Guidebook for Santa Cruz

Ken & Brigit
Guidebook for Santa Cruz

Food Scene

Gayle's has an amazing bakery! The sandwiches and other deli food here is great, as well. It's a perfect place to pick up food to take for a picnic at the beach or eat in their spacious dining area. A quality, well respected bakery. They also have ready made food and salads for any meal. A longstanding mainstay for the Capitola/Santa Cruz area for quality, homemade food, cakes, pastries, and more!
155 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria
504 Bay Ave
155 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Gayle's has an amazing bakery! The sandwiches and other deli food here is great, as well. It's a perfect place to pick up food to take for a picnic at the beach or eat in their spacious dining area. A quality, well respected bakery. They also have ready made food and salads for any meal. A longstanding mainstay for the Capitola/Santa Cruz area for quality, homemade food, cakes, pastries, and more!
Open for breakfast and lunch. Great food! Open 6am – 2 pm, closes at 1pm on Sundays
67 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Linda's Seabreeze Café
542 Seabright Ave
67 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Open for breakfast and lunch. Great food! Open 6am – 2 pm, closes at 1pm on Sundays
Excellent pizza by the slice or a whole pie!
25 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Pleasure Pizza
4000 Portola Dr
25 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Excellent pizza by the slice or a whole pie!
Pizza, sandwiches, and American Fare. Great place to sit in the sun and drink a fresh beer on tap. The Chicken Pozole is wonderful and, if you’re in the mood for some comfort food, the Prawn and Bacon Mac & Cheese is pretty amazing. Their Clam Chowder and Chili are both award-winning. Outside dining as well.
51 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Pleasure Pizza East Side Eatery
800 41st Ave
51 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Pizza, sandwiches, and American Fare. Great place to sit in the sun and drink a fresh beer on tap. The Chicken Pozole is wonderful and, if you’re in the mood for some comfort food, the Prawn and Bacon Mac & Cheese is pretty amazing. Their Clam Chowder and Chili are both award-winning. Outside dining as well.
American fare. Outdoor patio. Serves lunch and dinner, and beer of course! Open – 11:30 am – 11:30 pm
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Seabright Social
519 Seabright Ave
74 (рекомендации местных жителей)
American fare. Outdoor patio. Serves lunch and dinner, and beer of course! Open – 11:30 am – 11:30 pm
Just consistently good pizza. Take out only. Be sure to add a t-shirt with your purchase for only $5 for a great souvenir. Located on the esplanade in Capitola right by the beach. Open 11am – 9pm, 1am on Fri & Sat Two other locations, 41st street and Pacific Ave.
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Pizza My Heart
209 Esplanade
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Just consistently good pizza. Take out only. Be sure to add a t-shirt with your purchase for only $5 for a great souvenir. Located on the esplanade in Capitola right by the beach. Open 11am – 9pm, 1am on Fri & Sat Two other locations, 41st street and Pacific Ave.
Good, solid burgers – 2 locations, also one on 41st Avenue Open 11 am – 9pm, 9:30pm Fri & Sat
65 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Betty Burgers
505 Seabright Ave
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Good, solid burgers – 2 locations, also one on 41st Avenue Open 11 am – 9pm, 9:30pm Fri & Sat
Fine dining. **Reservations are usually required. Dinner only. Dressy casual to dressy attire. Seafood, prime rib, pastas. Located beside the lush Soquel creek. The Rock Room Lounge and Bar offers more casual dining. If you want to treat yourself, this is the place to go! 1750 Wharf Rd., Capitola-by-the-Sea Open 4:30pm – 9:30/10pm (call for hours) (831) 475-1511
205 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Rd
205 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Fine dining. **Reservations are usually required. Dinner only. Dressy casual to dressy attire. Seafood, prime rib, pastas. Located beside the lush Soquel creek. The Rock Room Lounge and Bar offers more casual dining. If you want to treat yourself, this is the place to go! 1750 Wharf Rd., Capitola-by-the-Sea Open 4:30pm – 9:30/10pm (call for hours) (831) 475-1511
American food, delicious crepes – dinner crepes and dessert. Their outdoor patio is lush and interesting. 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz Open 9 am or 11 am – 12am or 1am Live bands on many nights. (831) 429-6994
109 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Crêpe Place
1134 Soquel Ave
109 (рекомендации местных жителей)
American food, delicious crepes – dinner crepes and dessert. Their outdoor patio is lush and interesting. 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz Open 9 am or 11 am – 12am or 1am Live bands on many nights. (831) 429-6994
Excellent BBQ everything. Enjoy! Very close to the house.
8 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Cole's Bar-B-Q
2590 Portola Dr
8 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Excellent BBQ everything. Enjoy! Very close to the house.
Authentic Hawaiian cuisine. Only a 5 min walk from the house.
21 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Aloha Island Grille
1700 Portola Dr
21 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Authentic Hawaiian cuisine. Only a 5 min walk from the house.
Quick, easy, & cheap. Only a 5 min walk from the house.
11 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Little Caesars Pizza
4767 Lafayette St
11 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Quick, easy, & cheap. Only a 5 min walk from the house.
The best coffee is only a 5 min walk from the house, or maybe 10 min if you haven't had your coffee yet ;-)
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Starbucks
21620 E Cliff Dr
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The best coffee is only a 5 min walk from the house, or maybe 10 min if you haven't had your coffee yet ;-)
American fare. Located in the Santa Cruz Dream Inn, near the Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Wharf. Retro décor. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Food gets mixed reviews, but has a nice view of the beach and ocean. 175 W. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz Call for hours (831)460-5012
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Aquarius
175 W Cliff Dr
22 (рекомендации местных жителей)
American fare. Located in the Santa Cruz Dream Inn, near the Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Wharf. Retro décor. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Food gets mixed reviews, but has a nice view of the beach and ocean. 175 W. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz Call for hours (831)460-5012
American fare. On the beach at the Santa Cruz Harbor. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Has takeout at their small gift shop for a great price. 2218 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz Open 7:30 am – 9 or 10
276 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff Dr
276 (рекомендации местных жителей)
American fare. On the beach at the Santa Cruz Harbor. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Has takeout at their small gift shop for a great price. 2218 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz Open 7:30 am – 9 or 10
Seafood Restaurant. Lunch and dinner. Nice view of the harbor. 493 Lake Ave, Santa Cruz Open 11:30 – 8:30/9:30
57 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Johnny's Harborside
493 Lake Ave
57 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Seafood Restaurant. Lunch and dinner. Nice view of the harbor. 493 Lake Ave, Santa Cruz Open 11:30 – 8:30/9:30
Everyone has to eat here at least once! American and Seafood. Right on the beach in Capitola. Seating inside and out. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 203 Esplanade, Capitola Open 7:30-10pm
68 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Zelda's on the Beach
203 Esplanade
68 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Everyone has to eat here at least once! American and Seafood. Right on the beach in Capitola. Seating inside and out. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 203 Esplanade, Capitola Open 7:30-10pm
Great food, atmosphere, and service! Not cheap, but worth it. Make reservations and make it a meal to remember! Romantic yet casual cafe offers American food & wine, plus an outdoor patio with a fireplace. Address: 2621 41st Ave, Soquel, CA 95073 Phone: (831) 476-3801
88 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Café Cruz
2621 41st Ave
88 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Great food, atmosphere, and service! Not cheap, but worth it. Make reservations and make it a meal to remember! Romantic yet casual cafe offers American food & wine, plus an outdoor patio with a fireplace. Address: 2621 41st Ave, Soquel, CA 95073 Phone: (831) 476-3801
The place to go for breakfast or lunch, esp if you want a spicy bloody Mary. The nautical theme & relaxing outdoor patio continue the laid-back vibe at this American diner. Great food, but very popular. It is worth the wait, though. 535 7th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Phone:(831) 475-4948
102 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Harbor Café
535 7th Ave
102 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The place to go for breakfast or lunch, esp if you want a spicy bloody Mary. The nautical theme & relaxing outdoor patio continue the laid-back vibe at this American diner. Great food, but very popular. It is worth the wait, though. 535 7th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Phone:(831) 475-4948
A great place to sit on the patio overlooking the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, the beach, the surfers, and volleyball games with a beer and some good food 🏖🍺🍸🏄🏼‍♀️🍤🍔
20 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Ideal Bar & Grill
106 Beach St
20 (рекомендации местных жителей)
A great place to sit on the patio overlooking the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, the beach, the surfers, and volleyball games with a beer and some good food 🏖🍺🍸🏄🏼‍♀️🍤🍔

Parks & Nature

Beautiful places you should see!
You can't miss seeing this area! Cliff side views of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. This is the most popular surfing site in Santa Cruz. The road is only 1 way traveling East (but if seems like South). This is where you want to ride your bike, jog, skate, or walk along the cliff on the wide pedestrian path.
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Pleasure Point
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You can't miss seeing this area! Cliff side views of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. This is the most popular surfing site in Santa Cruz. The road is only 1 way traveling East (but if seems like South). This is where you want to ride your bike, jog, skate, or walk along the cliff on the wide pedestrian path.
You must drive the entire length of this road, or better yet bike or jog it! This is the perfect place for a sunset walk. Bring your best camera. There is a great walking and biking path running from Natural Bridges State Beach clear to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Do NOT miss this sight of God's beauty!
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West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive
193 (рекомендации местных жителей)
You must drive the entire length of this road, or better yet bike or jog it! This is the perfect place for a sunset walk. Bring your best camera. There is a great walking and biking path running from Natural Bridges State Beach clear to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Do NOT miss this sight of God's beauty!
Want to wow your kids with a hecka cool park! You have to check this place out. It has a real train engine they can climb on, great bridges and slides, paddle boats in the lake, and lots to play on.
50 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Детская площадка Денниса-мучитель
777 Pearl St
50 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Want to wow your kids with a hecka cool park! You have to check this place out. It has a real train engine they can climb on, great bridges and slides, paddle boats in the lake, and lots to play on.
A must see for anyone who has not driven along the central California coastline. Stunning views, and only 40 mi south of Carmel.
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Big Sur
332 (рекомендации местных жителей)
A must see for anyone who has not driven along the central California coastline. Stunning views, and only 40 mi south of Carmel.

Entertainment & Activities

A carnival on the beach with roller coasters, kiddy rides, and tuns of games and amusement park fun. I recommend you buy your daily passes at Costco to save a lot of money on ride tickets. The park is free to walk around in. The beach in front of it is huge, clean, and beautiful.
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Парк аттракционов на пляже Санта-Крус
400 Beach St
745 (рекомендации местных жителей)
A carnival on the beach with roller coasters, kiddy rides, and tuns of games and amusement park fun. I recommend you buy your daily passes at Costco to save a lot of money on ride tickets. The park is free to walk around in. The beach in front of it is huge, clean, and beautiful.
This is a fun street with all kinds of stores, restaurants, and plenty of entertaining things to see and do. Stroll through all the shops, eat the best clam chowder, and visit the Ghirardelli ice cream and chocolate shop for a salted caramel chocolate brownie sunday to eat on the patio overlooking the bay!
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Cannery Row
67 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This is a fun street with all kinds of stores, restaurants, and plenty of entertaining things to see and do. Stroll through all the shops, eat the best clam chowder, and visit the Ghirardelli ice cream and chocolate shop for a salted caramel chocolate brownie sunday to eat on the patio overlooking the bay!

Sightseeing

This is classic Beach Town California style! It has a lot to see and experience: probably 100 quaint shops, a beautiful beach, many good restaurants, frequent street fairs and activities to do. It is just a great place to relax and enjoy your favorite or latte as you sit over looking the beach and people watch. A must see!
167 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Capitola Beach Company
131 Monterey Ave
167 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This is classic Beach Town California style! It has a lot to see and experience: probably 100 quaint shops, a beautiful beach, many good restaurants, frequent street fairs and activities to do. It is just a great place to relax and enjoy your favorite or latte as you sit over looking the beach and people watch. A must see!
This is the Main Street of Santa Cruz, the outdoor shopping street with some great shops, boutiques, restaurants, clubs, ice cream parlors, and cafes. You will enjoy visiting this area and experiencing this part of Old Santa Cruz!
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Pacific Avenue
Pacific Avenue
88 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This is the Main Street of Santa Cruz, the outdoor shopping street with some great shops, boutiques, restaurants, clubs, ice cream parlors, and cafes. You will enjoy visiting this area and experiencing this part of Old Santa Cruz!
You will not regret visiting this beautiful Aquarium. I have been to many aquariums around the world, and this one is the best. Worth the price of admission.
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Аквариум в Монтерей-Бей
886 Cannery Row
668 (рекомендации местных жителей)
You will not regret visiting this beautiful Aquarium. I have been to many aquariums around the world, and this one is the best. Worth the price of admission.
For $5 or $10 you can drive from Monterey to Carmel via the beautiful coastline, world famous Pebble Beach Golf Course, and the mansions of the mega-rich. It is spectacular!
9 (рекомендации местных жителей)
17 17 Mile Dr
17 17 Mile Drive
9 (рекомендации местных жителей)
For $5 or $10 you can drive from Monterey to Carmel via the beautiful coastline, world famous Pebble Beach Golf Course, and the mansions of the mega-rich. It is spectacular!

Shopping

This is where you want time to window shop, the hundreds of shops along all of the streets surrounding Ocean Ave. Bring your walking shoes, your appetite, and your pocketbook! Don't miss this place if you have the time to visit here.
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Кармел-бай-зе-Си
San Antonio Avenue
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This is where you want time to window shop, the hundreds of shops along all of the streets surrounding Ocean Ave. Bring your walking shoes, your appetite, and your pocketbook! Don't miss this place if you have the time to visit here.
24 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Торговый центр Кармел Плаза
Mission Street
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