Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, CA

Places to go in Santa Cruz

28 scouted venues — the coffee shops, restaurants, parks, and hidden corners we think are worth your time.

11th Hour Coffee

Food & Drink

11th Hour Coffee

1001 Center St #1, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

11th Hour Coffee Westside

Food & Drink

11th Hour Coffee Westside

402 Ingalls St suite 19, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Cat & Cloud Coffee

Food & Drink

Cat & Cloud Coffee

Airy, artsy neighborhood cafe for coffee & pastries served in contemporary digs with outdoor seats.

3600 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA

Chocolat

Food & Drink

Chocolat

Organic American bistro fare plus various truffles & hot cocoas in a charming space with a patio.

1522 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Crow's Nest Restaurant

Food & Drink

Crow's Nest Restaurant

Seaside restaurant with exposed beams & views serves an extensive menu of casual American fare.

2218 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA

FireFish Grill

Food & Drink

FireFish Grill

Casually refined choice for Californian fare & seafood with mesquite grill, full bar & ocean views.

25 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Hula's Island Grill

Food & Drink

Hula's Island Grill

Tropical, tiki-inspired outpost offering a range of Hawaiian eats with an American spin & drinks.

221 Cathcart St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Humble Sea Brewing Co.

Food & Drink

Humble Sea Brewing Co.

Place to sample the brewery's main beers & seasonal releases, with nautical accents & a patio.

820 Swift St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

Food & Drink

Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

Relaxed, airy hotel restaurant offering coastal cuisine & cocktails, plus live music & ocean views.

175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

La Posta Restaurant - Santa Cruz

Food & Drink

La Posta Restaurant - Santa Cruz

Inventive Italian dishes crafted from local & seasonal ingredients in a cozy setting.

538 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA

Lulu Carpenter's

Food & Drink

Lulu Carpenter's

Artisan coffee, pastries, lunch & brunch served in a circa-1865 building with a welcoming vibe.

1545 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery

Food & Drink

Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery

Lively bar & grill for seafood, steaks & pastas in a marine-inspired space with a rotating bar.

49A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Mr Toots Coffeehouse

Food & Drink

Mr Toots Coffeehouse

Cozy, seaside coffeehouse offering pastries, sandwiches & ocean views from a 2nd-floor balcony.

231 Esplanade #100, Capitola, CA 95010, USA

Oswald Restaurant

Food & Drink

Oswald Restaurant

Happening spot for creative American entrees in a modern setting with optional fixed-price menus.

121 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Peoples Coffee

Food & Drink

Peoples Coffee

1200 17th Ave #130, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA

Riva Fish House

Food & Drink

Riva Fish House

Low-key establishment serves hearty portions of prawns, oysters & other American seafood favorites.

31 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting

Food & Drink

Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting

Acclaimed coffee shop earns buzz with small-batch & artisanal blends in a cozy, comfortable space.

1330 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing

Food & Drink

Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing

This microbrewery makes organic beers & serves them in a dog-friendly taproom with eats & a garden.

402 Ingalls St #27, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Shadowbrook Restaurant

Food & Drink

Shadowbrook Restaurant

Quirky dining rooms & views of Soquel Creek come alongside California cuisine & a wine list.

1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010, USA

Shrine Coffee

Food & Drink

Shrine Coffee

544 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

STAGNARO BROS. SEAFOOD, INC.

Food & Drink

STAGNARO BROS. SEAFOOD, INC.

Seaside eatery turning out seafood staples like chowder & fish 'n' chips with views of the Pacific.

59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

The Abbey Coffee Lounge

Food & Drink

The Abbey Coffee Lounge

Coffee & pastries served in a laid-back, shabby-chic hangout with local art on display & live bands.

350 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

The Buttery

Food & Drink

The Buttery

Bustling institution making breads, pastries & custom cakes, plus breakfast, sandwiches & salads.

702 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA

Ugly Mug CoffeeHouse

Food & Drink

Ugly Mug CoffeeHouse

4640 Soquel Dr, Soquel, CA 95073, USA