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Santa Cruz County Holiday Gift Guide

By Visit Santa Cruz County

It’s that time of year again! Don’t let the hustle, bustle and those hard-to-shop-for people on your list get you down! Think outside the big box and take a look at this Holiday Gift Guide with 20+ Santa Cruz ideas that are easy, fun, and totally unique!

Explore Midtown

Even as a small town, Santa Cruz is brimming with unique neighborhoods showing off their own personality. Midtown, caught between the Westside and Eastside of Santa Cruz is no different.

Rediscover the Santa Cruz Wharf

Extending a half mile into the Monterey Bay, situated between the colorful Santa Cruz Boardwalk and the surfer-filled waves of Steamer Lane, the Santa Cruz Wharf offers some of most thrilling views along the California coast. At 2,745 feet, it’s the longest wooden pier in the United States, resting on over 4,400 Douglas-fir pilings. Built in 1914, the timber centenarian continues to offer a timeless Santa Cruz experience. Stroll its wooden walkways-ideally with a cup of clam chowder in hand-and discover fresh-seafood eateries, local gift shops, nature and history displays, fun seasonal events, and of course, those famous barking sea lions.

Retro Retail: A Guide to Santa Cruz Antique Shops

If you think antique shopping means picking out cozies for grandma’s tea kettle, you should take a closer look. Today’s antique shops are frequented by contemporary interior designers, Etsy fans, and hip young folks looking for that perfect vintage score. Whether you’re redoing a living space or simply looking for that perfect cozy day activity, these four stops will deliver the retro goods.