recipes. Small plates as well as dinner entrées are thoughtfully crafted in this creatively designed venue. Cool staff and patrons. 

Alderwood

155 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, 831-588-3238, alderwoodsantacruz.com

Located in downtown Santa Cruz, Alderwood is a coastal steakhouse with dining-room, bar and chef’s-counter seating. 

Aptos St. BBQ  

8059 Aptos St., Aptos, 831-662-1721, aptosstbbq.com 

Aptos St. BBQ has a few recipes for success: sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, a large craft beer list, a roadhouse vibe, mouthwatering Texas-style tri-tip, hot links, ribs, and more. 

Avenue Cafe

427 Capitola Ave., Capitola, 831-515-7559

This neighborhood restaurant in a quaint Capitola cottage is a great place to meet family and friends for a delicious traditional breakfast or lunch. Patrons line up to enjoy the award-winning Eggs Benedict.

Back Nine Grill & Bar

555 Hwy. 17, Santa Cruz, 831-423-5000, backninegrill.com

Inspired by rich local history—the restaurant sits adjacent to Pasatiempo Golf Club designed by Alister MacKenzie in 1929—and the style of food preparation dating back to Rancho Carbonero Mexican Land Grant on which the land now resides.

Beach Hut Deli 

381 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-431-6921, beachhutdeli.com/store/santa-cruz

Delicious hot and cold sandwiches, salads and snacks with a tiki vibe. 

Bittersweet Bistro 

787 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos, 831-662-9799 bittersweetbistro.com

American bistro cuisine with Mediterranean influences features a special emphasis on local and organic produce. 

Bruno’s Bar and Grill 

230 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-438-2227, brunosbarandgrill.com

American bar and grill with a bottomless mimosa brunch and a famous, big Bloody Mary that includes too many toppings to list here, but it is a work of art—think Leaning Tower of Pisa—that will not leave you hungry or thirsty. 

The Buttery

702 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-458-3020, butterybakery.com 

This beloved bakery has it all, plus a loyal crowd to prove it. They show up for cakes, pies, tarts, cookies, plus creative sandwiches, hot breakfast items and so much more.  

Café Cruz

2621 41st Ave., Soquel, 831-476-3801, cafecruz.com 

One of the most successful restaurants in the area, Café Cruz stands out for its commitment to serving reliably delicious, locally and sustainably sourced cuisine in a lively atmosphere. Coupled with a superior wine list, this is a culinary haven.

Café Gratitude

103 Lincoln St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-9583, cafegratitude.com  

A “plant-based” culinary romp. Fresh, organic food is served at this unique eatery. After sampling its vast list of vegetarian treats and drinks, and its inventive food creations, you’ll want to take home a cookbook.  

Café Rio

131 Esplanade, Aptos, 831-688-8917, caferioaptos.com 

This restaurant on the beach is a great date night spot with romantic views, delectable seafood and filet mignon. Across the courtyard, you’ll find their casual spot, Flats Bistro, for artisan pizza, gourmet coffee and more.  

Chill Out Café  

860 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-477-0543

Known for its breakfast burritos—20 to choose from—plus sandwiches, salads and smoothies, this Pleasure Point beach shack serves breakfast all day and evening, plus a good selection of espresso drinks that you can enjoy on the garden patio.

Crepe Place

1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-6994, thecrepeplace.com  

The Crepe Place has been serving a giant selection of delectable crepes since 1973. A locals’ favorite, they also dish up enormous salads and weekend breakfast. The outdoor garden and an extensive selection of single malts also make this place stand out. 

Crow’s Nest    

2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com 

This very popular restaurant in the Yacht Harbor wins points for its large menu of fresh seafood, steaks, chicken, and appetizers—but it’s known for excellent service and incredible views.

Davenport Roadhouse

1 Davenport Ave., Davenport, 831-426-8801, davenportroadhouse.com 

From breakfast to lunch and dinner, this tasty restaurant in the seaside town of Davenport is well worth the gorgeous 10-minute drive up Highway 1 from Santa Cruz. 

East End Gastropub

1501 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-475-8010, eastendpub.com

This refreshingly refined sister of West End Tap offers new American dishes that match well with the house craft beer. Creative takes on pizza, burgers, salads, and entrees like pork belly and strip steak.

Erik’s DeliCafe  

See all locations at eriksdelicafe.com/locations  

Sandwiches, salads and soups. 

The Grille at Delaveaga  

401 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz, 831-423-1600, delaveagagolf.com/dining 

The newly renovated, award-winning restaurant offers continental and California cuisine featuring carefully sourced ingredients from many local and organic farms. Enjoy the stunning views, cozy built-in fireplace, full bar, outdoor patio and deck seating.

Heavenly Roadside Cafe    

1210 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-335-1210, heavenlyroadsidecafe.com 

A casual place to find modern takes on classic favorites made with fresh ingredients. Breakfast options abound, or stop in for their John Wayne burger topped with bbq sauce and housemade onion rings from their burger bar.

Hindquarter Bar & Grille   

303 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-7770, thehindquarter.com 

Hindquarter’s Smoky Platter has a bit of everything, including Chicago baby back ribs. Aged Angus top sirloin steaks, catch-of-the-day fish, live Maine lobster, pastas, burgers and steak-cut french fries are the restaurant’s specialties. Meats are house-smoked.

Hollins House

20 Clubhouse Road, Santa Cruz, 831-459-9177, thehollinshouse.com/restaurant 

An elegant dinner house at the Pasatiempo Golf Course, the 1930’s building is filled with earthy charm. On a cool night, enjoy a drink by the fireplace before settling in to your table, or on a warm night relish the views of the Monterey Bay from the outdoor patio.

Holy Smokes Country BBQ

21505 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-471-8787, holysmokescountrybbqandcatering.com

This popular caterer has opened a restaurant in East Cliff Village. Enjoy your favorite ribs, brisket, chicken, and more.

Home

3101 N Main St., Soquel, 831-431-6131, homesoquel.com

In charming Soquel Village, Home serves up the finest local, seasonal veggies and local meats prepared by talented Chef Brad Briske. 

Ideal Bar & Grill  

106 Beach St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-5271, idealbarandgrill.com 

Fish, steaks and pasta dishes shine at this venue, where you can reach out and almost touch the sand. A fun, you’re-on-vacation scene prevails. There’s salsa dancing on the patio if your timing is right.

Iveta Cafe  

2125 Delaware Ave., Santa Cruz, city, iveta.com  

Offering all-natural artisan baking mixes and freshly prepared meals that recall the European-style cafes. 

The View at Chaminade  

1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, 831-475-5600, chaminade.com 

At one of the more dramatic views, The View brings the local agricultural bounty to your plate accompanied by wines of the Central California Coast. Live music every week featuring local artists from around Santa Cruz, the Central Coast and Bay Area. 

Malone’s Grille 

4402 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 831-438-2244, malonesgrille.com

Burgers, steaks, cocktails, and karaoke. Enough said.

MacKenzie Bar & Grill

18 Clubhouse Road, Santa Cruz, 831-459-9162, pasatiempo.com 

Enjoy a picturesque setting for breakfast or lunch near a fireplace, or with a view of the Monterey Bay. Post-golf drinks and appetizers are especially pleasant on the veranda near Pasatiempo’s ninth green. Breakfast is served all day.

Michael’s on Main   

2591 S. Main St., Soquel, 831-479-9777, michaelsonmain.net 

Cutting-edge comfort food with classics such as Yankee Style Pot Roast are featured alongside well-done dishes, like Braised Short Ribs. The bar is a popular spot to catch live music, and they have a new tap room to keep the good times flowing.

Oswald  

121 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-7427, oswaldrestaurant.com 

One of the area’s finest restaurants. From fresh seafood entrées to fine meats, Oswald does everything well and tastefully. The presentations, decor and excellent wine list all add up to a memorable meal—and evening.

Paradise Beach Grille    

215 Esplanade, Capitola, 831-476-4900, paradisebeachgrille.com

One of the best restaurants in Capitola, this casual culinary paradise overlooks the bay. You’ll find flavors of the Hawaiian Islands as well as authentic California cuisine. The extensive local wine list is a plus—so are the great martinis.

Persephone   

7945 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-612-6511, persephonerestaurant.com

A fine dining establishment focused on offering the best and freshest ingredients Santa Cruz County has to offer.

Pretty Good Advice   

3070 Porter St., Soquel, 831-226-2805, prettygoodadvicesoquel.com

Hyper-local, fast-casual dining spot run by not one, but four renowned chefs. The ever-evolving menu items are all made in house, from scratch. Gather on the sunny patio or grab something to go.

Red Restaurant  

200 Locust St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-1913, redrestaurantandbarsc.com 

In a spacious room suffused with red light, a bar with comfy furniture flows into the restaurant where locals indulge in reasonably priced sandwiches, sliders, battered salmon and chips, and more. Home to a late-night bar scene, the earlier hours make for a mellow, romantic experience and an ideal place for conversation.

River Café    

415 River St., Suite K, Santa Cruz, 831-420-1280, rivercafesantacruz.com   

This café offers organic, farm-fresh meals. An extensive panini menu makes it a great lunch option, and make sure to grab a housemade organic cookie to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Sanderlings at Seascape Beach Resort

One Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos, 831-662-7120, sanderlingsrestaurant.com

Elegant-yet-casual dining, an ocean view, and California Coastal cuisine, including selections of seafood, steaks, pasta, and other golden state classics.

Santa Cruz Diner 

909 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-7151, santacruzdiner.com

Kid-friendly spot for breakfast all day, classic American eats and international options such as pho.

Severino’s Bar & Grill    

7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos, 831-688-8987, seacliffinn.com

The comfortable bar-restaurant also has outdoor seating along a koi pond. A designed-to-please menu features seafood, pastas and a variety of meat dishes. Severino’s is a relaxing spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour. The 10-12 ounce New York Steak is delicious. 

Shadowbrook

1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 831-475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com

A destination restaurant, the lush Shadowbrook grounds are in a beautiful creekside setting. Ride the antique cable car from the top of the multi-level restaurant or walk the path. The bar can be crowded and fun, with music and a pizza oven for casual dining. Dining rooms range from romantic and intimate to ideal for group gatherings. Many classic dishes and California influences on the fine menu.

Sid’s Smokehouse   

10110 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-662-2227, sidssmokehouse.com 

This hotspot boasts wood-fired pizza, slow-cooked barbecue favorites—from pulled pork to ribs—and some incredibly tasty wood-fired mac ’n’ cheese.

Soif

105 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-2020, soifwine.com 

Soif is aptly named. “Thirst” in French, it’s a wine-lover’s heaven, with a top selection of wines by the glass and an adjacent wine shop. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal dishes, prepared with finesse, and jazz on Mondays is a treat.

Solaire Restaurant & Bar

611 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 831-600-4545, solairerestaurant.com 

With a poolside bar, Solaire at Hotel Paradox gives customers a modern, chic experience that can be hard to find in Santa Cruz. This spot promises a level of service customers can expect from a fine hotel, yet is as relaxed as a vacation should be.

Sotola Bar & Grill

231 Esplanade, Suite 102, Capitola, 831-854-2800, sotolabarandgrill.com

California farmstead local cuisine made with farm-fresh ingredients and local seafood. Full bar, great patio and fantastic views. 

Stonehouse Bar and Grill   

6001 La Madrona Drive, Scotts Valley, 831-440-1000, hiltonsantacruz.com 

Winning raves for its creative California cuisine, Stonehouse—located inside the Hilton—also boasts a full bar and offers a vast selection of some of the area’s finest local wines and signature brews.

Süda

3910 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-600-7068, eatsuda.com 

With a focus on well-prepared, healthy food and taking care of the customer, Süda has a great vibe. The well-designed space features indoor and outdoor seating, a bar-restaurant combo, and a well-rounded menu that includes expertly seasoned fish tacos, pasta, meats, amazing burgers, and more.

Venus Spirits, Cocktails & Kitchen 

200 High Road, Santa Cruz, 831-600-7376, venusspirits.com 

Local distillery producing small batch spirits, with tasting and handcrafted cocktails and food right next door.

Vim Dining & Desserts 

2238 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-515-7033, vimsantacruz.com 

Chef Jesikah Stolaroff crafts New American cuisine, drawing inspiration from her family’s Italian roots, as well as innovative desserts. 

Walnut Avenue Cafe

106 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-457-2804, walnutavenuecafe.com

Walnut Avenue Cafe specializes in warm, swift service, excellent espresso drinks and well-endowed plates of freshly-made, classic American breakfast. Friendly service rules at Walnut Avenue Cafe.

The Water Street Grill

503 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-332-6122, thewaterstreetgrill.com

This family-owned restaurant features farm-to-table food, a wine bar and a beer bar. 

West End Tap & Kitchen

334 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, 831-471-8115, westendtap.com 

With hints of French and Japanese flavors, co-owner Geoff Hargrave goes beyond typical tap room fare. Located in the bustling complex on Ingalls Street, West End Tap has become a destination on Santa Cruz’s Westside.

Whale City Bakery

490 Hwy. 1, Davenport, 831-423-9009, whalecitybakery.com

Stop in for a ham and cheese croissant before hitting the beach, or end your day with tacos. Featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a large selection of pies and baked goods, Whale City Bakery has it all. 

Wharf House

Capitola Wharf, Capitola, 831-476-3534, wharfhouse.com

A view accompanies breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy the bar on the upper deck. 

Wingstop   

845 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-454-9464

Wings, wings and more wings! With more than 10 flavors, and options for sauces and sides, there’s something for everyone. Each order is made fresh and served up piping hot.

Wooden Nickel Bar and Grill

1819 Freedom Blvd., Freedom, 831-724-2600

The Wooden Nickel offers traditional American cuisine, big french fries and crispy onion rings, all for reasonable prices with daily lunch and dinner specials.

Woodie’s Café    

25 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-421-9410 

Inspired by Woodie’s on the Wharf, Woodie’s Café is a fun, casual and affordable eatery. Here you’ll find Killer Burgers, Righteous Ribs, Screamin’ Starters, and Epic Entrées.

Your Place

1719 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-3564, yourplacesc.com 

Farm-to-table food, and lovingly run by two partners who make each guest feel personally invited. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are a delicious value. There’s a full bar, and even the menu has personality. 

Zachary’s Restaurant

819 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-0646, zacharyssantacruz.com 

Locals know how to ease into the day at this bustling morning hangout. The omelets are impressive, but actually, everything on the menu is bountiful and done well. Try Mike’s Mess.

Zelda’s   

203 Esplanade, Capitola, 831-475-4900, zeldasonthebeach.com 

Happy hour delights, plus lobster night and more. Nab anything from appetizers to fish and meats and dine on the deck or indoors.

FOOD TRUCKS

Food Trucks A Go Go  

foodtrucksagogo.com/upcoming-events 

A pioneer on the local food truck scene, they regularly hold events around Santa Cruz County. 

Scrumptious Fish and Chips 

831-291-1091, scrumptiousfc.com   

Mobile food trailer serving authentic British-style, scratch-made fish and chips in the Santa Cruz community. Best Of Santa Cruz award winner!

ITALIAN

Aldo’s Harbor Restaurant 

790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz, 831-426-3736

Plenty take note of the great breakfast menu, but lunch or dinner on the harborside deck are great, too. Aldo’s has been heralded for its amazing Eggs Benedict, calamari and fresh salmon, but don’t stop there. 

Bella Roma Caffe

316 Capitola Ave., Capitola, 831-464-2608, bellaromacaffe.com

At this welcoming restaurant in Capitola Village, the Italian owner-chef of Bella Roma has gathered his favorite recipes from friends and family to comprise the menu so favored by regulars. Gluten-free or wheat pasta, and plenty of entrées without pasta, too.

Café Mare    

740 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-458-1212, cafemare.com 

A downtown treasure and an escape from trends. At this authentic Italian ristorante, the recipes come from the heart. Great wine list and friendly staff. 

Caruso’s Tuscan Cuisine    

115 San Jose Ave., Capitola, 831-465-9040, carusos-capitola.com  

Authentic Italian cuisine where every dish has its own distinct style. There’s no shortage of variety either: lamb shanks, sea bass, pizza and, of course, delicious pasta.

Ella’s at the Airport  

100 Aviation Way, Watsonville, 831-728-3282, ellasinwatsonville.com  

Serving Italian and American dishes using fresh, local ingredients. 

La Posta    

538 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-457-2782, lapostarestaurant.com 

Seabright’s cozy hotspot continues to win raves for its distinctly original creations that are the refined handiwork of a kitchen dedicated to excellence. The housemade bread is superb, and there won’t be a mediocre glass of wine in the house.

Lago Di Como    

21490 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-454-8247, lagodicomoristorante.com 

This popular eatery features traditional Northern Italian cuisine and an impressive wine list. Check out their wood-fired pizzas.

Lillian’s Italian Kitchen   

1148 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-425-2288, lilliansitaliankitchen.com 

Mamma Mia—you won’t walk away hungry. Lillian’s is friendly and affordable, and all the food comes from recipes handed down to the owner from his family. Customers get a fascinating taste of old-fashioned favorites in bountiful portions.

Pizzeria La Bufala

725 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-999-0301, pizzerialabufala.com

Led by Chef Sandro Costanza and his wife Luciana Costanza, this spot aims to bring back the Neapolitan tradition of pizza making.

Ristorante Avanti   

1917 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-0135, avantisantacruz.com  

One of the area’s most favored Italian restaurants wins high marks for its consistently exemplary cuisine, service that shines as bright, and a beautifully designed, airy dining room.

Ristorante Italiano    

555 Soquel Ave., Suite 150, Santa Cruz, 831-458-2321, ristoranteitalianosc.com  

This Italian venue has many devoted followers of its authentic cuisine, full bar, catering, and takeout. Dine under the oaks on their patio and try the Fisherman Cioppino.

Sugo Italian Pasta Bar 

1116 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-431-6965, sugoitalianpastabar.com

Authentic, handmade Italian cuisine available for dine-in, takeout and catering. 

Tramonti

528 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-7248, tramontisantacruz.com  

Tramonti’s Italian chef keeps customers coming back for more. It’s casual in a pleasant, authentic Italian way, with mouthwatering lasagna, gnocchi and thin-crust pizza made with fine ingredients. Even the olive oil is a cut above.

Zoccoli’s    

1534 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-1711, zoccolis.com 

Going strong now for more than 60 years, Zoccoli’s is often packed with locals. The family-owned vibe and attention to detail here truly stands out. That, and everything from its cheese selection to numerous sandwich options and deli salads keeps ’em coming.

MEXICAN

Café El Palomar   

2222 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-477-0371, cafeelpalomar.com 

Inexpensive beachside-taqueria Mexican food and premium margaritas, this breezy location is beloved by locals. Try the chicken mole, or find any excuse to order just the homemade corn tortillas. Also try Leo’s Special—shrimp, snapper, ceviche, skirt steak with rice, beans and guacamole. 

Cilantros Mexican Restaurant 

1934 Main St., Watsonville, 831-761-2161, cilantroswatsonville.com 

A festive atmosphere accompanies some terrific Mexican fare—and the entrées are abundantly portioned. Great list of appetizers and beverages. Eat this: Homemade Tortilla Soup.

El Jardín 

655 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz, 831-477-9384, eljardinrestaurant.net 

A friendly staff, unique sauces and gorgeous desserts shine at this great local restaurant. Winner of best mole sauce in a blind tasting at the Mole and Mariachi Festival. 

El Palomar   

1336 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-425-7575, elpalomarsantacruz.com 

Try the taco bar for a quick bite, dine in style in the historic dining room, or snack in the vibrant bar. It continues to win Best Mexican Restaurant in GT’s Readers’ Poll. Try: Burrito de Camarones.

Margaritaville

231 Esplanade, Capitola Village, 831-476-4366, margaritavillecapitola.com

A contemporary makeover features Mexican cuisine with an accent on seafood and fresh and local ingredients. And really, there’s no other place you’d rather go if you blow out your flip-flop stepping on a pop top.

Manuel’s Restaurant

261 Center Ave., Aptos, 831-688-4848, manuelsrestaurant.com

Manuel Santana opened his restaurant in 1965, and the business has been family-operated ever since, serving traditional recipes with a smile.

Maya Mexican Restaurant

3115 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 831-438-7004, mayasv.com

Serving classic dishes from the heart of Michoacán, Mexico, the family-owned and operated Maya Mexican Restaurant won first place in the 2012 and 2013 Santa Cruz Golden Awards.

Olitas Cantina and Grille 

49B Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-458-9393, olitassantacruz.com 

A south-of-the-border, seafood-focused menu with Yucatan and Veracruz-influenced specialties is served in this upbeat spot with views all around. 

Tacos Moreno    

1053 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-6095; 1601 41st Ave., Capitola (next to See’s Candy), 831-464-8810  

A favorite local taqueria that offers classic Mexican fare—burritos, tacos and more. 

Taqueria Vallarta    

For locations, visit taqueriavallartaonline.com, 831-464-7022 

Large selection of Mexican meats for burritos, tacos, enchiladas and more at multiple locations around town. 

Tortilla Flats 

4616 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-476-1754, tortillaflatsdining.com 

From its Original Margarita to the impressive house specials, this is Mexican dining at its best. The delightful, bustling restaurant is in charming Soquel Village. Try this: Chicken Mole.    

ASIAN/SUSHI

Akira 

1222 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-600-7093, akirasantacruz.com; 105 Post Office Drive, Aptos, 831-708-2154, akiraaptos.com 

Akira has the feel of a neighborhood hangout, and even if you don’t know anyone, you can be part of the scene. The extensive vegetarian menu and creative rolls are designed to please demanding sushi fans. 

Canton  

900 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-475-8751, cantonsantacruz.com 

Specializes in Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine with Mandarin, Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese blended in. Family recipes make flavorful use of fresh ingredients. Vegetarian-friendly. Choice beer, wine and sake selections. Free WiFi.

Geisha 

200 Monterey Ave., Capitola, 831-464-3328,geishasushicapitola.com   

Geisha offers up a tasty, sustainable menu that sticks to the Seafood Watch and FishWise guides and programs, and carries local, seasonal ingredients when possible. Note the full-page vegetarian menu. 

Kaito

Capitola Mall food court, Capitola, 831-464-2586, smilekaito.com

Spicy Miso Ramen, Ja-Ja Ramen, Shoyu Ramen—Kaito has every kind of ramen your heart could desire, and also sushi tapas for the lighter pre-evening meals.

Malabar Café/Asian Rose   

514 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-458-3023 

The art of vegetarian Sri Lankan cooking is on display. Dig the naan bread and garlic oil, and pretty much anything on the menu. The food, wait staff, and pretty dining room has earned a strong following. It’s alcohol-free, so stop at one of the downtown bars if you’d like a drink before dinner.

Mayflower Chinese Restaurant   

3555 Clares St., Capitola, 831-476-4688, mayflowerfood.com  

This is truly authentic Chinese cuisine. Try the Sweet and Sour Pork.

Mobo Sushi 

105 River St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-1700, mobosushirestaurant.com 

One of the most popular sushi spots in the area delivers a huge variety of selections, all made by master chefs. Nosh on the impressive non-sushi menu items found here, too.

Naka Sushi

1200 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-479-9620, nakasushi.org 

If it’s a time-honored traditional approach to the art of sushi you’re after, look no further than chef Naka-san’s generous creations at Naka Sushi in Capitola. Try: Unagi Nigiri or anything from the nightly specials board.

Otoro Sushi  

235 Mt Hermon Road #G, Scotts Valley, 831-440-9040 

Great ambiance, friendly service and fresh fish at Scotts Valley favorite. 

Pacific Thai

1319 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-420-1700, pacificthaisantacruz.com

A downtown favorite since 2005, Pacific Thai fuses their love for Thai cuisine with boba drinks. Noodles with shrimp, salmon in a coconut milk curry, papaya salad, cold Thai tea: their lunch items are a sure favorite.

Real Thai Kitchen

1632 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2559, realthaisantacruz.com 

Real Thai Kitchen can make you feel like you’re in Thailand. The dining room is pleasantly abuzz with takeout as well as dine-in customers, and the hospitality and food are as fresh as a Thai orchid.

Rumble Fish  

4727 Scotts Valley Dr, Scotts Valley, 831-440-9240, rumblefish-sv.com  

Impressive menu with lots of specialty rolls. 

Sabieng Thai Cuisine

1218 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-1020, sabiengthaicuisine.com

Sabieng serves classic Thai fare in a casual environment and has won numerous awards for its outstanding food.

Sala Thai  

353 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-1241, salathaisantacruz.com 

Sala Thai features authentic Thai cuisine as well as traditional Vietnamese Pho.

Sapporo Ramen 

1200 41st Ave., in the New Leaf Center, Capitola, 831-475-3688, sappororamenca.com 

This relative newcomer features a variety of traditional ramen, as well as creative Japanese dishes such as scallop and pork belly skewers.

Sawasdee Thai Cuisine 

5050 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-462-5051, sawasdeesoquel.com 

Husband-and-wife owners Bill and Dee Hongmanee have drawn from every region of Thailand to build their menu. Their success led to the opening of Sawasdee By The Sea.

Sawasdee By The Sea 

101 Main St., Santa Cruz, 831-466-9009, sawasdeebythesea.com  

Sawasdee’s second location is right down the street from the Boardwalk. You’ll find the same great Thai food, with panoramic ocean views. The full bar and friendly staff are bonuses.

Shogun Japanese Restaurant  

1123 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-469-4477, shogunjapaneserestaurant.com   

Fully loaded menu with a vast selection of sushi rolls, plus lunch and dinner boxes. One of the bright spots along Pacific Avenue.

Star of Siam

3005 Porter St., Soquel, 831-479-0366, starofsiamsoquel.com

Serving traditional Thai cuisine in the heart of Soquel for more than 30 years, with a comfortable, open space suitable for parties and families. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

 

Sushi Garden 

820 Bay Ave., Capitola, 831-464-9192, sushi-garden.com ; 1441 Main St., Watsonville, 831-728-9192; 38 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, 831-661-0721, sushigardenaptos.com; 5600 Scotts Valley Drive, Suite C, Scotts Valley, 831-438-9260, sushigardenscottsvalley.com 

This pretty, feel-good restaurant is known for its occasional sake-tasting parties, as well as fine sushi. Portions are plentiful and there is a large sake list. 

Yan Flower

1617 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-2574, yanflower.com

Located at the end of Pacific Avenue close to the Santa Cruz Wharf and Boardwalk, this popular restaurant offers made-to-order authentic Chinese cuisine to eat in or take out. 

HAWAIIAN/HAWAIIAN FUSION

Aloha Island Grille  

1700 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-479-3299, alohaislandgrille.com 

One block from the beach and 3,000 miles from Hawaii, Aloha Island Grille is known for its portions, great prices and ono (good) food.

Hula’s Bar & Grill and Tiki Lounge  

221 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-4852, hulastiki.com 

Massively popular due to its island feel and tasty plates like Duke’s Luau Pork Plate, Island Style Cioppino, Sweet Potato Fries and more. The full bar knocks out some good cocktails, too.

Makai Island Kitchen and Groggery 

49A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-466-9766, makaisantacruz.com

Located on the Santa Cruz wharf, surrounded by the beauty of the Monterey Bay, Makai Island Kitchen serves up the foods, flavors, flowers, and fun of Hawaii and beyond. 

Pono Hawaiian Grill  

3744 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz, 831-476-7458 

Serving pupus, poke, plate lunches and more, along with craft beers, cider and local wine. 

MEDITERRANEAN/EUROPEAN

Café Sparrow 

8042 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-688-6238, cafesparrow.com 

“Country French” comes alive in this charm-drenched cafe for breakfast, lunch, a romantic dinner, or family get-togethers. If your idea of comfort food runs to gourmet, this is your place. 

Gabriella Café  

910 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 831-457-1677, gabriellacafe.com   

The seductive menu continues to make Gabriella the quintessential Santa Cruz date restaurant, yet the reasonable prices make romance affordable every day. Locally sourced produce, sustainable meats and seafood, and attention to detail make Gabriella a winner. 

Laili

101 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-4545, lailirestaurant.com

Perfect for date night, Laili serves kabobs, flatbreads and creative dishes based on contemporary Mediterranean and Afghan inspiration. Try dishes that include housemade chutneys and sauces. One of the better values downtown.

Mozaic

110 Church St., Santa Cruz, 831-454-8663, mozaicsantacruz.com 

Specializing in recipes from Greece, Lebanon, Turkey, and Sicily, Mozaic offers a full bar with specialty cocktails, and belly dancing on Friday nights. 

Nick the Greek

1133 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-431-6313, nickthegreeksj.com 

Traditional Greek street food. Gyros and Souvlaki just like the old country. 

Vasili’s Greek Restaurant 

1501A Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-458-9808, vasilisgreekrestaurant.com 

Greek dishes that many of us know and love are made fresh at this down-to-earth restaurant that feels like a visit to a Greek taverna. Try classic Greek specialties and Greek wine. 

Zameen Mediterranean Cuisine 

7528 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-688-4465; 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-713-5520, zameencuisine.com 

Casual dining for falafel, kebabs (including vegetarian) and spicy lamb dishes. Entrées come in three sizes and the prices are right. Beer and wine. 

BURGERS & PIZZAS

Bantam

1010 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-420-0101, bantam1010.com 

A true standout in the wave of craft pizza places, Bantam has developed a following of foodies who love the restaurant’s organic ingredients, innovative menu and reasonable prices.

Betty Burgers    

1000 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-475-5901; 505 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-8190, bettyburgers.com 

Serving up delicious burgers made from Black Angus beef in two prime locations, Betty’s is a local hit. You’ll dig the fries, onion rings and shakes. 

Betty’s Eat Inn 

1222 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-600-7056  

The sister eatery to the popular Betty Burgers adds some zest to the downtown strip, with striking aesthetics in this Santa Cruz version of a diner. Front patio seating and good bar service.

burger. 

1520 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-5300; 7941 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-662-2811, burgerlovesbeer.com 

A modern burger place like no other, these two popular hotspots win points for California grass-fed beef, local produce and a creative menu. Check out the amazing shakes and loads of brews on tap. 

Cassidy’s Pizza   

1400 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, 831-724-2271, cassidyspizza.com  

Family-owned spot serving pizza, sandwiches, and classic appetizers like garlic bread and buffalo wings. 

East Side Eatery  

800 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-431-6058, pleasurepizzasc.com 

Across the street from sister restaurant Pleasure Pizza, East Side Eatery boasts the same great pizza, plus salads, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, and a dog-friendly outdoor patio.

Engfer Pizza Works    

537 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1856, engferpizzaworks.com 

You have to love a place that offers built-to-suit toppings, where the traditional mushroom and sausage compete with more avant-garde arrangements like broccoli and pesto. Gluten-free options.

Joe’s Pizza & Subs     

841 Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-5955

Great sandwiches, darn good pizza, surprisingly good Middle Eastern fare—and more. Very good value.

Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar 

1100 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-469-4400, kiantis.com 

The staff dances, the food sizzles, the crowd is having fun. Try any original breakfast pizza or the traditional Italian pizza. 

Main Street Burgers & Brews

1116 Main St., Watsonville, 831-536-4632

South County burger spot features 100% natural, grass-fed beef, with a range of options that stretch from the classic double cheeseburger to a chorizo burger and barbecue pulled pork. Wide selection of beers. 

Mountain Mike’s 

3715 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-477-7760, mountainmikesportoladrive.com

Sometimes only Mountain Mike’s can fix it. And they deliver.

Pizza My Heart  

1116 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-2511; 209 Esplanade, Capitola, 831-475-5714; 2180 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-475-6000, pizzamyheart.com  

A multiple winner for Best Pizza in GT’s Best of Santa Cruz Readers’ Poll, Pizza My Heart has mastered the art of creating the finest slices with walk-through ordering, as well as popular whole pizzas.

Pizzeria Avanti 

1711 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-1807, pizzeriaavanti.net 

Delicious and inventive pizza, pasta, salads and more, made with locally sourced organic ingredients and humanely raised meats. Nice selection of wine, beer and desserts.

Pleasure Pizza 

4000 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-475-4999; 1415 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-600-7859; pleasurepizzasc.com 

At Portola and 41st, the original Pleasure Pizza is the surfers’ choice for snagging a slice before or after catching some waves. At the downtown location, everyone gets to enjoy this local favorite.

Redwood Pizzeria  

6205 Highway 9, Felton, 831-335-1500, redwoodpizza.com 

Serving organic pizza, lasagne and salads with locally sourced ingredients.  

Upper Crust Pizza and Pasta 

2415 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-9010, uppercrustsc.com  

Upper Crust serves up unique Sicilian square pizza, as well as homemade-style pasta dishes, oven-baked sandwiches, thin-crust pizzas and Sicilian muffaletta sandwiches. 

Woodstock’s Pizza 

710 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-4444, woodstockscruz.com 

Great taste meets epic party. From Sriracha to carnitas to tater tots and bacon, recipes are classic or creative, with whole wheat or GF crust options. Craft beer, outdoor patio, delivery.

TEAS AND COFFEES

The Abbey  

350 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1058, abbeycoffee.org 

The Abbey is an off-the-beaten-track gem of a hangout for students and all who still feel at home in student hangouts. Spacious with a special vibe. Excellent housemade chai and hibiscus coolers. 

Cafe del Sol

1266 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-8632, staffoflifemarket.com 

Inside the Staff of Life natural foods store, Cafe del Sol is part of a larger covered outdoor market. Specialty coffees, made-to-order juices and smoothies can be had at one of the greenest companies around. On-site bakery.

Cat & Cloud Coffee 

3600 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz; 719 Swift St., Suite 56, Santa Cruz; 10 Parade St., Suite A, Aptos; 725 Front St., Santa Cruz, catandcloud.com

Cat & Cloud’s roasting philosophy strays from the brighter, more acidic lighter roasts that tend to be favored by the specialty coffee industry to darker roasts, which they view as more approachable for the average coffee drinker.  

Coffeetopia  

1723 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-6583; 3701 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-477-1940; 1443 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz, 831-476-5488, coffeetopia.com

Counter service where the baristas really care about the basics: making you the coffee drink you want. Espresso is the focal point of its many drinks. 

Java Junction

519 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-5282; 580 S. River St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-2128, javajunctioncoffee.com

Roasting the highest quality organic and fair trade coffee and espresso beans, Java Junction is the perfect pick-me-up for your morning commute, or a place to sit and chat with friends.

Mr. Toots   

231 Esplanade, Capitola, 831-475-3679 

The locals’ favorite in Capitola Village offers stellar coffee drinks, a soothing seaside view and the increasingly rare coffee house staple: acoustic music.

Hidden Peak Teahouse  

1541-C Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-4200, hiddenpeakteahouse.com 

A downtown retreat, this serene teahouse offers the finest in organic teas, gung fu tea service and terrific gifts—all made with precise, patient skill.

Lulu Carpenter’s    

1545 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-9804; 911 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-3679, lulucarpenters.com 

A Santa Cruz tradition with classic coffeehouse ambience, Lulu’s is comfortable and well-run. A full kitchen at the downtown location and relationships with coffee growers keep the quality of products high.

Surf City Coffee    

6006 La Madrona Drive, Scotts Valley, 831-430-9112, surfcitycoffee.com 

Surf City knows what is needed in a good coffeehouse. Two things: coffee done right and ambience done right.

Verve Coffee Roasters

1540 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-600-7784; 816 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-475-7776; 104 Bronson St. #19, Santa Cruz, 831-471-8469,1010 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-431-6547, vervecoffee.com  

On the cutting edge of coffee culture—sourcing, roasting and brewing—Verve coffee houses are modern, light-filled meccas that maintain the highest standards.

PUBS

East End Gastropub

1501 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-475-8010, eastendpub.com 

Craft beer, wine, wood-fired pizza and a seasonal menu of small plates and entrées make this East Side sibling of West End Tap & Kitchen a refined neighborhood standby.

Parish Publick House

841 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-421-0507, 8017 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-708-2036, theparishpublick.com 

What’s not to like about The Parish? It’s a lively neighborhood bar with rotating taps, delicious pub fare and full-on atmosphere. The Aptos location has patio seating.

Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing   

402 Ingalls St., #27, Santa Cruz, 831-425-4900, scmbrew.com 

This taproom and beer garden features handcrafted, organic microbrews. 

Seabright Social  

519 Seabright Ave. #107, Santa Cruz, 831-426-2739, seabrightsocial.com 

With home-brewed beers and a diverse selection of pub food, the Seabright community has found a gathering place in this neighborhood hangout. 

Twigs Taphouse  

110 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-915-8715

New taphouse at the former location of 99 Bottles. 

SEAFOOD

Cafe Rio

131 Esplanade, Aptos, 831-688-8917, caferioaptos.com

Cafe Rio features a variety of seafood and steak for a delicious and picturesque beachfront dining experience at Rio Del Mar. Friendly service and delectable desserts are hallmarks.

Dolphin Restaurant    

71A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-426-5830 

The end of the wharf is an attractive location for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A rustic, beachy environment to enjoy with the family, with beautiful views of Monterey Bay. 

Firefish Grill  

25 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-423-5300, firefishgrill.net 

Firefish Grill is downright memorable. It specializes in fresh, traditional seafood, steaks and homemade pasta dishes served California-cuisine style at very reasonable prices. Ocean views from every seat.

Gilda’s   

37 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-423-2010, gildas-restaurant.com 

An old-timey Wharf tradition, the large menu will please everyone in the family. The prices for daily specials are unbeatable. Did we mention the ocean views?

Jack O’Neill Restaurant

175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-460-5012, jackoneillrestaurant.com 

Featuring a menu of modern coastal cuisine with a warm, vintage atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of its namesake, this Dream Inn-adjacent restaurant is also known for its stunning views. 

Johnny’s Harborside 

493 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-479-3430, johnnysharborside.com 

The sailors know best. This is one of the region’s premier seafood restaurants, located at the Harbor. The fresh fish selections are posted on a large board, and if fish isn’t your thing, the French Dip sandwich or anything else on the menu is a safe bet. 

Stagnaro Bros. 

59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-423-2180, stagnarobros.com 

There isn’t a bad dish in the house coming out of this expert kitchen, and the upstairs bar has some of the best views on the wharf. A feel-good eatery with a large selection of fresh seafood, steaks and pasta.

ECLECTIC

Brown Ranch Marketplace    

3555 Clares St., Capitola, 831-464-3555

From Cajun to Mexican to Chinese, Japanese and Trader Joe’s, you won’t go hungry while shopping at this family-owned center. 

Charlie Hong Kong  

1141 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-5664, charliehongkong.com 

Continually voted Best Meal For A Deal in GT’s annual readers’ poll, this counter-service eatery wins points for its “organic Asian street food.” Scrumptious organic veggies and savory meats, plus noodle and rice bowls that are vegan-based. 

Chocolate   

1522 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-9900, chocolatesantacruz.com 

A unique downtown eatery and a farm-to-table kitchen that serves fresh salads, fine sandwiches, eclectic entrées, and of course, chocolate desserts. Chocolate-based chicken mole is the house specialty.

Deke’s Market

334 7th Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-476-5897, dekesmarket.com

Classic market with goods for any occasion and a delightful deli serving juicy chicken and tri-tip fresh every day. Sandwiches are among the best around. They’ll even toast the bread.

Melinda’s Gluten Free Bakery

1420 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-316-5081, melindasbakery.com

Everything is made in house at this gluten-free and peanut-free bakery. Take out or take a table at this small treasure. Savory and sweet treats.

Roux Dat

118 Cooper St., Unit B, Santa Cruz, 831-888-6500, rouxdatcajuncreole.com

Family-run Roux Dat serves classic Cajun Creole with a selection of bold flavors and N’awlins favorites. The hot sauce selection will appeal to any palate’s tolerance for heat and adventure.

Surf City Sandwich

4101 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-346-6952, surfcitysandwich.com

This modern sandwich spot serves creative comfort food with ingredients such as ginger ahi filet, smoked pork shoulder and grass-fed rare roast beef. Salads, beer and more.

Sushi Market Sprouts   

300 7th Ave., Santa Cruz, 465-1177

Great Japanese food to go—from sushi to daifuku. Pre-order if you want something particular. The Japanese gifts are an enjoyable part of the attraction. 

ETHNIC

Ambrosia India Bistro

207 Sea Ridge Road, Aptos, 831-685-0610; 6006-D La Madrona Drive, Scotts Valley, 831-713-5594, ambrosiaib.com

There are two Santa Cruz County locations at which to enjoy the skillfully created Indian artisan dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and exotic spices. 

Cafe Brasil

1410 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1855, cafebrasil.us

The line for Cafe Brasil’s tasty brunch goes all over the lawn on Sunday mornings, and it’s no wonder why. The high-protein dishes, loaded with fruits and vegetables, are a great way to start the day—no matter what you did Saturday night. 

Copal 

1203 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-201-4418, copalrestaurant.com 

Copal offers authentic Oaxacan food, drink, and culture.  

Oyunaa’s Mongolian Cuisine

1209 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-469-9900, oyunaas.com

Oyunaa serves up traditional fare from her native Mongolia, including steamed or fried dumplings, hearty soups and Eurasian salads. Everything is prepared fresh and is handmade daily. 

Pearl of the Ocean

736 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-457-2350 

Owner Ayoma Wilen takes her food so seriously she gets spiritual about it. Wilen buys produce from farmers markets and serves Sri Lankan family recipes in one of the happiest restaurants anywhere. 

Royal Taj India Cuisine    

270 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2400, royaltajsc.com  

Fresh traditional Indian cuisine at affordable prices. Open for lunch and dinner. Try the lunch buffet.

Samba Rock Acai Café    

291 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-458-2224, facebook.com/SambaRockAcaiCafe  

For a chill spot to refresh and relax, cruise to Samba Rock—bicycle parking is free indoors. All menu items are original recipes of the owner at this casual, counter-service café.

Veg on the Edge

726 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-3000, vegontheedge.com 

This popular restaurant serves up vegan West African-influenced dishes and American staples.