Nestled around Santa Cruz County are a variety of seaside towns to visit: filled with delicious eateries, handcrafted drinks, and spectacular scenery, each of these places embodies the unique flare of the community that calls that neighborhood home.

Brimming with tranquil natural retreats, foodie delights, and playful coastal adventures, Twin Lakes is a hidden treasure tucked away just south of Santa Cruz. Spend a day beachcombing along the shoreline, set sail on Monterey Bay, search for wildlife by a coastal lake, and fuel yourself up for the journey at one of the neighborhood’s delicious establishments, who serve up everything from seafood to burritos, pasta, sandwiches, and more. Its harborside location, flavorful restaurants, and stunning coastal landscapes make Twin Lakes the ultimate spot to soak in the beachside bliss! 

PLAY 

With its expansive shoreline, beachside lake, and harbor access, Twin Lakes is a coastal playground! The heart of the neighborhood is Twin Lakes State Beach: the mile-long beach provides ample space to settle in for a day of sunbathing, beachcombing, and picnicking along the shore. Feel free to bring Fido along for the day: dogs are allowed on-leash. Beachgoers enjoy watching boats heading out onto the Bay from the nearby Santa Cruz Harbor, lighting up a bonfire in one of the fire rings, and catching one of those epic Santa Cruz sunsets with their toes in the sand. 

Just up the road is Sunny Cove Beach: a small, hidden gem of a beach, where locals and visitors alike seek relaxation away from the bigger beaches around town. Sunny Cove makes for a great place to catch both the sunrise and sunset, and the colors are unbelievable! 

Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts will find refuge at Schwan Lake. Take a serene stroll on the dirt paths that run around expansive meadows and beneath coast live oaks and eucalyptus, opening to views of the lake and Monterey Bay beyond. Bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for egrets, cormorants, hawks, and even bald eagles! 

SAIL

Take to the waters of Monterey Bay at the Santa Cruz Harbor! Set sail on a 65-foot luxury catamaran with O’Neill Yacht Charters or a 70-foot sailing yacht with Chardonnay Sailing, drifting by Santa Cruz landmarks like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Wharf. Both offer several sails to choose from, such as a daytime cruise, a sunset sail, a pizza sail, and an opportunity to sample local wine and beer on a tasting sail. On Wednesday nights, get a front-row view of the weekly summer boat  races on a Regatta Viewing Sail. For a more intimate voyage, you can even charter a private sail on either vessel, so you can have the whole ship to yourselves. Now that’s beachside bliss! 

Embark on a water adventure with SUP Shack or Kayak Connection: paddle your way around the Santa Cruz Harbor, exploring over a mile of calm, protected waters. Glide past yachts and catamarans, and if you’re feeling daring, paddle out to the open waters of Monterey Bay! It’s not uncommon to spot wildlife from your kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Catching a close-up glimpse of playful otters, curious harbor seals, and a variety of seabirds adds some wildlife magic to your excursion. The Santa Cruz Harbor’s Kayak Connection and SUP Shack make spending an invigorating afternoon on the water a breeze! 

During summer weekends and holidays, catch a ride on the free Water Taxi offered by the Santa Cruz Harbor. This is a fantastic way to hop neighborhoods from Seabright to Twin Lakes or vice versa, so you can explore even more of what Santa Cruz has to offer! 

STAY 

After the sun sets on Twin Lakes Beach, walk to your practically-beachside boutique hotel: the Bella Notte Inn. Located in a peaceful corner of Twin Lakes, the charming inn provides a superb blend of elegance and tranquility that establishes the Bella Notte as a haven for beachside relaxation. Their impeccably-furnished rooms have a touch of European charm, while their amenities ensure a cozy stay, with comforts including free wifi, a pillow-top mattress, and heated bathroom floors in each room! Some rooms go above and beyond, with bubble tubs, gas fireplaces, and walk-in closets, catering to your luxurious side. Indulge your senses at the on-site Opal Spa & Boutique: loosen up your muscles with a massage, get your nails done for a romantic dinner out, or unwind with a blissful facial. With its refined ambiance, on-site spa, and luxurious amenities, the Bella Notte Inn promises an unforgettable stay just blocks from Twin Lakes Beach!

Nestled mere steps away from the Santa Cruz Harbor is the Harbor Inn, a charming inn with comfortable accommodations. The inn’s prime location puts you at the heart of Twin Lakes, close to picturesque beaches, waterfront dining, the liveliness of the Harbor and Boardwalk, and beyond! With a shared garden to enjoy on the property and rooms offering lofts and breakfast nooks, you’ll find plenty of space to stretch out and relax here. The Harbor Inn feels like a beachside home away from home!  

Tucked away on a side street overlooking gorgeous Sunny Cove Beach is Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages. This former ranch is now a charming series of guest rooms and cottages, with a large shared deck, shaded picnic tables, and BBQ grills. Swoon over their top-floor room, which offers a large private balcony and an Instagram-worthy view of the cove’s crashing waves. The Inn is an ideal spot for families — and their pooches — since most multi-room suites and cottages include kitchens and BBQs. The property is within walking distance to a number of eateries as well as the festive Live Oak Farmers’ Market.

EAT + DRINK

A Santa Cruz staple for over 60 years, the Harbor Cafe is where locals and visitors alike come to gather over incredible food, award-winning drinks, and excellent ambiance. The palm-tree-lined patio is the perfect place to peruse the brunch menu, bloody mary or mimosa in hand. Go with something savory, like the Cali Croissant open-faced breakfast sandwich, or opt for something sweeter, like the Churro Belgian Waffle. Whatever you choose, Harbor Cafe’s locally-sourced, made-from-scratch meals are sure to delight! Just down the road is locals’ favorite Deke’s Market, home to the In Mah’ Belly Deli. Grab a freshly made sandwich to bring down for a picnic at Twin Lakes Beach. Fan-favorites include the French Dip and the Hippie Tri-Tip! For another hyper-fresh, portable picnic food to bring to the beach, head to Sushi Market Sprouts, where you can snag some delectable sushi to go. 

Situated at the core of the Twin Lakes neighborhood, the enticing Lago di Como will whisk your tastebuds away on an Italian vacation! Named after his childhood home on the shores of Italy’s Lake Como, Chef Giovanni Spanu has created a menu that infuses authentic Italian culture and cuisine with the fresh, high-quality ingredients that Santa Cruz County has to offer. Luxuriate over the extensive wine list, and delight in a homemade pasta classic like Spagetti alla Carbonara, authentically prepared with guanciale (Italian-cured pork cheek), egg yolk, and pecorino romano, or go for something fresh from Monterey Bay, like Le Cozze (mussels) served with spicy calabrese salami in a garlic and white wine reduction over maltagliati pasta. Don’t miss the chance to linger over a dolci – that’s dessert – to end the evening with decadence! 

Locally-loved Aloha Island Grille brings the flavors of the Hawaiian Islands to the shores of Santa Cruz! Two blocks from Sunny Cove Beach, Aloha is the perfect spot to grab some grub on your way to or from the beach. Don’t miss a chance to try their Grilled Chicken Teriyaki, which is covered in Aloha’s signature teriyaki sauce – it’s a secret recipe. Nearby, Los Pericos Market supplies the tantalizing flavors of taqueria just a block from the shore. Browse the market’s offerings, and order some tacos and burritos to bring down for a sunset beach picnic. There are few things more classically Santa Cruz than a burrito at the beach!  

For a waterfront dining experience, look no further than the options at the Santa Cruz Harbor. Situated right on the sand of Twin Lakes Beach, The Crow’s Nest goes above and beyond with three outdoor patios, each with spectacular views of sailboats gliding in and out of the harbor. In the main restaurant, enjoy a happy hour cocktail and indulge in a delectable meal as the sun sets over the shore. For a more casual patio experience, enjoy a quick pizza or sandwich on the adjacent Beach Market deck, perched directly over the water. Whichever you choose, you’ll see what makes The Crow’s Nest a beloved local institution!

Just next door is the easygoing Cafe El Palomar: sip your margarita next to the sand, looking out at the shimmering blue waters of Monterey Bay. The beachfront restaurant serves up Mexican fare all day long, from morning Chilaquiles to Fajitas at sunset. Another dock-front favorite is Johnny’s Harborside, where freshly-caught fish is served alongside local, seasonal ingredients. Their California casual dining room provides views of the stunning Harbor, an ideal spot for an evening out! 

With its serene natural oases, foodie delights, and lively coastal adventures, the coastal neighborhood of Twin Lakes is sure to bring you beachside bliss!

Perched along the craggy bluffs of California’s scenic Highway 1 overlooking the Pacific Ocean is the charming coastal town of Davenport. Situated a mere 10 miles north of Santa Cruz, the picturesque drive is part of the adventure! Stop in along one of the roadside farms to harvest your very own bounty from the fields, or enjoy the freshly picked produce served up at a local restaurant. From sheltered coves to cliff-sides providing astonishing vistas, don’t miss a chance to explore one of Davenport’s secluded beaches! Its scenic drive, hyper-fresh bounty, and the pristine natural beauty of its remote beaches are three of the best reasons to venture out and discover the idyllic coastal haven of Davenport!   

SCENIC DRIVE 

Begin your getaway along the seemingly endless Highway 1: the stunning landscapes along the cliffside roadway make for an idyllic backdrop as you drive off into the sunset! Put on your favorite playlist and cruise up the highway, rolling down the windows to smell the fresh salt air. This sun-drenched stretch of asphalt is lined with fields that stretch on and on, ample vista points looking out over the Pacific Ocean, and plenty of farm stands to check out along the way. Take your time as you navigate the gently sloping curves of Highway 1, pause to check out the rugged beauty of the coastal bluffs, bring along a picnic, and soak up each moment of your excursion. Each curve of the road reveals a new postcard-perfect scene, making the scenic drive up the coast one of the best parts of visiting Davenport!

BOUNTY 

Blanketing the lands around Davenport are expansive fields of wildflowers, strawberries, artichokes, olallieberries, and a variety of the delicious, farm-fresh bounty that feeds Santa Cruz County and the world beyond. The coastal fog blankets these fields with much-needed moisture, aiding in the delicate balance that makes Santa Cruz County’s temperate climate the ideal locale for growing produce. There is a rich agricultural history in Davenport and Santa Cruz County: today’s farm stands have roots that go back generations as the current crops pave the way for the future, being used in innovative culinary creations around the county. Taste the local farm-to-table cuisine at Davenport Roadhouse, which uses Brussels sprouts from the roadside Rodoni Farms, caramelized with an apple gastrique. Pick your very own bounty at Rodoni Farms and Swanton Berry Farm, which both offer organic u-pick options throughout the year. Bring along your harvest for a coastal picnic – complete with berry cobbler from Swanton – and don’t forget to grab some jam to take home!  

SECLUDED BEACHES  

Nestled amongst the rugged cliffs of Davenport’s spectacular coastline are an abundance of secluded beaches perfect for a day spent soaking up the sunshine and discovering the wonders of marine life. Searching for the hidden sea arches, rock formations, and tide pools teeming with marine life feels like a scavenger hunt for natural beauty! One of the most iconic is Shark Fin Rock, a lone predator that emphasizes the sweeping views of the coast as its off-white mudstone catches the light throughout the day. Head down the rocky trail to the sheltered cove’s shore, where you will be rewarded with the opportunity to explore a sea cave, admire vibrantly-colored sea glass, and feel as if you’ve discovered a true hidden gem on the California coast.  

There are plenty of other secluded seascapes dotting the shoreline of the north coast, ready to be explored! The pristine beaches of Coast Dairies State Park and Davenport Bluffs’ rugged coastline are beautiful places to spread out a coastal picnic or take a scenic hike. Visit sometime from January through April for whale watching: catch a glimpse of a Humpback or Gray Whale as they make their migration along the California Coast. The brilliant views along the north coast cliffs make for the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Pacific, a fantastic end to any day while visiting Santa Cruz County.  

Due to these beaches’ secluded nature, it’s important to note that there are often no restrooms or garbage bins. Being prepared to pack out what you pack in, including your trash, and others’ debris as well if you’re up to it – helps keep these majestic places clean and beautiful for all of us to enjoy for years to come!  

With its scenic drive, super fresh agricultural scene, and secluded yet stunning shorelines, the captivatingly quaint town of Davenport will leave you longing for more with every visit.  

Nestled around Santa Cruz County are ample seaside towns to explore: filled with delicious eateries, handcrafted beverages, and spectacular scenery, each of these places embodies the unique flare of the community that calls that neighborhood home.

Perched along the bluffs overlooking the shimmering waters of Monterey Bay is the quaint coastal hamlet of Seascape. With its inviting collection of shops and restaurants, kick-your-shoes-off atmosphere, and spectacular panoramic views of the shoreline, a visit to Seascape captures the essence of coastal living at its most charming. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life in this secluded treasure: feel the sand between your toes, catch a majestic sunset, and slow down to savor the beachside bliss in Seascape!

STAY

Situated atop 45 acres of dramatically scenic coastal bluffs, the Seascape Beach Resort is a tranquil beachfront haven where coastal dreams come true. The all-suite resort comes equipped with an abundance of luxurious amenities, such as a championship golf club, a secluded beach, and three pools heated year-round complete with spas. Explore Seascape’s recreational pursuits, like miles of shoreline, a championship golf course, beach bonfires, and more. From romantic suites with whirlpool tubs to spacious, family-friendly beachfront villas where you can stretch out with your loved ones, Seascape Beach Resort has all the lavish services and amenities of a resort stay with all the creature comforts of home, all with those captivating ocean views!

Discover nirvana with the resort’s in-suite spa that brings services, such as a full-body massage and a marine-extract facial, into the comfort and privacy of your room. Let deep relaxation wash over you as you cozy up in your fluffy robe by your suite’s crackling fireplace, watching the sunset over Monterey Bay with a glass of wine in hand from your suite’s private deck. Let the soothing sounds of the waves lull you to a restful slumber that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed come morning: that’s beachside bliss. 

Indulge in the decadent dishes at Sanderlings, Seascape Beach Resort’s award-winning restaurant. Tucked right into the lobby for ease of access, Sanderlings delivers coastal casual cuisine and artisanal cocktails with an unforgettable ocean backdrop. With a menu meticulously sourced from the region’s local growers and fishers, each dish highlights the best of what Santa Cruz County has to offer. Snag a spot on the patio overlooking the cliffs and Monterey Bay for a spectacular Sanderlings experience!

PLAY

When it comes to recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation, Seascape knows how it’s done! Beach lovers will rejoice when they see Seascape Beach: its 17-mile-long, pristine coastline stretches as far as the eye can see. Take a stroll along the seemingly endless shoreline, comb the beach for treasures, and lounge in the sand, soaking up the California sunshine. When you’re ready for a rest, Seascape Beach Resort guests can zip off in a golf cart back to their suite, or arrange a beach bonfire, complete with s’mores, to finish off a perfect day on the shore!

If hitting the links is more your style, reserve your tee time at Seascape Golf Club! With 6,034 yards of impeccably green fairways and rolling hillsides, the championship golf course and grounds make for an incredible day of playing golf. 

Be sure to head to Seascape County Park as the sun makes its way toward the horizon: facing westward, overlooking the glimmering waters of Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean beyond, Seascape’s coastal bluffs make for an epic spot to catch the sunset! Beyond the park’s bluff trail, there are also picnic areas, art displays, and a playground to enjoy.

EAT + DRINK

Established in the heart of Seascape is Dos Pescados, an elevated coastal Mexican restaurant that dishes up appetizing plates with oceanfront views! Every detail, from the sun-soaked outdoor patio overlooking the ocean to their vibrantly-hued cocktails and their fresh, seafood-driven cuisine, conjures the sublime feeling of embarking on a tropical vacation. Drawing inspiration from the local neighborhood, California beyond, and coastal Mexico, the innovative menu places seafood at its center, serving standouts such as snapper ceviche and the pescado del día. That is just the beginning of the menu, however: with quality and freshness at the forefront, each bite is a testament to the natural bounty of the surrounding area. Pair a classic, like the pepita-salsa-strewn guacamole or Baja-style fish tacos, with one of the colorfully crafted cocktails from the restaurant’s cantina. Unwind at Dos Pescados with a flavorful meal, enjoying the sunshine and coastal scenery while sipping on a margarita!

For more casual fare, grab a slice from a community classic: Village Host. This Seascape mainstay won over the neighborhood with its tasty slices and laid-back vibe. That, paired with its steps-from-the-beach location. keeps people coming back time and again. While you wait for your made-to-order pizza pie, saddle up at their wine and beer bar or test your pinball skills at the restaurant’s classic arcade. Pro-tip: Take your hot, fresh pizza along for a picnic at Seascape Beach!

The irresistible aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts from South Point, a coffee bar that also dishes up a delectable brunch on weekends. Serving up caffeine classics like cappuccinos and lattes as well as indulgent baked goods like cinnamon rolls and chocolate croissants, South Point is sure to satisfy your morning cravings! A must-try is the Aztec Mocha, which expertly blends the sweetness of chocolate with the spicy kick of cinnamon and chili powder. 

SHOP

Spend a leisurely afternoon meandering around the Shops at Seascape Village, an eclectic array of boutiques and shops, offering a variety of goods from florals to fashion, gifts, and more. Seascape Foods has a little bit of everything, from housemade organic sourdough bread and an ample selection of pre-made delicacies at the delicatessen to artisanal products and gifts galore. The family-owned shop blends gastronomic goodies and local produce with curated coastal wares. Just around the corner, check out the contemporary attire at Cinnamon Bay Clothing Co., a local boutique that will have you looking coastal California cool. As you stroll through the marketplace, stop into Seascape Flowers for a bewitching bouquet to make a romantic seaside evening even more special! Whether you’re shopping for something to wear around the resort, searching for the perfect gift, or seeking gastronomic inspiration, the Shops at Seascape has you covered!   

With its culinary delights, resort-style accommodations, ample recreational options, and rugged cliffside beauty, the beachside bliss of Seascape awaits!