Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, CA
Places to go in Santa Cruz
71 scouted venues — the coffee shops, restaurants, parks, and hidden corners we think are worth your time.
Arts & Culture
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Galleries & interactive programs exploring flora, fauna, geology & peoples native to the Bay Area.
1305 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
Arts & Culture
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Rotating exhibits on surfing culture & local history housed in a historic, preserved lighthouse.
701 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
Family
Santa Cruz Wharf
Beach shops, seafood restaurants, sea lions & fishing draw crowds to this landmark bayside pier.
21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
Outdoors
Seacliff State Beach
Versatile state beach offers a variety of outdoor activities such as camping & hiking.
State Park Dr, Aptos, CA 95003, USA
Sports & Recreation
Seascape Golf Club
610 Clubhouse Dr, Aptos, CA 95003, USA
Arts & Culture
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Interactive marine science museum & aquarium, with hands-on exhibits, a touch pool & a gift shop.
100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
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
Food & Drink
Shrine Coffee
544 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
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
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
Food & Drink
The Buttery
Bustling institution making breads, pastries & custom cakes, plus breakfast, sandwiches & salads.
702 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
Nightlife
The Catalyst
A mix of well-known musical acts play at this happening nightclub with bands, DJs & a full bar.
1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
Outdoors
The Mystery Spot
Opened in 1941, this roadside landmark is a tilt-induced visual illusion with tours & a gift shop.
465 Mystery Spot Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95065, USA
Nightlife
The Redroom Cocktail Lounge
Casual bar offering specialty cocktails, rare whiskeys, bourbons & tequilas, plus outdoor seating.
1003 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
Nightlife
The Sand Bar - Capitola
Relaxed haunt featuring bar grub & daily breakfast, plus live music nights in cozy, seaside digs.
211 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010, USA
Nightlife
The View Restaurant & Bar (at Chaminade Resort & Spa)
1 Chaminade Ln, Santa Cruz, CA 95065, USA
Outdoors
UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Vast collection of rare plants with a succulent garden, a butterfly area & a eucalyptus grove.
120 Arboretum Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
Food & Drink
Ugly Mug CoffeeHouse
4640 Soquel Dr, Soquel, CA 95073, USA
Food & Drink
Verve Coffee Roasters
NorCal-originated chain for thoughtfully sourced coffee drinks in a modern space with wooden decor.
1540 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
Food & Drink
Verve Coffee Roasters
NorCal-originated chain for thoughtfully sourced coffee drinks in a modern space with wooden decor.
1010 Fair Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
Food & Drink
Verve Coffee Roasters
NorCal-originated chain for thoughtfully sourced coffee drinks in a modern space with wooden decor.
816 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
Food & Drink
Verve Coffee Roasters
NorCal-originated chain for thoughtfully sourced coffee drinks in a modern space with wooden decor.
104 Bronson St #19, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
Wellness
Well Within Spa
417 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA