Exploring Pleasure Point

With colorful surf shops, charming beach cottages, and a shoreline teeming with surfers and beachgoers, Pleasure Point is the kind of quintessential beach community that enlivens Hollywood movies and lures envious tourists to California’s sunny shores year-round. Situated on Santa Cruz’s east end, this seaside neighborhood is one of the most vibrant surf destinations along the California coast. The easy going neighborhood earned its hedonistic name from Prohibition-era shenanigans, but you’d swear it’s because spending a day here is such a joy, no surfboard required.

PLAY

Pleasure Point Beach

One of Pleasure Point’s biggest draws is East Cliff Drive, a dazzling waterfront promenade-part of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail-that winds along coastal bluffs overlooking the sparkling Monterey Bay. Join the parade of beach cruisers, skaters, and board-toting surfers as you enjoy vistas of quiet beach coves and thrilling surf breaks.

You’ll spot onlookers at the mini blufftop park overlooking The Hook (East Cliff Dr. at 41st Ave.), one of the neighborhood’s famed surf spots. Spectators belly up to a cliffside fence to take in sweeping views of the Monterey Bay and throngs of wetsuit-clad surfers riding rolling waves into shore. A few blocks away, Pleasure Point Park (East Cliff Dr. at 32nd Ave.) offers another great vantage point of surfer-topped waves from a small overlook guarded by a giant wooden tiki.

Jack O’Neill Park (East Cliff Dr. at 37th Ave.) honors the late surf legend and wetsuit pioneer who lived in the green cliffside house immediately adjacent. It’s a rugged, undeveloped plot of land that offers unspoiled views of the spectacular coastline. In July 2017, it served as the launching point for thousands of surfers who participated in a massive memorial paddle out to pay tribute to O’Neill.

SHOP

Surfboards

Pleasure Point’s main drag, 41st Avenue, immerses visitors in the town’s rich surf culture. The buzzing thoroughfare is lined with swaying Golden Medallion trees-named for their brilliant yellow blooms-and colorful storefronts filled with surf shops, beachy home stores, and casual eateries. The relaxed neighborhood sports a strict dress code of flip flops, shorts, and surf tees. Outfit yourself like a local at Freeline Surf Shop owned by big wave surfer, Peter Mel, or at O’Neill Surf Shop which continues the legacy of Jack O’Neill who first coined the term “surf shop.”

On Sunday mornings, you’ll find locals bustling about the makeshift public plaza that is the Live Oak Farmers’ Market. Tote-wielding shoppers arrive early to nab fresh seasonal veggies from the region’s many surrounding farms and munch savory breakfast tacos to the toe-tapping tunes of live bands.

EAT + DRINK

East End Gastropub
East End Gastropub dishes

Start the day with a jolt from one of the neighborhood’s many third-wave coffee shops. Verve Coffee Roasters debuted its first shop in Pleasure Point before branching out to Los Angeles and Tokyo. Pop into their cozy initial locale on 41st Avenue to enjoy foam art-topped mugs amidst a stylish new interior from Santa Cruz design firm Young America Creative. At Cat & Cloud, you can sip creamy espresso drinks from beans roasted on-site in an Instagram-worthy interior. A case full of baked goods delivered daily from Companion Bakeshop and a killer avocado toast-invite lingering on a sunny front patio. As the folks at Cat & Cloud say, “come kick it with us for that neighborhood feeling, chill surf vibes, and a bunch of cute dogs to pet.”

You know you’re in a surf town when there’s a hulking breakfast burrito within a surf leash’s reach. Each morning, locals pour into Point Market and emerge with foil-wrapped beauties assembled in a variety of combos. Ask for extra hot sauce!

Surf-themed posters, photos, and boards cover every inch of Pleasure Point Pizza, a neighborhood landmark that serves up hot slices to ravished surfers. The atmospheric eatery played a role in “Chasing Mavericks,” a 2012 feature film that tells the story of local surf legend Jay Moriarty. Check out some of the other local spots featured in the film with this cool movie map.

East End Gastropub cocktail
East End Gastropub cocktail

Some more absolute tried-and-true Pleasure Point favorites, stop by Suda, Eastside Eatery, and East End Gastropub. Arguably some of the best cocktails, brunches, lunches, and dinners have come from these three, so be sure to add them to your P.P. must-visit list.

With Pleasure Point’s beachfront setting and 300 annual days of sunshine, you know there’s a tasty ice cream spot nearby. The Penny Ice Creamery makes a point of pleasing with scoops of from-scratch organic ice cream made with fresh seasonal ingredients and served in homemade waffle cones. Get it like the locals do with a roasted marshmallow topping!

ARTISTIC TOUCH

Jeremiah Kille mural at Pleasure Point

Pleasure Point’s pops of color don’t end with the vibrant coastal blooms and cotton candy sunsets, the seaside neighborhood oozes with artistic charm around every corner. From the uniquely decorated and adorned beach bungalows to the iconic mural by Santa Cruz native, Jeremiah Kille, Pleasure Point puts on a display of artistry and whimsy. Stroll East Cliff and the surrounding neighborhoods and find all sorts of unexpected expressions of art. The “Lost Soles” sign is a fun find near the stairs at 36th Avenue, plus the countless other artistic pops discovered as you explore Pleasure Point.

Mural at Zen Island

And the artistry is hard to miss as you shop as well! Surfboard shapers, iconic surf apparel, and boutique stores like Zen Island let you take a piece of the surf and sun themed designs to your home.

STAY

Lobby of Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott

Walking distance from the hub of activity on 41st Avenue, the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott features spacious two-room suites, a bocce ball court, and an aquatic-themed lobby with a glass jellyfish chandelier that would delight Nemo and Dory. At the nearby Best Western Plus Capitola-by-the-Sea Inn & Suites, notable perks include a year round heated pool and hot tub, free WiFi, and an exceptional complimentary breakfast buffet.

You’ll fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves at Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages which overlook a hidden scenic beach that’s a favorite among locals. Fully-equipped cottages and outdoor patios with BBQ grills will have you feeling like one of the neighbors in no time. Beach lovers can also take shelter at Bella Notte, a boutique 10-room property that’s walking distance to Twin Lakes State Beach. Bright citrus trees and climbing vines lend a Mediterranean vibe while lux rooms with Italian bedding and heated bathroom floors ensure a bella notte, or beautiful night.