This guide is part of Explore Santa Cruz 2020.

Antiques

After Effects 

4920 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-475-5991  

Anyone who appreciates beauty can treat themselves to paintings and prints, while bookworms can indulge their thirst for knowledge. Collectors of kitchenware won’t want to leave without adding a new dish to their collection. 

Center Street Antiques

3010 Center St., Soquel, 831-477-9211, centerstreetantiques.com

A one-stop gathering of 25 antique dealers, Center Street Antiques features an eclectic mix of interesting and one-of-a-kind items.

Loot 

3011 Main St., Soquel, 831-471-8755, lootvintage.blogspot.com

Find vintage items for your home and garden here, or take advantage of their workshops on chalk painting with Annie Sloan, where you’ll learn how to use the magic paint for furniture and other household items.

Town and Country Antiques   

9280 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond, 831-336-5993  

A great selection of lovely stained-glass lamps and antique documents of all sorts, including pictures, ads and stock certificates. 

Wisteria Antiques and Design  

5870 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-462-2900, wisteriaantiques.net   

Wisteria is a direct importer of French antiques and accessories.

Art Galleries

Art du Jour 

7 Squid Row, Santa Cruz, 831-621-0672, artdujour.org  

Art du Jour is a working art space featuring a monthly theme that ties in daily classes and weekly workshops. Visit the gallery to experience local art. Drop in for a class, leave with original artwork. Evening events in the summer, per website schedule. 

Artisans Gallery/Agency 

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

Wall art, jewelry, glass, ceramic, metal work, and various other handcrafted pieces of art—both functional and decorative—can be found at this downtown gallery, as well as lifestyle accessories, home goods and handcrafted furniture.

R. Blitzer Gallery

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

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

Tannery Arts Center

1050 River St., #118, Santa Cruz, 831-621-6226, tanneryartscenter.org

Expanding every year, what began as the union between the city of Santa Cruz and ArtSpace Projects has transcended the Tannery’s mission of an accessible and sustainable home for local artists. The Tannery has blossomed into a haven for art, culture and education for residents, visitors and the public.

Bookshops

Bad Animal

1011 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 831-900-5031, badanimalbooks.com

Where to begin? This independent bookstore, focusing on used rare, fine press books, is also a wine bar and restaurant featuring natural wines and seasonal California-French cuisine. 

Bookshop Santa Cruz  

1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-0900, bookshopsantacruz.com  

It’s famous for so many things—first and foremost, of course, books. This venerable local bookstore is, without a doubt, one of the best and most innovative not just in the Bay Area, but the entire country. Going strong now since 1966, it has survived an earthquake, competitive chain stores and economic downturns. There’s a vast selection of books here, plus a full roster of author events and other community happenings throughout the year.

Frenchy’s Cruzin Books & Video

3960 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-475-9221 

This adult superstore sells adult books and videos, lacy unmentionables, sex toys and more.

Clothing/shoes

Amoureuse 

1119 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-7363 

If you’re looking for a stylish boutique with nourishing body products, accessories, elegant lingerie, classic perfumes, artistic jewelry, and unique gifts, this is the place to shop.

Bunny’s Shoes

1350 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-3824; 7000 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-662-2730 

Looking for lipstick-red shoes with platform heels, or something just plain old comfortable? Bunny’s has a fine selection. The store always has a great sales rack outside as well. Bunny’s in Aptos has a whole line of lovely hats, plus much more.

Camouflage

1329 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-7613, shopcamouflage.com 

Camouflage is a very sexy store! It carries a variety of fine lingerie, sexy clothing and intimate apparel, not to mention a wide array of sex toys. This adult store has been thriving for more than 30 years and is the perfect spot to find that seductive massage oil you’ve been looking for.

Eco Goods

1130 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-5758, ecogoods.com

Environmentally friendly store specializing in organic cotton, hemp and bamboo clothing, as well as body care products, children’s toys, home goods, and more. 

Fybr Bamboo

1528 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-3927, shopfybr.com 

What started as a recognition of the comfort and sustainability of bamboo clothing has evolved into a store that offers a variety of eco-friendly and stylish clothing, plus luxuriously soft bedding as well as locally made jewelry. 

Jill Alexander Designs

221 Mt. Hermon Road, Suite E, Scotts Valley, 831-431-6092, jillalexanderdesigns.com

Independent fashion designer specializes in boho chic, contemporary and trendy women’s clothing for all sizes.

Mmē

910 B Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-216-6366, mme.ltd 

High-end clothing and accessories for women who are looking for timeless staples that they will love wearing. Items are carefully curated for comfort and versatility.

O’My Sole

1339 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-466-3700, omysole.com 

In its new, larger space, O’My Sole has an enormous variety of the comfortable, the beautiful and the desirable—shoes for every kind of foot. O’My Sole will tug at your heartstrings (and maybe your purse strings).

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 

Legendary clothing and gear for surfing and skating.

Pacific Trading Co.

1224 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-3349; 504 C Bay Ave., Capitola, 831-476-6109, pacific-trading-co.com  

This shop has won the GT Readers’ Poll award for Best Women’s Clothing many years in a row. The family-run women’s contemporary boutique also takes pride in customer service.

Rip Curl Santa Cruz

753 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-464-3233, ripcurl.com

All the apparel and gear for time at the beach. 

Shoe Fetish

7542 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-688-6500

For the Carrie Bradshaw in all of us, the perfect place to indulge a true love for shoes. (And bags.) 

SockShop & Shoe Company

1515 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-6101, sockshopandshoeco.com 

One of the best selections of socks and tights you’ll find anywhere, as well as a variety of comfort shoes for men, women and children. Service is great, so you can take your time to choose the right pair.

Synergy Organic Clothing

2151 Delaware Ave., Santa Cruz, 888-466-0411; synergyclothing.com 

With certified organic cotton and eco friendly fibers, the downtown boutique offers a pallet of simple chic in the form of dresses, skirts, jackets, scarves, yoga apparel, tops, and jewelry, while the Soquel outlet offers all of this at a discounted price. Sustainable and conscious business. 

Electronics 

Santa Cruz Tech Exchange

1715 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-600-8915, santacruztechexchange.com 

Buy, sell, and trade all kinds of electronics. 

Fitness 

Toadal Fitness 

113 Lincoln St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-3764; 1200 17th Ave., #108, Santa Cruz, 831-464-3764; 6200 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-475-5979; 269 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-430-9200; 2929 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-466-3764 

Toadal operates on the belief that fitness should be accessible to all, and good health is a key part of happiness. Also: the member is always right. 

Furniture

Couch Potato

3131 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-462-4636, cpotato.com

Quality sofas, sofa beds, recliners, chairs, and sectionals in leather and fabric—indulge the inner couch potato.

Maggie’s Place 

910 A Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-466-2666, maggiesplacesantacruz.com 

This furniture and home décor store also offers design services, aiming to be the go-to place for anyone interested in home décor insight and inspiration.  

Natural Selection Furniture

607 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-4711, naturalselectionfurnituresc.com

Focusing on a casual, contemporary style, Natural Selection offers boutique shopping at affordable prices.

Redo Consign & Redesign

1523 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, 831-439-9201, redoconsign.com

This large space maintains high standards for vintage-to-new furnishings, art, mirrors, lamps, rugs, pots, statuary, and some outdoor items sourced from interior designers, private owners, stagers, and manufacturer sample sales.

SC41 Furniture

2647 41st Ave., Soquel, 831-464-2228, sc41.com 

The award-winning SC41 Furniture store features quality, stylish home furnishings and a large selection that’s worth a few hours of your time. Most are made with sustainable materials.

Garden

DIG Gardens 

420 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-466-3444; 7765 Soquel Drive, #A, Aptos, diggardens.com  

DIG stands for Design Interior Garden, and you will definitely “dig” it! DIG has all kinds of plants—from palms, grevilleas, grasses, and bamboo to succulents and edibles. Stock up on DIG’s large range of organic heirloom veggies for your own garden, and find patio furniture for dining outdoors. 

The Garden Company  

2218 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-8424, thegardenco.com 

From wonderful perennials, tropicals, bulbs, and succulents that are easy to travel with to its gift shop filled with ceramics, candles, books, soaps, lotions, hats, and more, the Garden Company has much to offer. 

Mountain Feed & Farm Supply  

9550 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond, 831-336-8876, mountainfeed.com 

This eccentric and well-rounded locally owned shop is far from simply a feed and farm supply. With its homesteading section, you can find everything you need to do your own canning and make your own cheese and sausage. They also have a gift shop and an expansive edible nursery, along with all sorts of fun things for the home and garden. 

Gifts

Annieglass

310 Harvest Drive, Watsonville, 831-761-2041, annieglass.com 

In addition to being sold at high-end stores like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s, local Ann Morhauser’s glass creations are shipped all over the world. Check out her online store for glassware and wine-tasting events at the Watsonville factory.

Avalon Visions 

2815 Porter St., Soquel, 831-464-7245, avalonvisions.com

Take note of the abundance of choice books and music available here. There is a splendid collection of natural and crafted crystals, too—plus spiritual readings and an aura station. 

Botanic and Luxe

701-A Front St., Santa Cruz, botanicandluxe.com

This shop is the perfect place to find a unique gift for the plant lover in your life, and you will leave inspired by the simple beauty of natural design.

Flourish Designs

1127 B Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz

Home goods, vintage finds, and jewelry in Midtown Santa Cruz. Find your pretties here.

Gaia Earth Treasures  

209 Capitola Ave., Capitola, 831-475-8066, gaiaearthtreasures.com 

Gaia has a large selection of mineral specimens, crystals and fossils from all around the world. It’s a unique store for gifts—bookends, vases, goblets, sculptures—and more. Find a stone that attracts you and keep it next to your bed.

Good Vibes

111 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 831-466-9870, goodvibes.com/s/ 

This sex-positive sexual health and wellness toy retailer offers education and information promoting sexual health, pleasure, and empowerment in addition to toys.

The Mermaid Shop

716 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-3771

In-house screen-printed and embroidered clothing, hats and home decor featuring original mermaid designs.  

OM Gallery

1201 Pacific Ave., Capitola, 831-425-9107, omgallery.com 

OM Gallery carries creatively designed lighting—lamps that look like giant lotuses, flower string lights, floor lamps, and paper star lanterns. OM also has gorgeous handmade silk clothing in classic Vietnamese and Chinese styles, linen pants, handbags, scarves, and accessories.

Outdoor World

136 River St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-9555; 1440 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-479-1501, theoutdoorworld.com 

Outdoor World is your one-stop shop for all things sporting goods. Looking for camping gear or fishing gear? How about archery or hunting equipment? Outdoor World’s got you covered. 

Outside-In

7568 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-684-0178, outside-in.myshopify.com 

Offering gifts, home decor, jewelry, and luxury clothing with an emphasis on supporting local artisans and businesses. Their store specializing in educational toys, books and clothes—named Outside-In Kids—is next door to the main store.  

Pure Pleasure

831-466-8870, purepleasureshop.com

A top-notch adult store filled with sensual products and a vibrant hub of in-home parties and adult sex education. Started in Santa Cruz by a mother and daughter team. Books, gifts, lingerie, spa-quality bath and body products, stimulating toys you knew existed (and many more you didn’t).

Toque Blanche

1527 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-1351, mytoque.com/pages/our-stores 

Toque Blanche carries hundreds of kitchen products. Knives, bowls, espresso machines and much more.

The True Olive Connection

831-458-OILS, trueoliveconnection.com 

Specializes in fresh, high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar from around the world.

Zinnia’s Gift Boutique

219 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-430-9466, zinniasgiftboutique.com

Women’s apparel, home decor, jewelry, holiday items, and more. Zinnia’s has been voted first place in our annual Best Of issue for several years.

Ethos 

101 Capitola Ave., Capitola, 831-854-2490, ethossantacruz.com

Helping environmentally conscious shoppers reduce consumption of plastics and waste by offering a wide range of personal care items, home goods and on-the-go products.

Jewelry

Byzantine Jewelry

1530 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-2308, bfinejewelry.com

Byzantine Jewelry specializes in colored stones, and their professional staff of experienced jewelers can create 3D images of any ring a customer designs to ensure complete satisfaction.

Dell Williams 

1320 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-4100, dellwilliams.com  

Selling classic and contemporary jewelry, Dell Williams has been locally owned and family operated for four generations. In addition to jewelry, they sell watches and other giftware. A full restoration department can help customers repair a broken necklace or an inherited antique brooch. Dell Williams has been downtown since 1927 and has a loyal, generations-old customer base.

Ideal Jewelry 

720 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-457-9245

This family owned and operated boutique features an artist and in-house jeweler. 

Mark Areias Jewelers

7552 Soquel Drive at Aptos Center, Aptos, 831-688-2799, areiasjewelers.com

Fine jewelry and timepieces with a specialty in custom design. Also offers a wide selection of new and estate jewelry, plus a watchmaker on the premises for your watch-repair needs.

Santa Cruz Sea Glass

831-332-7188, santacruzseaglass.com

Santa Cruz Sea Glass is home to some of the most exotic and rare sea glass jewelry around. Best part? All of its sea glass is found, unaltered and made by hand, meaning each piece is 100% unique.

Stephan’s Fine Jewelry

102 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-458-9950, stephansjewelry.com 

Over 30 years of experience servicing Santa Cruz with a great selection of contemporary and classic fine jewelry and good prices.

Super Silver  

1301 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-460-9696; 1855 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-477-1932; 214 Capitola Ave., Capitola, 831-462-9696, supersilver.com 

This hotspot with locations in Downtown Santa Cruz, Capitola Mall and Capitola Village houses thousands of sterling silver chains, rings, earrings, charms, stone necklaces, hoops, and body jewelry.

This guide is part of Explore Santa Cruz 2020.

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 eBike 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.

O’Neill Yacht Charters

275 Lake Ave., L Dock, Santa Cruz, 831-818-3645, oneillyachtcharters.com   

Offering a variety of public daytime and sunset sails, as well as private charters for special occasions on the new custom-built 65′ Team O’Neill catamaran. O’Neill is tops when it comes to experiencing the beauty of 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  

1718 Brommer St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2334, stagnaros.com 

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

Golf

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. Price range: $23-72 depending on day and time.

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. Course prices range from $34-60.

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. Prices range from $150-175, depending on the day. 

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, mazdaraceway.com 

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., 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. at Riverside Ave., 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, santacruz-skydiving.com 

Expertly trained jumpers give you an insane adrenaline rush six days a week.

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

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. 

This guide is part of Explore Santa Cruz 2020.

UCSC Arboretum

1156 High St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2998, arboretum.ucsc.edu  

Open daily from 9am-5pm, the revered arboretum boasts more than four decades of excellence in horticulture. But don’t expect to just see native flora and fauna, because the arboretum offers notables from around the globe. $5 general, $2 children.

Pacific to Redwoods Loop

Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Old Coast Road, Santa Cruz, 831-423-9703, 831-426-0505, parks.ca.gov 

A 12-mile loop that offers great views and a wide variety of birds and wildlife along the California coastline. Parking fees are $10.

Neary Lagoon

Bay Street and California Street, Santa Cruz, cityofsantacruz.com  

Navigate wooden walkways while admiring all sorts of wildlife. Entrances are located at the end of Chestnut Street, the end of Blackburn Street, and the corner of Bay and California streets.

West Cliff Drive

West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

A 2-mile coastal walk where you can watch the local surfers and sea otters during the day and view the lights of the Boardwalk at night.

This guide is part of Explore Santa Cruz 2020.

3 Bros 

1100B Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-345-0281, 3brossantacruz.com 

CannaCruz

115 Limekiln St., Santa Cruz, 831-420-3227, cannacruz.com

CHAI Cannabis Co. 

3088 Winkle Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-475-5506, chaicannabis.com 

Curbstone Exchange

6535 Hwy. 9, Felton, 831-704-7151, curbstoneexchange.org

Herbal Cruz 

1051 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-462-9999, herbalcruzsantacruz.com 

The Hook Outlet 

4170 Gross Road, Suite 5, Capitola, 831-322-4665, hookoutlet.com 

KindPeoples

3600 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-471-8562; 533 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 831-515-4144, kindpeoples.com

Santa Cruz Naturals

9077 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-688-7266; 19 San Juan Rd., Royal Oaks, 831-722-2018, santacruzcafnnabis.com

Surf City Original 

2649 41st Ave., Soquel, 831-325-7299, surfcityoriginal.com 

Therapeutic Healthcare Collective

5011 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-713-5641, thcsoquel.com

TreeHouse

3561 Soquel Drive, Soquel, ourtreehouse.io

Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance

2827 S. Rodeo Gulch Road, Unit 6, Soquel, 831-431-6347, scveteransalliance.com

This guide is part of Explore Santa Cruz 2020.

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 2:30-6:30pm on Wednesdays at Lincoln and Cedar streets, Santa Cruz. Visit facebook.com/santacruzfarmersmarket and santacruzfarmersmarket.org. 

Felton Farmers Market

Open 2:30-6:30pm on Tuesdays from May-October. Fresh fruit, vegetables and food. Live music beginning in May. 120 Russell Ave., Felton. Visit facebook.com/santacruzfarmersmarket and santacruzfarmersmarket.org.

Live Oak Farmers Market

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

Seascape Farmers Market

Open 11am-2pm on Sundays from May-October. Fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers. Local artists and live music. Seascape Boulevard at Sumner Avenue, in the Seascape Village Courtyard.

Scotts Valley Farmers Market

Open 9am-1pm on Saturdays, year-round. Fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers. Live music April-November. Scotts Valley Community Center, 360 Kings Village Drive. Visit facebook.com/santacruzfarmersmarket and santacruzfarmersmarket.org. 

UCSC Farm and Garden

Open from noon-6pm on Tuesdays and Fridays. Fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers. 1156 High St., Santa Cruz, 831-459-3240. casfs.ucsc.edu 

Watsonville Farmers Market

Open from 3-7pm on Fridays, year-round. Fresh fruit, vegetables and locally prepared food. Downtown Watsonville Plaza.  

This guide is part of Explore Santa Cruz 2020.

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

Brew Cruz Brewery Tour

831-222-0120, scbrewcruz.com

Corralitos Brewing Co.

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

Cremer House

6256 Hwy. 9, Felton, 831-335-3976, cremerhouse.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

East Cliff Brewing Co.

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

Elkhorn Slough Brewing Co.

65 Hangar Way D, Watsonville, 831-288-3152, elkhornsloughbrew.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

Pour Taproom

110 Cooper St., #100B, Santa Cruz, 831-535-7007, pourtaproomsantacruz.com

Santa Cruz Ale Works

150 Dubois St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-1182, santacruzaleworks.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

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

This guide is part of Explore Santa Cruz 2020.

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

Birichino

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

Bonny Doon Vineyard Tasting Room

450 Hwy. 1, Davenport, 831-471-8031, bonnydoonvineyard.com

Bottle Jack Winery

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

Bruzzone Family Vineyard

Rancho Don Bosco, 1690 Glen Canyon Road, Santa Cruz, 831-332-0909, bruzzonevineyards.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

Clos Tita Winery

4 Kendall Lane, Santa Cruz, 831-439-9235, clostitawinery.com

Cork and Fork Capitola

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

Corralitos Wine Company

9687 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-709-1500

David Bruce Winery

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

Equinox Sparkling Wines/Bartolo Wines

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

15700 Kennedy Road, Los Gatos, 408-371-3067, larusticanadorsa.com

Left Bend Winery

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

Loma Prieta Winery

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

McCarthy Estate Vineyards

20108 Foster Road, Los Gatos, 408-356-2300, mccarthyfamilyvineyards.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

Mountains to the Bay Wine Tours

831-275-4445, mountainstothebay.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

Odonata Wines

645 River Road, Salinas, 831-566-5147, odonatawines.com

Pelican Ranch Winery

102 Kennedy Drive, Capitola, 831-426-6911, pelicanranch.com

P M Staiger

1300 Hopkins Gulch Road, Boulder Creek, 831-338-4346, pmstaiger.com

Radonich Brothers Vineyards

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

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

18 Hangar Way, Suite B/C, Watsonville, 831-438-1244, roudonsmith.com

Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard

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

Silvertip Vineyards

14572 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, 408-647-2297, silvertipvineyards.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

Villa del Monte Winery

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

Vinocruz 

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

Wargin Wines

11 Hangar Way, Watsonville, and 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 year’s extremely unusual circumstances have led to a radical rethinking of the wildly popular Open Studios Art Tour, the annual three-week vision quest that allows the public at large to visit the workspaces of artists throughout Santa Cruz County.

The format has changed, but the 34-year-old mission remains the same: to provide a showcase for over 300 artists and their exciting variety of creative work.

At the helm for 17 years, the event’s director Ann Ostermann knew all the ropes of organizing and publicizing the event. Until this year.

“I really had to pivot,” she admits with a laugh. Nixing a virtual tour, Ostermann’s board agreed that nothing replaces actually meeting artists—so they wouldn’t call it Open Studios. Instead, organizers have launched a new website—the Visual Arts Network—designed to bring artists and art lovers together online.

“Basically, it’s a curated web directory 350 members strong,” she explains. “There’s a landing page that people can go to and then look for artists by name or by medium. They’ll click on those links and each artist will have a page.”

Artists will be able to showcase and market their works with images, artist statements, contact information and links to websites, social media pages, and sales portals. “We’re the middlemen for those links, which could lead to studio visits by appointment.”

Stephanie Martin, an award-winning printmaker, has participated in Open Studios for the past 14 years. And she already feels its absence on her calendar. “How strange it is to be feeling the changing season and light in September and not be preparing for Open Studios,” she says. “I’m excited about the Visual Arts Network, and hopeful that people might be moved to seek art during these hard times.”

An important feature of the new Visual Arts Network is that the web directory is up all year long. “The artist will be able to refresh pages and add new images throughout the year,” explains Ostermann. She says that after surveying over 100 participating artists, she found that only 45% of them had websites. Most of them, she discovered, had Instagram, Etsy, or Facebook presences. “And many of them had exposure at in-person venues, fairs, and events and hadn’t needed websites. Now they will have one. We’re offering other features, such as workshops on how to use Instagram for the art business, and social media development instruction by experts like Karen Kefauver.”

The number of artists who have signed on reveals how important this mega-website is right now. “We charged a $65 flat fee for the entire year,” says Ostermann. “We kept it affordable. I’ve learned to see silver linings wherever I can,” she says. “We’ll keep this up all year. It’s good visibility for the artists, and newcomers will be learning new skills. We’re going to do a big ad campaign for the launch, then a large postcard mailing in November, and another ad push in the spring.”

Find the Visual Arts Network at santacruzopenstudios.com.