Guidebook for Santa Cruz
Food Scene
A favorite. Go for the gong fu tea service and ask someone to get you started if it's your first time. I spend hours every week there, I owe much of my serenity to the hours I spend here weekly.
10 locals recommend
Hidden Peak Teahouse
1541 Pacific AveA favorite. Go for the gong fu tea service and ask someone to get you started if it's your first time. I spend hours every week there, I owe much of my serenity to the hours I spend here weekly.
Must stop here on the way to the boardwalk so you can eat good food (non-scary hotdogs, sandwiches, salads, and the best ice cream!) before you get bombarded with the nasty stuff.
50 locals recommend
The Picnic Basket
125 Beach StMust stop here on the way to the boardwalk so you can eat good food (non-scary hotdogs, sandwiches, salads, and the best ice cream!) before you get bombarded with the nasty stuff.
On the way back from the boardwalk. Gorgeous views, yummy food. The coconut milk soup and chicken skewers are faves. And of course thai iced tea or coffee!
13 locals recommend
Sawasdee By The Sea
101 Main StOn the way back from the boardwalk. Gorgeous views, yummy food. The coconut milk soup and chicken skewers are faves. And of course thai iced tea or coffee!
Whale City Bakery
490 CA-1Amazing croissants! Apricot is the best.
A family favorite. The salads are works of art. Always get the seafood if it's on offer. Compares to the best of New York in my mind.
94 locals recommend
Bantam
1010 Fair AveA family favorite. The salads are works of art. Always get the seafood if it's on offer. Compares to the best of New York in my mind.
This place is the real deal. Japanese husband and wife - rare.
18 locals recommend
Naka Sushi Restaurant
1200 41st AveThis place is the real deal. Japanese husband and wife - rare.
Cafe Gratitude
103 Lincoln StSweetness. The tacos = sum greater than parts.
Everything Else
Luma Yoga
1010 Center StSweet business and they have childcare paired with their classes!
New Leaf Community Markets
1101 Fair AveGrocery for everything you might need.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StYou have to.
Sunny Cove
Not windy! But packed.
Awesome tide pooling. Plus a swing set! Windy tho, be advised.
6 locals recommend
Davenport Landing Road
Davenport Landing RoadAwesome tide pooling. Plus a swing set! Windy tho, be advised.
Hoffman's Downtown
1102 Pacific AveFave downtown breakfast. Croissant bacon egg cheese sandwich.
Shopping
The best ice cream on the planet. At least taste the chocolate sorbet.
64 locals recommend
The Penny Ice Creamery
913 Cedar StThe best ice cream on the planet. At least taste the chocolate sorbet.