When you think about wine tasting in Santa Cruz County, your mind might wander to the misty peaks of the Santa Cruz Mountains or the sunlit vineyards of Corralitos. But there’s another side to our wine culture that’s walkable, vibrant, and woven right into the heart of our urban neighborhoods. From mountain-grown Pinot Noir to adventurous blends, you can experience the county’s rich winemaking tradition without leaving town. That means you can sip incredible local vintages without ever leaving the lively streets, coastal views, and walkable districts that make Santa Cruz County so special.

This guide takes you through the county’s main urban wine neighborhoods, each with its own cluster of tasting rooms and wine bars. Whether you’re strolling between stops in a lively downtown or relaxing in a sunny courtyard, you’ll find that every area offers a unique expression of Santa Cruz’s winemaking spirit.

Downtown Santa Cruz

The heart of the city beats with a lively mix of tasting rooms and wine bars that are all offering unique tasting experiences. Birichino is bright and inviting, known for aromatic wines like their Malvasia Bianca, which smells like wildflowers and citrus groves. If you want an extra special experience, head here in the afternoons on Wednesday so you can sip their wines on their parklet patio while the Downtown Farmer’s Market bustles around you. At Big Basin Vineyards, you can taste Pinot Noir and Syrah that channel the rugged intensity of the Santa Cruz Mountains without having to drive into the mountains. Their lively downtown tasting room even has firepits and empanadas to enjoy with your wines! Storrs Winery pours sustainably crafted varietals with elegance and balance, while Bad Animal offers a natural wine bar within their enchanting rare bookstore. Come for a glass to drink while perusing their book collection and stay for dinner, where you can dive even deeper into their thoughtfully curated wine list that pairs perfectly with the exquisite food from Hanloh. This is the perfect neighborhood for a walking wine tour before dinner or a night out.

Swift Street Courtyard – Westside Santa Cruz

The Westside’s Swift Street Courtyard is a wine lover’s paradise, with multiple tasting rooms just steps from each other. Madson Wines captures the character of the Santa Cruz Mountains with their low intervention wines that gently guide each fermentation, allowing the wine’s natural character and vibrancy to shine through. Margins Wine may be the smallest tasting room in the county, but it pours bold flavors with a big heart. Specializing in low-intervention bottlings from organically farmed vineyards, they spotlight underrepresented regions, varietals, and growers. Sones Cellars is a haven for Zin lovers, while Silver Mountain Vineyards pours crisp, mountain-grown classics. When you’re ready to sit back, Apero offers a stylish wine bar experience with selections from both near and far. There are too many amazing wine tasting rooms in this small area, so you’ll have to discover them all! The courtyard buzzes with energy and makes for one of the most walkable wine adventures in the county.

Scotts Valley

Scotts Valley offers a compact but exciting wine scene perfect for an easy afternoon. Inversion Wines, named for the unique “inversion” layer of fog that shapes their grapes, is a family-run wine experience known for its welcoming atmosphere and wines that are both complex and elegant. Kissed by an Angel Wines greets visitors with bold, fruit-forward reds and the kind of friendly, conversational hospitality that makes you feel like a regular from your first pour. Just around the corner, Saison Cellars draws on Old World traditions and brings a Michelin-rated pedigree to their curated retail selection, offering exceptional bottles alongside tailored wine services. With all three within minutes of each other, this is a neighborhood that’s easy to explore in a single visit.

Aptos

Aptos blends coastal charm with intimate wine experiences. Sante Arcangeli Family Wines crafts pure, honest Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays with a goal of elevating regional winemaking. The Town Center tasting room even lets you shop for shoes with a glass in hand. Just a short walk away, Aptos Vineyard offers bright, balanced wines that reflect their coastal roots—some made by Sante Arcangeli’s own winemaker—while Cantine Winepub pairs a curated wine list with delicious small plates in a relaxed, beach-town setting. With all three so close together, it’s easy to sip your way through the afternoon before watching the sun set at Seacliff State Beach.

Capitola & Soquel

Capitola and Soquel combine small-town charm with a deep winemaking heritage. In Soquel, Bargetto Winery has been a local institution since 1933, offering creekside tastings and signature wines like their celebrated Pinot Noir and La Vita blend. Just up the road, Wargin Wines pours bold, character-driven varietals, while OverShine Wine keeps things playful and approachable. A short drive brings you to Capitola Village, where the brand new Vin Vivant Wine Bar offers an expert sommelier’s wine experience focused on a thoughtfully curated list of French wines. Together, these towns create a wine-tasting route rich in history, personality, and flavor.

Santa Cruz County offers the best of both worlds, from adventurous trips into the mountains and countryside for estate vineyard visits to vibrant urban wine tastings right in the heart of our towns. Each neighborhood brings its own personality, flavors, and atmosphere, whether you’re in the mood for a casual glass, an in-depth tasting, or a full day of exploration. All you need is a curious palate and a little time to enjoy the journey.

From ocean-view patios to dimly lit gastropubs, Santa Cruz County’s burger scene runs as deep as the redwoods and as wide as the coastline. Santa Cruz County knows how to do burgers. They’re as much a part of our local culture as sunset surf sessions and weekend farmers’ markets. We’re talking burgers with bacon jam dripping down the side, buns baked to golden perfection, patties that burst with savory juices, and toppings that range from classic to wildly inventive. This is a county where burgers are more than a meal, they’re a work of edible art.

Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or you’ve called Santa Cruz home for years, these eight spots prove that the county’s burger game is every bit as legendary as its surf breaks. This list isn’t just about good burgers, it’s about the ones that stick with you, the ones you find yourself thinking about days later, the ones you’d drive across town for in traffic. Here’s where you’ll find the standouts.

1) Emerald Mallard

Emerald Mallard in Felton serves one of the best burgers in Santa Cruz County, a true indulgence that belongs on every burger lover’s list. Their OG Smash Burger proves that perfection does not require overcomplication. It is built with two sizzling beef patties pressed thin on the griddle until the edges turn lacy and crisp, topped with raw yellow onion for bite, melting American cheese for nostalgic comfort, pickle for tang, and a creamy house-made burger sauce that ties every bite together. It is rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, the kind of burger that makes you pause mid-bite just to appreciate it. If you can time your visit for happy hour Wednesday through Friday, order the Cheese Skirt Smash Burger. This single patty is crowned with a golden, crunchy halo of cheddar that spills over the bun in crispy perfection. Pair your burger with a cold pint from Humble Sea and finish with one of their house-made cannoli for the ultimate Felton feast, perfect for refueling after a day hiking through the nearby redwoods. Address: 6256 CA-9, Felton

2) The Grille at DeLaveaga 

The Grille at DeLaveaga might sit in the middle of a golf course, but it feels more like a local secret than a clubhouse. Tucked into the rolling green hills, it serves up elevated California cuisine with a comforting twist that’s worth seeking out. Their brunch is phenomenal, but don’t sleep on their lunch offerings, where the burgers are the real prize. The seasonal specials keep regulars coming back, from a smoky BBQ burger loaded with tangy sauce to a smash burger stacked with grass-fed beef, caramelized onions, garlic aioli, house pickles, and white cheddar on a brioche bun. The classic DeLa Burger is always a safe bet, simple and satisfying in that way only a well-made burger can be. Add a side of their crisp, golden onion rings and wash it down with a cold pint or a crisp cocktail, and you’ve got yourself a little pocket of burger heaven in the middle of the fairway. Address: 401 Upper Park Rd, Santa Cruz

3) Oswald Restaurant

Oswald has been a downtown Santa Cruz mainstay since 1995, serving California comfort food and craft cocktails that keep people coming back year after year. Their burger has reached near-cult status among locals, the kind of menu item that regulars order without even glancing at anything else. It is a lesson in how simple ingredients, when done perfectly, can be unforgettable. A juicy, flavorful patty comes topped with sweet, slow-cooked caramelized onions, a generous crumble of tangy blue cheese, and a smooth layer of aioli. The sharp funk of the cheese melts into the beef, meeting the deep sweetness of the onions in a combination that feels indulgent yet perfectly balanced. Paired with crisp fries and a craft cocktail, it is a Santa Cruz classic that has earned every bit of its devoted following. Address: 121 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

4) Belly Goat Craft Burgers

Belly Goat Craft Burgers in Abbott Square Market takes handcrafted burgers to a whole new level. This is not a one-or-two-options kind of place. The menu is packed with creative, flavor-packed combinations that make you want to work your way through every single one. Start with the Cowboy Burger, a classic in their lineup, stacked with crisp iceberg, tomato, smoked Rogue blue, sweet bacon jam, masa onion hay, and chipotle ranch. Or go bold with the Seoul Surfer, a burst of Korean-inspired flavor featuring kimchi, toasted sesame, BBQ’d smoked pork belly, a fried egg, and gochujang mayo. Specials keep things fresh, like the indulgent Ahi Tuna Burger, and vegetarians are far from left out thanks to The Forager, a masterpiece of avocado mash, chimichurri-marinated tomatoes, sunflower sprouts, blackened sous-vide portobello, and sriracha-pimento olive aioli. Grab a table in Abbott Square on a Friday night, let the live music set the mood, and dig into a burger feast that proves downtown Santa Cruz knows how to do dinner right. Address: 725 Front St, Santa Cruz (Abbott Square)

5) East End Gastropub

East End Gastropub in Capitola is the kind of spot that proves comfort food and a fine dining finish can live on the same plate. Their house-made pizza dough and fresh pasta are worth the trip, but ask any regular and they’ll tell you the real star of the menu is the burger. It’s a double-patty masterpiece cooked medium-well, layered with shredded iceberg for crunch, house sauce for tang, homemade pickles for bite, and a gooey blanket of American cheese. The whole thing comes with a heap of fries, but the fun really starts with the add-ons: caramelized onions that melt into sweetness, creamy avocado, sharp blue cheese, or crispy bacon. Stack it high, build it your way, and suddenly you understand why East End has earned its place among the best burgers in Santa Cruz County. Address: 1501 41st Ave, Suite 1, Capitola

6) Parish Publick House

Parish Publick House, with locations in both Aptos and Santa Cruz, has built a reputation for serving up some of the biggest and boldest burgers in the county. Their menu is packed with creative options, each one as oversized in flavor as it is in size. Take the Pfeiffer Burger, a local favorite stacked high with crispy onion rings, smoky bacon, and their house-made BBQ sauce; it is a towering comfort classic that always satisfies. But if you’re feeling truly adventurous, the infamous Belushi Burger is in a league of its own. This half-pound stuffer comes loaded with bacon, blue cheese, and two types of cheese before being battered, deep-fried, and served as one of the most outrageous burgers you’ll ever lay eyes on. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those with a serious appetite, it’s a one-of-a-kind burger experience you’ll be talking about long after your plate is clean. Address: 8017 Soquel Dr, Aptos & 841 Almar Ave, Santa Cruz

7) Betty’s Burgers

Betty’s Burgers is a Santa Cruz staple serving up creative burgers in a family friendly and casual setting. With several locations around town, including Seabright, 41st Avenue, and Aptos, it is easy to get your fix no matter which side of the county you are on. Their menu is filled with classics, but the burger that really stands out is The Duke, a local favorite that brings a little island flair to the table. It comes stacked with grilled pineapple, smoky bacon, melted cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and a drizzle of their sweet teriyaki sauce, which they cheekily refer to as lube. The combination of juicy beef, salty bacon, and that sweet tang of pineapple and teriyaki makes it unlike anything else you will find in town. Pair it with fries or one of their thick milkshakes, and you will see why Betty’s has become a go-to for locals and visitors craving a burger with personality. Address: 505 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz; 1000 41st Ave, Santa Cruz; 415 Trout Gulch Rd, Aptos

8) Jack’s Hamburgers

Jack’s Hamburgers is a true Santa Cruz institution, the kind of spot locals point visitors to when they ask where to get a burger that’s both delicious and affordable. Right in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, Jack’s has been the go-to for generations of students, families, and anyone craving a classic burger without the fuss. Their charbroiled patties are packed with flavor, whether you stick with a simple cheeseburger, go for their well-loved Chipotle Burger, or branch out with one of their hearty tri-tip sandwiches. Vegetarians will also find satisfying options, so everyone in the group can dig in. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with friendly staff and an outdoor seating area perfect for soaking in the Santa Cruz vibe, even if the small indoor space fills up fast. Whether you dine in, grab it to-go, or have it delivered, Jack’s proves that cheap eats can still deliver big flavor, making it a must-stop for anyone working their way through the county’s best burgers. Address: 202 Lincoln St, Santa Cruz

Here are six must visit spots to fuel your caffeine cravings and indulge in bakery delights when exploring the Santa Cruz area.

Verve Coffee Roasters

This Santa Cruz institution is known far and wide for its exceptional quality. The ambiance at each location is bright and modern, making Verve a perfect place to sit with a book or catch up with friends. Whether you prefer a smooth latte or a bright pour-over, Verve will deliver a delightful coffee experience. If you like sweet drinks, don’t miss out on the Missile, their unique iced drink made from coffee concentrate and house-made organic syrup and cream. Verve serves up pastries from Manresa Bread, which has recently expanded to include a shop on Santa Cruz’s Westside.

Cat & Cloud

This local roastery is dedicated to crafting every cup with care and passion. The colorful decor, welcoming atmosphere and vibrant flavors capture the spirit of coffee culture in Santa Cruz County. Don’t miss out on the mocha, which offers a perfect blend of chocolate and espresso. All Cat & Cloud locations offer pastries from Manresa Bread alongside housemade menu items, including one of the best breakfast burritos in town. Pair the rich mocha with an expertly laminated croissant with layers of buttery and flaky dough to start your perfect morning.

11th Hour

A community hub for coffee, food and local events in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, this hip spot is perfect for those who want to unwind with a locally roasted cup of coffee and for remote workers looking for a peaceful environment. Each drink is a treat, whether you’re looking for a classic coffee or a seasonal beverage like the campfire mocha or pumpkin cream cold brew. 11th Hour also boasts a mouthwatering selection of in-house baked goods, from their fragrant cardamom rose cake to unbeatable cherry bourbon scones.

Companion

This sourdough-centered bakery serves some of the best bread and pastries in town. Their unique approach to creating pastries with sourdough lamination gives each creation rich, tangy flavor that sets their baked goods apart. The Kouign-Amann, a pastry with flaky layers full of rich butter and sugar, and their Goat Horn Bread, a goat cheese stuffed sourdough, are must-try items. They also serve coffee to enjoy with your bakery treats featuring Cat & Cloud beans.

The Grove Café & Bakery

Nestled in downtown Felton, The Grove Cafe & Bakery combines freshly baked pastries, exceptional cuisine and a curated coffee list in a welcoming, cozy setting. Their seasonally influenced pastries bring the best of the region’s local flavors to every bite. The rotating seasonal croissant is a true gem everyone should try. The Grove uses 11^th Hour beans to create inventive brews like honey bear latte and mushroom mocha. It’s the perfect spot to brunch with friends or fuel up before heading to the redwood forest for a hike.

Gayle’s Bakery

A Capitola landmark, Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria has been serving locals and visitors for decades and is renowned for its extensive selection of freshly baked goods, from bread and pastries to cakes and cookies. Their stunning bakery display case is full of exquisite desserts like their signature Princess Cake. Gayle’s is one of the best places for a birthday or special event cake. Enjoy a mocha or another coffee creation brewed from Verve’s beans and gorgeously decorated sugar cookies for a perfect sweet treat.

When you think of dining in Santa Cruz County, you probably think of oceanfront seafood spots and farm-to-table favorites—and while those are great, some of the real culinary treasures are a little more off the beaten path. Whether tucked into the redwoods, hidden in plain sight, or secretly churning out some of the most delicious food in the county, these spots are redefining what it means to dine well in Santa Cruz. Here are six hidden gem restaurants you’ll be thrilled to discover.

The Grille at DeLaveaga

It might be located on a golf course, but don’t let that fool you—The Grille at DeLaveaga is one of the best-kept culinary secrets in Santa Cruz. Recently refreshed with a new chef, new cocktail program, and longer hours, this spot is a destination for brunch, lunch, and elevated comfort fare that’s as local and organic as it is delicious. The ambiance doesn’t hurt either: fireplaces for cozy indoor dining, a spacious patio with panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, and a cocktail bar that would be right at home downtown. Whether you’re swinging by after a hike or looking for a sunny weekend brunch with a view, The Grille delivers a standout experience—no golf clubs required.

Emozioni

Nestled on Porter Street in Soquel, Emozioni brings a taste of Italy’s finest dessert traditions to Santa Cruz County. This elegant little bakery specializes in traditional Italian pastries—think beautifully layered cakes, fruit-glazed tarts, and the kind of decadent treats you’d expect to find in a Naples café. But Emozioni doesn’t stop at sweets: they also serve slices of authentic pizza, baked to perfection with blistered crusts and simple, high-quality ingredients. Their special porchetta-topped focaccia-style pizza is a true hidden gem that you won’t find anywhere else in the county! A secret menu item you have to try is the Rum Babá used as a cup for your gelato of choice! It’s like using a delicious Italian donut as a cone to hold your favorite gelato flavors like stracciatella, mocha, or vanilla. Whether you’re stopping in for a morning espresso and a slice of something sweet or grabbing a savory lunch that will transport you to Italy, Emozioni is a hidden gem you do not want to miss.

Ozzy’s

If you think you’ve had every kind of pizza Santa Cruz has to offer, Ozzy’s is here to prove you wrong. This pizza joint has gained a loyal following thanks to its wildly creative topping combinations that somehow always work. The Date with a Hot Pig, a thin crust pizza topped with candied bacon, medjool dates, and gorgonzola cheese, is a must try item you won’t find at any other pizza joint in town! Each pizza has a perfectly crispy thin crust and generously topped with ingredients that make each menu item a star you have to try. From seasonal vegetables to unexpected flavor pairings, each pie feels like a chef-driven experiment in deliciousness. It’s casual, quirky, and consistently delivers pizza that surprises in the best possible way. A must for adventurous eaters and pizza lovers alike.

Lago di Como

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Santa Cruz, Lago di Como is the kind of place that feels like a secret—until you realize every table is full with couples celebrating anniversaries or friends sharing a bottle of wine. This is authentic Italian cuisine at its most heartfelt, with a deep dedication to the craft that shows in every handmade pasta, every sauce, and every perfectly balanced dish. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or celebrating a special occasion, Lago di Como offers an intimate, transportive dining experience that feels like a little piece of Italy on the Central Coast.

Emerald Mallard

What started as a beloved smash burger pop-up has blossomed into a true hidden gem in the mountain town of Felton. Emerald Mallard now calls this redwood-lined community home, and it’s become a go-to for high-end, no-frills food served with heart. With a constantly evolving menu that might include handmade cannolis on Sundays or inventive new specials every week, this place thrives on creativity and community. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a mind-blowingly good burger and still feel like you’ve discovered something special every time you visit.

Bittersweet Bistro

If you’re looking for a hidden gem restaurant that pairs delicious food with epic desserts, discover Bittersweet Bistro, tucked away in the quiet charm of Aptos. Known for its elegant blend of coastal California cuisine and Mediterranean influences, the bistro offers a menu full of standout dishes like the delicate Halibut en Papillote, baked to perfection in parchment with seasonal vegetables. But it’s the dessert experience that truly steals the show. Their lemon tiramisu is a must-try twist on the classic: lady fingers soaked in housemade limoncello, layered with lemon mascarpone mousse, and topped with lemon curd, crème anglaise, and amarena cherry sorbet that is bright, bold, and unforgettable. Add to that their lineup of dessert martinis (think chocolate, espresso, and caramel infusions), and you’ve got the perfect sweet finale. Whether you’re dining under twinkling patio lights or soaking up the cozy ambiance indoors, Bittersweet Bistro delivers a refined, deliciously sweet escape in the heart of Aptos.

Whether you’re exploring the coast or heading into the mountains, Santa Cruz County is full of low-key spots serving high-end food with tons of personality. These hidden gems prove that the best bites are often just around the corner—if you know where to look.

Welcome to The Hub, where we spotlight compact pockets of adventure and experience. This time, we’re heading to East Watsonville—a lively, vibrant community packed with great spots to eat, drink, shop, and hang out.

East Watsonville is a bustling area where friends and neighbors gather to enjoy good food, great coffee, and the welcoming vibe of a community that knows how to have fun. At the center of it all is the East Lake Village Shopping area—a dynamic destination that’s always buzzing with life. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to kickstart your day, a craft coffee to keep you going, or a fresh, healthy bite to satisfy your cravings, East Lake Village has you covered. It’s a gathering spot where locals and visitors come to eat, drink, shop, and soak up the friendly vibes. Spend a day here, and you’ll feel the energy that makes this community truly unique.

East Lake Village Shopping Center features 25 shops, restaurants, and more. With a mix of covered and uncovered patios, East Lake Village provides all visitors with a pleasant shopping experience. Conveniently located off HWY 129 and HWY 152, it’s easy to stop by and explore what makes this corner of Watsonville so special.

Ozzy’s Pizzeria

If you’re craving pizza, Ozzy’s is your go-to spot in East Lake Village. Known for its generous portions and mouthwatering slices, this casual eatery brings creativity and bold flavors to every pie. Their long-fermented thin-crust sourdough pizzas showcase inventive combinations that you won’t find anywhere else. One standout is the Date with a Hot Pig—a flavor-packed creation featuring cayenne and candied Corralitos bacon, sweet dates, olive oil, and shaved garlic, finished with blue cheese crumbles, hot honey, and fresh sage. Whether you’re grabbing a slice on the go or sharing a whole pie with friends, Ozzy’s delivers bold, satisfying flavors and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. It’s the perfect spot to kick back, enjoy good company, and indulge in some of the best pizza around.

Strawberry Patch Cafe

Right around the corner, you’ll find the Strawberry Patch Cafe—a cozy, welcoming spot perfect for breakfast or brunch. This local favorite is known for its flavorful coffee drinks, hearty breakfast burritos, and delicious panini sandwiches, attracting a loyal crowd of regulars who love the laid-back vibe and satisfying bites. Kick off your morning with one of their signature lattes or the spiced mocha for a comforting pick-me-up. If you’re in the mood for something refreshing, don’t miss their mango matcha—an energizing blend that balances creamy matcha with tropical sweetness. Tucked away across the street from the iconic (and famously haunted) Tuttle Mansion, Strawberry Patch Cafe is a hidden gem worth discovering.

Coffeeville

Coffeeville is the perfect spot to get your caffeine fix while soaking in a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. This cozy coffeehouse is known for its expertly crafted lattes and an impressive selection of house-made flavors that keep regulars coming back. Whether you’re craving a classic espresso or looking to try something more adventurous, like the lavender honey latte or the rich caramel mocha, Coffeeville delivers with style and warmth. Their homemade syrups and inventive flavor combinations truly set this spot apart. Pair your drink with a warm biscuit or a hearty bagel sandwich, and take a moment to relax and enjoy the community-driven vibe that makes Coffeeville a local favorite.

Fruition Brewing and Kitchen

Fruition is more than just a place to eat or drink—it’s a vibrant gathering space where great food, inventive brews, and a welcoming atmosphere come together. As a brewery, tasting room, and kitchen, Fruition is committed to crafting beers and food using local and sustainable ingredients, with a focus on seasonal, organic produce. Known for their creative brewing approach, Fruition’s extensive collection of sour beers has earned a loyal following, offering unique and vibrant flavors like the Tropic Snack Session Sour and the Strawberry Buzz Honey Ale. Their food menu pairs effortlessly with their brews, featuring standout dishes like crispy fish tacos and the indulgent sourdough grilled cheese—all made with care and creativity. Fruition also boasts a great outdoor patio space, perfect for relaxing with a flight of sours or sharing a meal with friends. Whether you’re enjoying the fresh air on the patio, digging into a delicious meal, or just catching up with friends, Fruition’s laid-back vibe and commitment to quality make it a favorite spot to unwind and savor bold, satisfying flavors.

Silver Spur

No visit to East Lake Village is complete without a stop at Silver Spur. This iconic, family-run diner recently opened its second location in the East Lake Village Shopping Center, bringing along its reputation for hearty breakfasts, comfort food classics, and welcoming service. Stepping inside, you’ll find a laid-back, nostalgic atmosphere complete with cozy booths and friendly staff who make you feel right at home. Silver Spur is known for dishes that hit the spot any time of day—from their famous chicken fried steak smothered in country gravy to the classic, fluffy pancakes that are a morning must-have. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal to kick off your day or a satisfying bite to wind down, Silver Spur delivers with that timeless diner charm that makes it a community favorite.

Santa Cruz County is home to some of the best cinnamon rolls on the California coast, with bakeries and cafés crafting these sweet treats to perfection. Whether you prefer them sticky and caramelized, loaded with cinnamon, or topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, there’s no shortage of places to satisfy your craving. From cozy local bakeries to well-loved institutions, we’ve rounded up the top spots where you can find the most irresistible cinnamon rolls in Santa Cruz County.

The Farm Bakery and Cafe

Just around the corner from Cabrillo College in Aptos, The Farm Bakery & Cafe has been serving up homestyle baked goods and hearty meals since 1976—and their cinnamon rolls are easily among the best in Santa Cruz County. They are known for their gorgeous fruit tarts but their other baked goods are definitely worth a trip here! These generously sized rolls are the perfect balance of soft, doughy layers and rich cinnamon flavor, swirled to perfection and topped with a silky glaze that melts into every bite. The Farm’s charming countryside atmosphere and heated garden patio make it an idyllic spot to enjoy a warm cinnamon roll and a cup of coffee on a slow morning. It’s a classic treat done right, and a true local favorite for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Busy Bees Cafe & Catering

Busy Bees Café is a hidden gem in Capitola, serving up some of the most indulgent cinnamon rolls in the county. These cinnamon rolls are warmed to perfection and full of rich flavor. Each roll is generously sized, with a velvety, gooey cinnamon filling and a thick layer of icing that melts into the warm pastry. The texture is pillowy soft, making each bite a sweet, satisfying treat. This hidden gem spot is also one of the best places in town to grab a breakfast burrito. Whether enjoyed fresh on the café’s sunny patio, accompanied by a hot cup of coffee, or taken to the beach for a sweet seaside indulgence, these cinnamon rolls are the highlight of any morning. A visit to Busy Bees Café isn’t complete without one, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll find it hard to resist coming back for more.

11th Hour Coffee (Downtown)

At 11th Hour Coffee in Santa Cruz, Sundays come with a sweet reward: freshly baked, in-house cinnamon rolls that have quickly become a local obsession. These rolls are made from scratch right in the café’s kitchen, and you can taste the care in every gooey, cinnamon-laced bite. The dough is soft yet compact, swirled with rich cinnamon sugar, and topped with a melty glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Only available on Sundays, these rolls are a limited treat—once they’re gone, they’re gone—so showing up early is key. Paired with one of 11th Hour’s beautifully roasted coffees, these cinnamon rolls offer the perfect balance of indulgence and craft. The modern, plant-filled space and community-focused vibe make it the ideal place to ease into your Sunday, one bite at a time.

Companion Bakeshop

Companion Bakeshop has earned its reputation for some of the best bread and pastries in town, and their cinnamon rolls are no exception. If you’re a fan of a cinnamon roll with a twist, their version is a must-try. Made with sourdough, these rolls offer a subtle tang that beautifully complements the rich, caramelized cinnamon filling. Not overly sweet, they strike the perfect balance for those who appreciate a more nuanced flavor profile. The dough has exceptional structural integrity, with a slight crunch on the outside that contrasts perfectly with the soft, gooey interior. Topped with just the right amount of frosting, each bite is a delightful experience. Each roll is crafted with locally sourced ingredients and an undeniable commitment to quality. Companion Bakeshop’s cinnamon rolls are a standout choice for anyone seeking a unique yet satisfying treat.

The Buttery

A Santa Cruz institution, The Buttery is known for its delectable pastries, and their cinnamon rolls are a true highlight. These rolls are large, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, with a balanced cinnamon-sugar filling that melts into the soft dough. You can get your cinnamon roll with or without raisins, which sets this spot apart from the other locations. The light icing is perfect for those looking for a treat that isn’t too sweet or rich. The bready texture makes the cinnamon roll feel so soft and pull-apart perfect!

Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria 

Gayle’s Bakery is a local favorite for a reason, and their cinnamon rolls showcase their expertise in crafting irresistible pastries. Their old fashioned cinnamon rolls will transport you to a rich and decadent past that is equal parts nostalgic and delicious. This cinnamon roll is definitely for the sweets lover! The thick, creamy icing is like a dreamy cloud of sweetness. The texture is similar to that of a donut and is incredibly soft! Big enough to share, Gayle’s cinnamon rolls are a real star in their already impressive line up of baked goods.

Seabreeze Cafe

A cozy brunch favorite near the Santa Cruz Harbor, Linda’s Seabreeze Café serves up cinnamon rolls that feel homemade in the best way. These rolls are soft, buttery, and packed with cinnamon goodness. Their cinnamon roll is layered with walnuts and cinnamon sugar without icing, making it perfect for those who want a less sweet option. Many of Seabreeze Cafe’s great breakfast dishes come served with a cinnamon roll or order it al a carte with a coffee for the perfect treat!

This list only scratches the surface of the excellent bakeries in our area making delicious cinnamon rolls and other exquisite pastries. If you’re gluten free, check out Melinda’s Gluten Free Bakery for cinnamon rolls as well!