Guidebook for Santa Cruz

Gavin
Guidebook for Santa Cruz

Drinks & Nightlife

The Crepe Place has some of the best bartenders in Santa Cruz and also some of the best live music in a funky little room on Soquel. They also happen to serve an excellent weekend brunch in the outdoor garden, not to be missed is the Eggs Benny! With character for days, don't miss this eclectic place for a bite or a beverage!
109 recommandé par les habitants
The Crêpe Place
1134 Soquel Ave
109 recommandé par les habitants
The Crepe Place has some of the best bartenders in Santa Cruz and also some of the best live music in a funky little room on Soquel. They also happen to serve an excellent weekend brunch in the outdoor garden, not to be missed is the Eggs Benny! With character for days, don't miss this eclectic place for a bite or a beverage!
Featuring some of the best entertainment Santa Cruz has to offer, Rio Theater has been bringing great music and theater to town for over 40 years. Check the listings during your visit for great entertainment options.
52 recommandé par les habitants
Rio Theatre
1205 Soquel Ave
52 recommandé par les habitants
Featuring some of the best entertainment Santa Cruz has to offer, Rio Theater has been bringing great music and theater to town for over 40 years. Check the listings during your visit for great entertainment options.
Great live music at Moe's Alley, check your local listings. Featuring the hottest in regional and national talent, with a 250-300 person capacity. Great intimate venue!
83 recommandé par les habitants
Moe's Alley
1535 Commercial Way
83 recommandé par les habitants
Great live music at Moe's Alley, check your local listings. Featuring the hottest in regional and national talent, with a 250-300 person capacity. Great intimate venue!
Santa Cruz's historic music venue the Catalyst has played host to everyone from Willie Nelson to Snoop Dog and everything in between. With two venues in one, the Catalyst main stage and the Catalyst atrium, it's always worth checking the bookings.
81 recommandé par les habitants
The Catalyst
1011 Pacific Ave
81 recommandé par les habitants
Santa Cruz's historic music venue the Catalyst has played host to everyone from Willie Nelson to Snoop Dog and everything in between. With two venues in one, the Catalyst main stage and the Catalyst atrium, it's always worth checking the bookings.

Food Scene

Without a doubt, the best Italian food in Santa Cruz. You cannot get in without a reservation, so call early and save your seats! Featuring a great local wine menu to compliment the delicious food, Lillian's should definitely make the list of must taste restaurants!
125 recommandé par les habitants
Lillian's Italian Kitchen
1148 Soquel Ave
125 recommandé par les habitants
Without a doubt, the best Italian food in Santa Cruz. You cannot get in without a reservation, so call early and save your seats! Featuring a great local wine menu to compliment the delicious food, Lillian's should definitely make the list of must taste restaurants!
Delicious Sushi just down the street!
54 recommandé par les habitants
Akira Sushi
1222 Soquel Ave
54 recommandé par les habitants
Delicious Sushi just down the street!
Definitely a unknown treat within Santa Cruz, Oyunaa's menu features several items that are made to order. Don't you dare overlook the hand made dumplings in either chicken or beef. The Lamb Riblets are also a favorite. Complimented with a selection of teas, local beers, and wines this is a meal you will remember!
12 recommandé par les habitants
Oyunaa's Mongolian Cuisine
1209 Soquel Ave
12 recommandé par les habitants
Definitely a unknown treat within Santa Cruz, Oyunaa's menu features several items that are made to order. Don't you dare overlook the hand made dumplings in either chicken or beef. The Lamb Riblets are also a favorite. Complimented with a selection of teas, local beers, and wines this is a meal you will remember!
The Staff of Life is a locally owned organic grocer and bakery located in Seabright. The butcher has an incredible selection, the bakery has fresh treats each morning, and the cheese selection is the best in town.
69 recommandé par les habitants
Staff of Life
1266 Soquel Ave
69 recommandé par les habitants
The Staff of Life is a locally owned organic grocer and bakery located in Seabright. The butcher has an incredible selection, the bakery has fresh treats each morning, and the cheese selection is the best in town.

Sightseeing

Learn about the natural history of Santa Cruz and what created this paradise by the sea. Learn how and why the Monterey Bay depends on our sea otter population to stay alive or what a Thule reed is with a visit to the SC Museum of Natural History! Visit the life size model of a Blue Whale, great for kids!
50 recommandé par les habitants
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
1305 E Cliff Dr
50 recommandé par les habitants
Learn about the natural history of Santa Cruz and what created this paradise by the sea. Learn how and why the Monterey Bay depends on our sea otter population to stay alive or what a Thule reed is with a visit to the SC Museum of Natural History! Visit the life size model of a Blue Whale, great for kids!
The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is located in the lighthouse at Lighthouse Field State Park, also known as Steamer Lane, on the west side. Detailing the history of surfing in Santa Cruz from the first visit of the Hawaiian princes in the 19th century to present day, it is a great place to visit for anyone keen on ocean history in Santa Cruz.
75 recommandé par les habitants
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
701 W Cliff Dr
75 recommandé par les habitants
The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is located in the lighthouse at Lighthouse Field State Park, also known as Steamer Lane, on the west side. Detailing the history of surfing in Santa Cruz from the first visit of the Hawaiian princes in the 19th century to present day, it is a great place to visit for anyone keen on ocean history in Santa Cruz.

Parks & Nature

At one time, a large portion of the coast on the west side of Santa Cruz was slated to be developed into a suburb of hundreds of homes. Thankfully, that open space was preserved instead as Wilder Ranch State Park and to this day provides an incredible resource for hiking, birding, beach visits, and escape. With trails and hiking for all ages and abilities, I recommend a early morning hike at Wilder Ranch to take in the best of our wild side!
219 recommandé par les habitants
Wilder Ranch State Park
1401 Coast Rd
219 recommandé par les habitants
At one time, a large portion of the coast on the west side of Santa Cruz was slated to be developed into a suburb of hundreds of homes. Thankfully, that open space was preserved instead as Wilder Ranch State Park and to this day provides an incredible resource for hiking, birding, beach visits, and escape. With trails and hiking for all ages and abilities, I recommend a early morning hike at Wilder Ranch to take in the best of our wild side!
Another gem of a park in Santa Cruz, featuring some incredible mountain biking and hiking amongst our enchanting Redwood forests.
17 recommandé par les habitants
Soquel Demonstration State Forest
29400 Highland Way
17 recommandé par les habitants
Another gem of a park in Santa Cruz, featuring some incredible mountain biking and hiking amongst our enchanting Redwood forests.

Arts & Culture

First Friday art exhibits are always a hit here and the rotating features are worth making a trip for as well. Recently renovated and now part of the Abbot Square Center, the MAH is a great launch point for a down town Santa Cruz adventure.
133 recommandé par les habitants
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front St
133 recommandé par les habitants
First Friday art exhibits are always a hit here and the rotating features are worth making a trip for as well. Recently renovated and now part of the Abbot Square Center, the MAH is a great launch point for a down town Santa Cruz adventure.