The bustling Westside neighborhood has come a long way since its Brussels sprouts packing days. While you may have heard about the hip coffee shops, stylish boutiques, and small-batch wine, beer, and spirits producers that have made it a local hot spot, the area is also home to some of the most striking natural wonders in Santa Cruz County. Here’s your guide on where to hit the Westside’s trails, sales, and pale ales.
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!
The Shop Santa Cruz County season is here! Keep it local, distinctive, and shop safely! Bring the love to family and friends AND your favorite Santa Cruz County-based local businesses
In a world where much has changed, it’s nice knowing you can still enjoy a delicious meal (that you didn’t cook!) while also supporting local small business. Whether you’re looking
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.
While Watsonville has become a recent hub for independent artisans, a pioneer of its burgeoning craft scene is Annie Morhauser who founded her Annieglass glassware studio amidst the town’s sprawling agriculture fields in 1983. Today, her luminous pieces are featured at high profile hotels and retailers-Four Seasons, Neiman Marcus, the Bellagio in Las Vegas-and two of her pieces are on permanent display at the Smithsonian. Yet, each elegant piece continues to be handmade here in Santa Cruz County. This year, we honor Annieglass’ 35th anniversary with three reasons to visit this spring, as well as a chance to win a free experience at Annieglass’ fun and innovative Craftbar!
A bubbly brunette with a background in fashion, Jaclyn Bridges of Queen of Succulents (@queenofsucculents) hated dirt when she received her very first succulent from a friend’s mom. “I wasn’t
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.
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.