Nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz County, the charming town of Soquel makes an inviting home base for exploring the best of the region. Its historic downtown is home to a lively collection of restaurants and cafés, shops, wineries, breweries, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors just around the corner. Winding through the village, Soquel Creek provides a tranquil soundtrack and picturesque natural backdrop as it meanders toward nearby Capitola and the shores of Monterey Bay. Whether you’re browsing local shops with coffee in hand, gathering with friends over a leisurely drink, or exploring scenic hillside trails, discover Downtown Soquel, where small-town charm and outdoor adventure invite you to slow down and savor the day.
FOOD
The enticing aroma of freshly baked dough wafts from Aldo’s Bakery & Cafe, where Italian-style bread, pastries, pizza, and pasta await. A welcoming spot for breakfast and lunch, the menu offers something for every craving, from a simple coffee and a croissant to hearty breakfast burritos, house-made pasta, and classic Italian panini. Everything is prepared fresh daily, and the care and quality shine through in every bite!
Just down the road is the Sunrise Cafe, a beloved local joint for quintessential breakfast and lunch diner fare. Expect a tempting lineup of comforting classics, like fluffy pancakes, French toast, hearty omelets, huevos rancheros, and veggie-packed scrambles, each with a fresh, homemade touch. Its all-day breakfast and relaxed atmosphere make it easy to see why Sunrise is a fan favorite!
Another must-try is Pretty Good Advice, a casual vegetarian take-out spot with creative, flavorful provisions sure to please every palate! Created by celebrated chef Matt McNamara, the menu offers a tempting lineup of all-day breakfast sandwiches, fermented black bean burgers slathered in an irresistibly tangy sauce, and an assortment of satisfying sides and salads, with plenty of vegan options to choose from. Save room for the gluten-free soft serve, which features a rotating flavor of the month! With its inventive menu and thoughtful approach to plant-forward dining, Pretty Good Advice offers plenty of reasons to return for another bite.
A longtime local favorite, Tortilla Flats has been serving up its distinctive blend of Mexican-French fusion for over 45 years! Explore their menu, which is packed with vibrant flavors, from house-made moles and delectable tapas dishes to award-winning margaritas! With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and decades of culinary tradition, Tortilla Flats is a neighborhood gem well worth a visit.
Tucked into a cozy neighborhood just steps from downtown, HOME is Soquel Village’s hidden gem, serving elevated cuisine in an intimate setting. Every detail of the dining experience feels thoughtfully considered, from the charming ambiance and attentive service to the sumptuous, seasonally inspired menu. A commitment to farm-to-table ingredients shines through in every delectable bite, keeping locals and visitors alike coming back time and again.
Just around the corner, Home Away offers a more casual, daytime experience, with counter service and a daytime bar setting the tone. Its elevated comfort fare, packed with vibrant flavors, feels like a playful nod to its big-sister restaurant. The menu centers on lunch and shareable small plates, changing daily to highlight fresh, local, organic, and seasonal ingredients while also showcasing fellow local culinary talents through mouthwatering collaborations. Both HOME and Home Away showcase the thoughtful, community-centered approach that husband-and-wife team Chef Brad Briske and Linda Ritten have cultivated throughout their culinary ventures.
Ready for something sweet? Nestled on Porter Street in Soquel, Emozioni brings a taste of Italy’s finest dessert traditions to Santa Cruz County. This tucked away 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. Plus, they serve delicious scoops of gelato!
SHOP
Treasure hunters will find plenty to explore along the main thoroughfare, where an abundance of antique shops create Soquel’s own distinctive antique district. With more than 5,000 square feet of shopping space, Center Street Antiques is a highlight. Twenty-five merchants fill the store with an eclectic collection spanning a variety of periods and styles, offering something for seasoned collectors and casual browsers alike. Just down the road, housed in a 1940s Quonset hut, The Salvage Hut specializes in antique and vintage finds, home décor, mineral paint, garden goods, and gifts galore. For even more creative inspiration, step into The Vintage Pick & Art Studio, a delightful shop in the heart of downtown. Browse an ever-changing collection of vintage treasures, upcycled clothing, and furniture-painting and crafting supplies, or roll up your sleeves and try something new in one of the studio’s hands-on classes. Whether you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind find or simply gathering ideas for your next creative project, see what catches your eye at Soquel’s whimsical selection of shops.
DRINK
For a morning cuppa, head to the Ugly Mug Coffeehouse, a beloved local gathering spot where expertly crafted coffee and small-town charm go hand in hand. Sip a velvety latte alongside a fresh pastry and ease into the day amid the cozy, artsy atmosphere. Whether you’re fueling up for a day of exploring or lingering over a leisurely morning, this local favorite is a lovely place to start.
When the day calls for a different kind of pour, inviting wineries and laid-back beer gardens offer plenty of ways to unwind. A charming vintage truck and the promise of a good glass of wine welcome visitors to Bargetto Winery, a historic, family-owned winery tucked into a cozy neighborhood just half a mile from downtown. Set along the banks of Soquel Creek, the winery offers a serene escape, with lush greenery and a picturesque courtyard perfect for lingering over a tasting. Sample an array of award-winning, handcrafted wines, from pinot noir to chardonnay, or try something a little different with a mead from the winery’s Chaucer’s label. It’s a lovely spot to slow down, savor the surroundings, and toast to the laid-back charm of the area.
For more sips, enjoy a lush, vineyard setting with sweeping views of the region at Soquel Vineyards. Just 10 minutes from downtown Soquel, this gorgeous hilltop winery feels worlds away. The label was founded in 1987 by twin brothers Peter and Paul Bargetto — sound familiar? — and their childhood friend, Jon Morgan. The three acre hillside vineyard is full of interesting touches (like the winery doors made from an old 12,000-gallon redwood tank salvaged from the original Bargetto Winery) and boasts some amazing Monterey Bay views. Couple this beautiful estate vineyard with their award winning wines and it’s sure to be a forever favorite.
Back in town, another fantastic place to gather with friends over an alfresco beverage is Beer Thirty Bottle Shop & Pour House, where community comes together over craft beer. With 30 rotating brews on tap and hundreds to choose from in bottle, this family – and dog-friendly – beer garden boasts the largest craft beer collection in Santa Cruz County. The spacious outdoor setting invites you to kick back with friends, bring along the pup, and turn a quick stop into a leisurely afternoon.
PLAY
Just beyond downtown Soquel is Anna Jean Cummings County Park, a sprawling, 95-acre community space where visitors can play, relax, and explore. Situated on a gently rolling hillside, the park’s natural contours create distinct spaces for a playground and picnic spots, a vast meadow, and a small network of multi-use trails, some of which offer panoramic views! Known locally as Blue Ball Park for an art installation of four large blue spheres, called “Sky Balls,” situated at the park’s entrance, this beloved gathering place is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The multi-age playground is designed for children ages 2 through 12, with a custom-built hillside slide serving as its most popular attraction. Nearby, picnic tables and gazebos offer inviting spots to settle in and enjoy a little shade from the California sunshine. Above the playground, an expansive meadow unfolds with fields for softball, baseball, and soccer, as well as a track that encircles the space. Trees line the walkways, offering shady spots to pause and take in the scenery. Toward the back of the park, a small network of multi-use loop trails winds through the hillside, inviting visitors to hike, bird, bike, and simply be with nature. The trail opens to a bird’s-eye view of Soquel, and from certain parts of the trail, hikers can even spot Monterey Bay! With its mix of play spaces, open fields, scenic trails, and far-reaching views, Anna Jean Cummings County Park offers a little something for every kind of park-goer.
With its small-town charm, lively local businesses, and inviting spots to gather with friends over a meal, a drink, or a little time in nature, discover Downtown Soquel and experience some of the best that Santa Cruz County has to offer.