Michael And Ashlie's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StA must see!
Expansive venue with hands-on art & history exhibitions, plus special programs good for all ages.
133 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front StExpansive venue with hands-on art & history exhibitions, plus special programs good for all ages.
Rotating exhibits on surfing culture & local history housed in a historic, preserved lighthouse.
75 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
701 W Cliff DrRotating exhibits on surfing culture & local history housed in a historic, preserved lighthouse.
Famous cliffside surfing spot since the 1930s, featuring a surfing museum inside a lighthouse.
81 locals recommend
Steamer Lane
700 W Cliff DrFamous cliffside surfing spot since the 1930s, featuring a surfing museum inside a lighthouse.
Monarch migration is variable and population numbers and dates are different each year. The monarchs typically begin arriving in mid-October and leave by mid-February (In 2013, 2016, and 2017 the monarchs had left by January). At Natural Bridges, late October and all of November is often the best time to go for a walk and observe the monarchs. The Monarch Grove at Natural Bridges has been declared a Natural Preserve, thus protecting these butterflies and their winter habitat from human encroachment or harm. It is the only State Monarch Preserve in California.
The grove contains eucalyptus trees which are located in a gently sloping canyon, providing the Monarch needed shelter from the wind. These winter-flowering trees are also a convenient food source for the butterfly. On chilly days when the temperature drops below 60 degrees, the butterflies cluster together in the eucalyptus trees for warmth.
Visitors can view the over-wintering Monarchs by walking down the park's wheelchair and stroller-accessible boardwalk to an observation deck in the eucalyptus grove.
Please help protect the health of the butterflies: do not touch or otherwise harm the fragile butterflies.
For everyone's enjoyment, no smoking, dogs, bicycles, skates, or skateboards on the boardwalk.
Quiet please. Help maintain the sanctuary experience. Monarchs and other visitors are relaxing.
6 locals recommend
Natural Bridges Monarch Trail
2531 W Cliff DrMonarch migration is variable and population numbers and dates are different each year. The monarchs typically begin arriving in mid-October and leave by mid-February (In 2013, 2016, and 2017 the monarchs had left by January). At Natural Bridges, late October and all of November is often the best time to go for a walk and observe the monarchs. The Monarch Grove at Natural Bridges has been declared a Natural Preserve, thus protecting these butterflies and their winter habitat from human encroachment or harm. It is the only State Monarch Preserve in California.
The grove contains eucalyptus trees which are located in a gently sloping canyon, providing the Monarch needed shelter from the wind. These winter-flowering trees are also a convenient food source for the butterfly. On chilly days when the temperature drops below 60 degrees, the butterflies cluster together in the eucalyptus trees for warmth.
Visitors can view the over-wintering Monarchs by walking down the park's wheelchair and stroller-accessible boardwalk to an observation deck in the eucalyptus grove.
Please help protect the health of the butterflies: do not touch or otherwise harm the fragile butterflies.
For everyone's enjoyment, no smoking, dogs, bicycles, skates, or skateboards on the boardwalk.
Quiet please. Help maintain the sanctuary experience. Monarchs and other visitors are relaxing.
Compact sandy patch with rock bridges & tidepools, popular for spotting seabirds, whales & seals.
261 locals recommend
Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 W Cliff DrCompact sandy patch with rock bridges & tidepools, popular for spotting seabirds, whales & seals.
Public tide pools in the rocks at Natural Bridges State Beach home to anemones, sea stars & crabs.
Natural Bridges Tidepools
Public tide pools in the rocks at Natural Bridges State Beach home to anemones, sea stars & crabs.
Iconic red & white wooden roller coaster dating to 1924 overlooking the beach & wharf.
7 locals recommend
Giant Dipper
400 Beach StIconic red & white wooden roller coaster dating to 1924 overlooking the beach & wharf.
Chardonnay Sailing Charters
790 Mariner Park WayFood scene
Tropical, tiki-inspired outpost offers a range of Hawaiian eats with an American spin & fun drinks.
102 locals recommend
Hula's Island Grill
221 Cathcart StTropical, tiki-inspired outpost offers a range of Hawaiian eats with an American spin & fun drinks.
Happening spot for creative American entrees in a modern setting with optional fixed-price menus.
70 locals recommend
Oswald Restaurant
121 Soquel AveHappening spot for creative American entrees in a modern setting with optional fixed-price menus.
A fun spot offering several dining options with a huge shared dining patio. Life music on the weekends!
32 locals recommend
Abbott Square
118 Cooper StA fun spot offering several dining options with a huge shared dining patio. Life music on the weekends!
Food and Ocean Views
Enjoy several food options while taking in the beautiful view!
Beach shops, seafood restaurants, sea lions & fishing draw crowds to this landmark bayside pier.
143 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Wharf
21 Municipal WharfBeach shops, seafood restaurants, sea lions & fishing draw crowds to this landmark bayside pier.
Settled right on the wharf, this innovative Mexican cantina features seafood in many of its dishes.
32 locals recommend
Olitas Cantina & Grille
49 Municipal WharfSettled right on the wharf, this innovative Mexican cantina features seafood in many of its dishes.
Low-key establishment serves hearty portions of prawns, oysters & other American seafood favorites.
18 locals recommend
Riva Fish House
31 Municipal WharfLow-key establishment serves hearty portions of prawns, oysters & other American seafood favorites.
The Crows Nest offers both amazing fine dining and casual options with views of the ocean and Santa Cruz Harbor!
276 locals recommend
Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff DrThe Crows Nest offers both amazing fine dining and casual options with views of the ocean and Santa Cruz Harbor!
SLS is the best spot to get some wonderful food, coffee or a treat and check out the views along West Cliff!
18 locals recommend
Steamer Lane Supply
644-670 W Cliff DrSLS is the best spot to get some wonderful food, coffee or a treat and check out the views along West Cliff!
Bars, Beers and Wine
This microbrewery makes organic beers & serves them in a dog-friendly taproom with eats & a garden.
94 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard
334 Ingalls StThis microbrewery makes organic beers & serves them in a dog-friendly taproom with eats & a garden.
Place to sample the brewery's main beers & seasonal releases, with nautical accents & a patio.
50 locals recommend
Humble Sea Brewing Co.
820 Swift StPlace to sample the brewery's main beers & seasonal releases, with nautical accents & a patio.
Creekside picnic area & scenic tasting room with a variety of handcrafted wines plus a patio.
32 locals recommend
Beauregard Vineyard
10 Pine Flat RdCreekside picnic area & scenic tasting room with a variety of handcrafted wines plus a patio.
Grocery Stores
New Leaf Community Markets
1101 Fair AveShopper's Corner
622 Soquel Avebest selection of meats, wines and local fresh foods
The Westside Farmers’ Market is OPEN every Saturday-Rain or Shine!
This market takes place every week, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive, situated on the northern edge of Santa Cruz’s greenbelt. This market serves the communities of the west-end of Santa Cruz including Bonny Doon, the North Coast and the UCSC Campus. It is just a hop, skip and a jump from Downtown.
11 locals recommend
Farmer’s Market West Side
The Westside Farmers’ Market is OPEN every Saturday-Rain or Shine!
This market takes place every week, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive, situated on the northern edge of Santa Cruz’s greenbelt. This market serves the communities of the west-end of Santa Cruz including Bonny Doon, the North Coast and the UCSC Campus. It is just a hop, skip and a jump from Downtown.
Whole Foods Market
911 Soquel AveTrader Joe's
700 Front StFast and Easy
Pacific Ave Cycles
153 Pacific AveQuick food, coffee, snacks on the way to the beach!
Bagelry
1636 Seabright AveLocal Favorite!
Firefly Coffee House
131A Front St