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Places to Stay

Places to Eat

Restaurants

Coffee, Tea + Sweets

Wineries Taps and Tastings

Things to Do

Arts & Culture

Beach Boardwalk

Beachs & Parks

Outdoor & Wildlife

Request Wildlife Guide

View Wildlife Guide Online

Dog-Friendly

Upcoming Events

Plan Your Trip

Contact Us

Getting to Santa Cruz

Request a Travel Guide

View Travel Guide Online

View Map Online

Travel Itineraries

Frequently Asked Questions

Lifestyle

Blog

Destinations

Aptos

Capitola/Soquel

Davenport

Pleasure Point

San Lorenzo Valley

Santa Cruz

Scotts Valley

Watsonville

Monterey Bay

Meetings

Film

Weddings

Press Room

About Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz History

Relocation

SURF REPORT
LIVE CAMS
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  • Growth Market: Santa Cruz Gardens, Nurseries & Plant Shops

    Protected by the gentle crescent of Monterey Bay and boasting a grand sweep of mountain-to-sea microclimates, Santa Cruz County is a welcoming place where you can grow virtually anything. Calling the mild, sunny conditions here “Mediterranean” doesn’t paint the whole picture — a colorful past and vibrant culture ensure Santa Cruz cultivates its own way, with style and vigor.

    From demonstration gardens to retail nurseries, and florists to lifestyle shops, Santa Cruz has evolved into a world-class “growth market” with much to explore. As one of California’s most spirited seaside getaways, its where roots run deep, shoots grow strong and blooms open wide. Botanical bliss for all.

    Budding Art: Garden Experiences

    As a pioneer in organic gardening and sustainable farming, Santa Cruz has long-embraced best horticultural practices. By visiting one of its unique demonstration gardens, you can discover how this innovation “leafs out” to the rest of the world, all while enjoying the fine art of playing in the dirt.

    UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden is the OG (Original Gardener) when it comes to expertise, experimentation and vibe. Located on the beautiful hillside campus of the University of California, Santa Cruz, the Arboretum categorizes by region with plots dedicated to California natives, plants from Australia and New Zealand, as well as South African specimens. Kids and parents alike appreciate its Aroma & Succulent Gardens while watching an array of butterflies, bees and hummingbirds pollinate with pizzaz. After your tour, support the Arboretum with a stop at Norrie’s Plant & Gift Shop for nature-forward crafts, garden accessories and plants that are cultivated on-site. Entry: $10 adult/$8 Seniors/$5 Youth (6-17).

    Surrounded by redwoods near UCSC’s Merrill College, the 3-acre Alan Chadwick Garden imbues a peaceful dose of intentionality with its terraced plots and exacting methods. Alan Chadwick started the site in 1967 using his French-intensive/Biodynamic method which focuses on tight spacing in raised beds for maximum aeration and drainage. As you wander the grounds wildness weaves with technique providing a sense that these folks know what they’re doing. Fans of Malus domestica (aka apples) will encounter 120 varieties on-site — now that’s a lot of crunch. Open daily 8 am – 6 pm. Free.

    Just like sunflowers, kids thrive in natural light with a visit to the Life Lab “garden classroom.” Located on the UCSC Farm, Life Lab has nearly 50 years of experience creating garden-based science & nutrition programs for educators across the country. Take the self-guided tour and encourage the youngins to crawl through the garden Tunnel, learn to tell time at the Sundial or get a worm’s perspective with the Root View Box. Heck, sometimes it’s just fun to watch the chickens run around. Open daily 8 am – 6 pm. Free.

    Bamboo Giant

    As one of North America’s largest display gardens of timber bamboo, a visit to Bamboo Giant feels like entering the gates of Jurassic Park (minus those pesky Velociraptors). This 15-acre property in Aptos features meandering trails through exotic groves where the breeze makes the leaves dance and waterfall fountains provide the soundtrack for mediation. Bring your lunch and enjoy a “jungle” picnic at one of the picnic tables, or bring your partner for a one-of-a-kind Santa Cruz County wedding. Adults $15/Seniors (65+) and Children (5-7) $10. Check website for tickets and seasonal hours.

    Whether you want to picnic, set up your easel or simply get landscape ideas for water-conserving plants, the 2-acre sculpture and demonstration garden at Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden provides an inspirational space. Located in the Pajaro Valley, this family-run Watsonville gem specializes in edible, drought tolerant and exotic plants. As you explore the well-established grounds, discovering hidden sculptures feels like striking gold. Open daily 10 am – 5 pm. Free admission.

    Botanic + Luxe

    Sowing Kit: Plants + Gifts

    Combining plants with gifts is guaranteed to be greater than the sum of its parts. Santa Cruz boasts a bevy of vibe-inducing shops where well-curated objects d’art mingle with oxygen-emitting greenery.  Can there be better housemates?

    The fusion of metal garden art, pottery and plants with books, jewelry and natural bath products is sure to cause a ripple in the plant/gift continuum. That’s how The Garden Company Nursery & Gift Shop in Santa Cruz has wowed locals and visitors alike since 1986. Come for the avocado trees, stay for the earrings.

    When it comes to expert curation, the two locations of Dig Gardens leave no stone unturned.  Its flagship 9,000 square foot “lifestyle shop” and plant nursery in Santa Cruz offers everything from indoor exotics and home goods to outdoor furniture and Made in CA crafts, while its quarter-acre outdoor plant nursery in Aptos provides a more traditional nursery experience — annuals, perennials and soils, not to mention a smaller assortment of its unique home items. Sprinkle in workshops such as Orchids 101 and Succulent Arrangements, and the earth-friendly mothership has officially landed.

    As plant fans know, collecting garden art can be highly habit-forming. Oversized metal giraffes, color block fire hydrants, Dia De Los Muertos figurines…combine these with hand-painted Talavera pottery from Mexico and you’ve got a craving that just won’t quit. The good people at Alladin Nursery & Gift Shop in Watsonville have been indulging gardeners since Peter Jensen — a Danish horticulturalist — opened the site in 1919. The plant selection is top notch, too, with everything from fruit trees and vines to cacti and bonsai.

    Hidden on 3/4 of an acre near the crossroads of Hwy 1 and Hwy 9 in Santa Cruz, the Post Street Farm goes all-in with holiday joie de vivre (pumpkins and Christmas trees), while its flower cutting garden dazzles with hefty blooms such as dahlias and peonies. They also sell eggs from their chickens, honey from their bees and handmade beeswax candles. Fat of the land, indeed.

    With a thriving selection of houseplants and a mission statement that focuses on biodiversity, community and artisanal crafts, Leaf & Vine welcomes customers to “the jungle” with purpose. This urban plant shop can be found along leafy Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, where shops and restaurants abound.

    The soulful offerings at Botanic + Luxe match its downtown Santa Cruz space with high ceilings, arched picture window and bright, airy vibe. From plants and ceramics to jewelry and candles, this women-owned business curates with an earthy flair while supporting independent makers. Craft out loud fun!

    Birdsong Orchards – U-Pick Roses

    That Can Be Arranged: Florists

    Having a good florist is like having a trusted mechanic — both are artists in their own right, and when you need them, you really need them. From celebrations and milestones to just having something pretty on your hotel nightstand, the florists of Santa Cruz County draw inspiration from the surrounding redwood forests and oceanscapes, often utilizing the profusion of local blooms.

    Since its founding in 1946, Ferrari Florist & Gardens has been a downtown Santa Cruz favorite for innovative arrangements and the freshest cut flowers. The scent of mingling blooms infuses inviting space as you browse the plants and pots for sale, while their professional designers offer styles such as Woodsy & Wild and Coastal Beachy. Ferrari also offers design workshops with small class sizes and skilled teachers, as well as a second shop in Watsonville.

    Laurel Canyon Farm embraces sustainable practices on its 2-acre family homestead in the Santa Cruz mountains. Specializing in heirloom cut flowers and raising heritage Navajo Churro sheep, their farm stand offers fresh bouquets, wool products and even a flower subscription service. Long live local stewards!

    Birdsong Orchards – Michelle O Llama

    For a magical u-pick experience, visit Birdsong Orchards in Watsonville. Literally slow down and smell the roses as you walk through the flower fields and pick your perfect bouquet. Be sure to say hi to the farm’s emus, llamas (Michelle O Llama and Barak O Llama), Nigerian Dwarf goats, and chickens! Reservations are required and can be made online.

    The fun & funky walk-up window at The Flower Shack brightens the Seabright neighborhood with everything from wedding arrangements to its build-your-own-bouquet counter. Seasonal wreaths, prom corsages & boutonnière, custom orders — they’re all in play.

    With an emphasis on community connection and 100% locally sourced flowers, Wild Banskia Floral Design takes a neighborhood approach at its Pleasure Point studio. Artisanal crafts, plants and textural arrangements fill the space, making for a friendly experience.

    Floral design studio meets botanical event space and team building fun at the truly unique Little Shop of Horticulture in Santa Cruz. A concept whose time has come, their range of services leafs out with vigor. Everything from DIY Wedding workshops to Driftwood & Air Plants and their cheeky Plant Bar, the Little Shop collaborates with local makers to make sure your experience is a positive one.

    Mountain Feed & Farm Supply

    Plant It Forward: Retail Nurseries

    The satisfaction of watching seedlings grow is akin to raising kids. Some sun, a little water, a dash of compost and you’re well on your way to becoming a plant parent. Santa Cruz County is home to an astounding number of locally-owned nurseries where plant moms & dads feel right at home, and where helpful staff are more than willing to share their knowledge. Stop by on your visit, adopt a new plant, and bring a living piece of Santa Cruz home with you.

    From bulbs to bare root, the San Lorenzo Garden Center has been a growers’ hub in downtown Santa Cruz for over 40 years. Located next to San Lorenzo Lumber and Home Center, its meets the broad needs of farmers and fair-weather dabblers alike with a wide selection of container plants, amendments and tools. While you’re in the neighborhood, check out the gardens (and the hilltop view) from the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park just five minutes away.

    Since 1973, Far West Nursery & Garden Center has served Santa Cruz with a huge variety of plants from hedge privacies, to Japanese maples and ferns (just to name a few). Plants and trees are often propagated on-site with a focus on organic, and their gardening supplies run the gamut from seeds and soils to gopher protection and pots (1 to 20 gallon).

    Located in Watsonville, Freedom Nursery offers a wide variety of cultivars with a “sharp” accent on succulents. The knowledgable staff and affordable prices attract local clientele as well as devotees from the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Valley. Extend your visit with a nature walk around nearby Pinto Lake County Park, or pop into their dog park with your furry friend.

    Kitty corner from Scarborough Lumber & Building Supply, Scarborough Gardens has been a one-stop supply house in Scotts Valley since 1957. Indoor and outdoor plants, landscape construction materials for raised garden beds and tools can all be found here, along with staff that knows what thrives locally.

    Every spring, heirloom tomatoes and peppers are the focal point at Love Apple Farms. This charming Scotts Valley nursery might be small (and seasonal), but classes such as Tomato Masters, Single Drip Irrigation and Growing Culinary Herbs provide outsized results. Want to pick up some coffee, fresh bread and local eggs nearby? Try the Scotts Valley Farmers Market ( Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm, May through November).

    Selling everything from bulk organic soil to worm castings and apiary supplies, Mountain Feed & Farm Supply knows what Santa Cruz Mountain life is all about. This full-service nursery in Ben Lomond is beloved locally, and offers workshops on such topics as pickling, raising chickens and, yes, bee keeping. A trip up Hwy 9 isn’t complete without tasting some local scrumpy. Hard cider slushies at Hallcrest Vineyards to the rescue!

    Root Knowledge: Garden Resources

    People who love plants are an inquisitive lot, and sharing that knowledge not only ups your growing game but builds community as well. Here are some local resources and programs to expand your horticultural horizons.

    • UC Master Gardeners of Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties
    • UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology
    • Homeless Garden Project & Farm Stand
    • Grow Food! Santa Cruz Garden Effort
    • Water Saving Tips

    Dan and Scott Marengo

    June 16, 2025
    Attractions, Shopping, Things to Do, Vacation Ideas
  • “Be” By the Sea: Santa Cruz Wellness Weekend

    Whirlwind vacations can be exhilarating, but they can also be exhausting. We’ve all had that “I need a vacation after my vacation” feeling. If you’re looking for something a little more revitalizing, a weekend escape to Santa Cruz County delivers the perfect counterpoint: a perspective-shifting reset and mind/body/soul reboot. Here, wellness-inspired interludes like beach yoga, nature walks, and spa sessions blend seamlessly with healthy food and stunning scenery, inspiring you to come out the other side glowing.

    Chaminade Resort & Spa

    Restful Retreats

    The ocean offers restorative benefits: sea-vitalizing beach walks and mineral-infused oxygen. Santa Cruz wellness retreats amplify these natural notes with mindful lodging, inspired amenities, and relaxing activities. Taken together, the tidal mantra is pure Pacific rejuvenation.  

    Taking a higher-love approach is easy at the spectacular Chaminade Resort & Spa. A Santa Cruz classic, the 300-acre hilltop property offers spacious rooms and suites with panoramic views of sparkling Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Hike a redwood-lined nature trail, swim in outdoor heated pools, soak in outdoor hot tubs, play tennis or pickleball – there’s so much to do here, you might forget to venture off property! The Spa at Chaminade raises the relaxation bar with ooh and aaah-inducing massage and skin treatments, featuring local, woman-owned Vital Body Therapeutics. Cap off your perfect day with a golden light visit to the Spa’s Himalayan Salt Sauna and steam rooms.    

    “R&R” reverie comes easy in Santa Cruz. Steps from the soothing rhythms of the sea, the Dream Inn checks all the boxes: beachfront location, all-oceanfront rooms with balconies perfect for sunset conversation, heated outdoor pool, and dining at the legendary Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge (yes, the Santa Cruz native of surf-brand fame). For an awesome seaside walk, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is just a mile up West Cliff Drive at the Mark Abbot Memorial Lighthouse, overlooking the famous surf break at Steamer Lane.

    Located in southern Santa Cruz County, Pajaro Dunes Resort is an oceanfront escape with more than 100 beachfront vacation rental homes clustered along the protected Monterey Bay shoreline at the mouth of the Pajaro River. Miles of sand-duned beaches teeming with sea life create the perfect setting for shoes-optional walks, or wander the trails encircling peaceful Pajaro Lagoon. For sports enthusiasts, pickleball, tennis, and beach volleyball provide healthy diversions with a kiss of salt air.

    Perched on 45 scenic acres above Seacliff State Beach, the Seascape Beach Resort serves as a “supermarine” haven with its forever-blue horizons and soft Pacific breezes. Seascape takes it deeper with its famed In-Suite Spa that makes full-body massage and marine-extract facial treatments a “room service” experience.  

    Set to open in September 2025, La Bahia Hotel & Spa is billed as Santa Cruz’s first luxury beachfront resort. La Bahia exudes Spanish-Mediterranean vibes via palatial architecture and romantic ambience. Inspired by Santa Cruz’ original saltwater bathhouses, the Moorish-influenced The Spa at La Bahia is the perfect place to get away from it all. The Spa’s steam room, ocean-view sauna, Zen deck, and outdoor treatment rooms are simpatico with sand and sea. Treatments range from marine-stone and CBD massage to signature skincare, sound and crystal healing and chakra balancing. Namaste!

    Pajaro Dunes

    Refresh al Fresco

    The great outdoors of Santa Cruz County provides the perfect opportunity to wander your way to wellness. From swaying redwood and kelp forests to ancient sandhills and wildflower-dotted dunes, visitors discover their happy place in a bubble of nature’s rejuvenating energy.

    Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park covers 4,650 acres of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and one particular section of the Park — the Fall Creek Unit — lends itself to getting “getting lost in a good way.” With miles of trails weaving through a 40-acre grove of skyscraping, old-growth redwoods and a fern-lined river canyon, Fall Creek invites forest bathing in its green-ified air. On the journey, visitors may spy coyotes, deer, banana slugs, even an elusive bobcat! Note: Due to its sensitive habitat, dogs and bikes are not allowed in the Fall Creek Unit.

    Quail Hollow Ranch

    The Santa Cruz Mountains are also where to discover a signature geologic feature: sandhills.  Exposed remnants of ancient seabed now miles from today’s shoreline, the sandhills’ arid, inland-desert conditions provide sanctuary for threatened species including the Santa Cruz Wallflower and Bonny Doon Manzanita. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Quail Hollow Ranch County Park in nearby Felton are two places to see these fine-grained phenoms. In spring, Santa Cruz sandhills bloom with carpets of wildflowers like the star-shaped Ben Lomond spineflower. Ponderosa Pine thrive in the specialized sandhill, thousands of feet lower than typically found in the Sierra Nevada.

    Indeed, the diversity of flora throughout Santa Cruz County rivals the world’s most heralded botanical gardens.  With nearly 20 acres and more than 80 different species of bamboo trees, Bamboo Giant Nursery has one of the largest displays of timber bamboo in North America. Hidden away in the hills of Aptos, Bamboo Giant is like taking refuge in a sun-dappled panda forest where tranquil picnic areas await. Sit and meditate next to a waterfall pond, an ocean breeze shimmering through the trees, and deeply breathe in the sweet, slightly floral scent of damp bamboo. 

    Wilder Ranch State Park

    With the bounty of beaches in Santa Cruz County, simply walking along the shoreline is a natural high. There are more than 29 miles of scenic coastline with 14 state parks and beaches to choose from. Beyond the surf, majestic giant kelp sway in rhythm with the currents, reaching hundreds of feet from the ocean floor like giant sequoia of the sea. Magic.

    The panoramic scenery of Wilder Ranch State Park spans 7,000 acres from 1,200 feet at Empire Grade down to the seashore. With 35 miles of trails, getting in your steps delivers regenerative magic: getting energized as you burn calories. Keep your eyes open for a glimpse of the marbled murrelet, an endangered species that nests in the forest canopy of Wilder Ranch.

    Places like Natural Bridges State Beach are havens for intertidal marine life. Protected tide pools at both ends of the beach are brimming with sea creatures including sea stars, anemones, periwinkles, and brilliantly-colored marine plants. A short distance inland, the eucalyptus grove at Natural Bridges serves as a Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary – utterly flutterful from late fall through winter. The tree branches provide a safe winter’s haven for countless monarchs during their annual migration, a journey that covers thousands of miles. “Be by the sea” takes on an entirely new meaning in context – these bright butterflies are on to something!

    The Trout Farm offering poolside yoga

    Beachside Yoga

    We share a deep and primal connection with the ocean. In her presence, there’s a tangible sense of “tranquillo” as shoulders drop, backbones arch, and heart chakras rise skyward. Indeed, the beaches of Santa Cruz County provide the perfect stage for the ancient practice of yoga. Here, ocean-facing sanas (poses) take relaxation deeper and set those endorphins free.

    Local yogis love Yoga with Robin. A fitness instructor, avid hiker, and local luminary, Robin takes an approach of “movement as medicine,” and her students offer dynamic reviews. Classes take place at Santa Cruz’ Seabright and other local beaches, local studios, and online if you want to join from your vacation rental.

    Outdoor Yoga Santa Cruz offers weekly and weekend yoga classes that celebrate “life, music, and the beautiful outdoors.” Movement with music via special headphones leads participants on a yoga + sound journey, offered at several mid-town beach locations.

    Santa Cruz Yoga features experienced teachers and advance online registration for planning a yoga break during your Santa Cruz escape. The spacious studio’s wildflower-covered front and Tibetan prayer flags over the door set the tone for the haven of ‘ommmm within.

    Tucked into the Santa Cruz Mountains in Felton, the Trout Farm Inn  is a swim resort and restaurant, offering weekend yoga classes poolside overlooking the sylvan habitat of Zayante Creek. The Pool + Yoga day pass offers a triple play of heated saltwater swimming, yoga flow, and Santa Cruz Mountain sunshine. Getaway glow officially on. 

    Well Within Spa

    Spas by the Sea

    Santa Cruz’ spa game is legendary, with tantalizing therapies and a notable cluster of downtown day spas. Local practitioners are well(ness)-trained and ready to share their skills.

    Yōso Wellness Spa takes a “skin to soul” approach with a holistic treatment menu that ranges from skincare to massage, acupuncture, and even extends to oncology aesthetics.

    Just off Pacific Avenue, the Tea House Spa was founded in the 1940s by Annie Sunlight — a Santa Cruz native of Japanese-American descent — as a traditional Japanese tea garden. Today, Eastern traditions are honored and celebrated via private Onsen soaking tub room, cedar-lined saunas, therapeutic massage, and fine teas. Each private room looks out on a stand of 70-year-old bamboo and tinkling waterfall. 

    Well Within Spa takes an approach best described as “Japanese tradition meets California lifestyle,” and the property features multiple indoor and outdoor spas, koi pond, and Onsen soaking tubs, all open until 11pm for moonlight soaks. Deep tissue, pre-natal, and CBD massage are provided by highly-trained practitioners of the art.

    For a meridian-crossing reset, there may be no better place than Maitreya Zen Garden and Healing Retreat. Modeled after a Japanese bath house, Maitreya is a gathering place to reclaim a bit of your “natural self.” The setting invites guests to rejuvenate body and mind in a natural garden setting that includes hot tubs and saunas. Lush lounge seating areas are perfect for reflection, meditation, and connection.

    Tucked between the San Lorenzo River and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Desuar Santa Cruz Spa at Courtyard Marriot proffers deep-healing spa services ranging from facials and skin treatments to bodywork massage, many with optional Ayurvedic botanicals. Crystal therapy in the form of white rainbow moonstone and green jasper prime the immune system while bringing mood-elevating gemstone energy to the party.

    Santa Cruz: Your Rx for Natural Nirvana

    As a sanctuary for free spirits, original ideas, and iconoclastic style, Santa Cruz has always attracted those who enjoy things on a deeper level. From mountain redwoods to the blue expanse of Monterey Bay, this grand stage inspires a state of natural nirvana where “being” by the sea comes in blissful waves. It’s a prescription for wellness, written in the sand with love.

    Dan and Scott Marengo

    June 16, 2025
    Things to Do, Vacation Ideas
  • Shorecuterie: Santa Cruz County Picnicking

    Boasting 29 miles of shoreline and signature Cali sun, Santa Cruz County plays host to a time-honored tradition: picnicking. Whether you’re enjoying coppa and prosecco with your soulmate or wings and lemonade with the fam, there’s nothing better than laying out your blanket on its sun-kissed sands or atop its oceanfront bluffs. Add to the mix tranquil redwood groves and playful city parks, and your basket is sure to be brimming.

    Natural Bridges State Beach

    Pacific Fresh: Coastal Picnics

    Along its rugged northern shores and down to the cradled coastline of Monterey Bay, the beaches and bluffs of Santa Cruz County are the “best table in the house,” whether that’s a family swim or romantic sunset. As you gaze out over the Pacific from the continent’s edge, there’s nothing quite like a Santa Cruz picnic.

    Natural Bridges State Beach

    Located just 3 miles from downtown Santa Cruz, Natural Bridges State Beach links city and sea as the northwestern tip of Monterey Bay gives way to open waters of the Pacific. Besides its tide pools and signature rock formations, picnickers here can experience the Monarch Grove Natural Preserve. From late fall through winter, thousands of butterflies festoon the eucalyptus grove a short distance from the picnic tables. A fiesta of black & orange you’ll never forget.

    Waddell State Beach

    Spreading out your blanket at Waddell State Beach offers a twist on classic beach picnicking as the majestic trees of Big Basin Redwoods State Park cascade down to the sea behind you. Waddell State Beach is unique for another reason — the opportunity to watch kite surfers catch serious air at one of California’s top extreme sports destinations. Bites of potato salad are paired with exclamations of “did you see that?!” during your action-packed matinee.

    Seacliff State Beach

    Seacliff State Beach is where the past and future collide. Long known as the home of the Palo Alto — a sunken WWI era concrete ship that once boasted a swimming pool and dance floor  — the beach endured severe winter storms in 2023 but is now on the road to recovery. Picnic tables are available, as is an inviting expanse of sand tucked up against bluffs. Bring your beach buffet, gaze across blue horizons and support the comeback.

    Seascape Beach & County Park

    Featuring a playground, picnic tables and a trail down to the beach, Seascape County Park in Aptos humbly checks all the boxes when it comes to family picnics. Perched on an open bluff, the views across Monterey Bay glow at sunset and the good times can extend even longer if you book at Seascape Beach Resort next door where their beach fire pits crackle with surfside s’mores.

    Loch Lomond Recreation Area

    Peak Umami: Mountain Picnics

    From a lake with secluded coves to silvery beams of sunlight filtering through the redwood canopy, the Santa Cruz Mountains provide a peaceful refuge for noshing al fresco. It feels a world away from the beach, yet you’re only a 20 minute drive from downtown Santa Cruz. Birds chirping, breeze rustling, bread breaking…the vibe is pure chef’s kiss.

    Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

    With 40 acres of old-growth redwood trees, 30 miles of hiking trails and a popular swimming hole, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a magnet for outdoor recreation and picnic enthusiasts. A designated picnic area can be found just inside the Main Entrance, as well as a few tables atop the Observation Deck. Wander down the steep trail to the Garden of Eden swimming hole for a summer dip, and make the Redwood Gods happy by packing out your trash.

    Loch Lomond Recreation Area

    A smaller version of its namesake in southern Scotland, Loch Lomond Recreation Area is like stumbling upon a mystical waterway woven into a secret forest. Every culinary delight from tapenade to taleggio is welcome at several designated picnic areas, or find a lakefront cove and watch the fish ripple the crystalline waters. Though swimming is not allowed, boat rentals are available, or get in some post-picnic steps on the 12 miles of hiking trails that surround the lake.

    Junction Park

    Home to California’s first State Park (Big Basin), colorful locals and estate wine tasting, Boulder Creek is the perfect expression of Santa Cruz Mountain life. Located where the San Lorenzo River, Bear Creek and namesake Boulder Creek meet, the sandy beach at Junction Park has welcomed family picnics over the decades. Formerly known as “The Old Swimming Hole,” Junction Park also plays host to local events such as the free summer concert series Music In The Park.

    DeLaveaga Park Entrance

    Kids’ Menu: Playground Picnics

    With dozens of city parks and scores of county parks dotting the landscape, Santa Cruz playground picnics are a local pastime that meet you where you’re at. Your picnic blanket transforms into “home base” as the kids run and climb, slide and swing, and generally get their sillies out. Pack a basket full of your favorite treats and voila! An economical solution to the age-old problem: how to get the youngins’ to burn off some steam!

    DeLaveaga Park

    Tucked into the woods just five minutes from Highway One, DeLaveaga Park is a historic retreat with an unsurpassed lineup of outdoor activities for kids and adults alike. At nearly 600 acres, it was once the late 19th century hacienda of Mexican-born businessman Jose Vicente DeLaveaga, who bequeathed a portion of the estate to Santa Cruz upon his death. With reservable group picnic sites such as Twisted Tree and Forty Thieves, the stage is set for large celebrations and events, or share stories over snacks with your crew at one of the tables along Branciforte Creek. Enjoy the playground, bocce ball, disc golf, volleyball and horseshoe pits, not to mention nearby DeLaveaga Golf Course — one of California’s top public links.

    Ocean View Park

    Ocean View Park sits on a bluff above the San Lorenzo River with views of the legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and its signature rides. Once the site of the historic Ocean View Villa resort, the park now caters to kids who race side-by-side down the 30 foot slides and work up a mean appetite climbing the play structures. Secure a picnic table or lay out your blanket on the grass, then consider a spin on the Looff Carousel at the Boardwalk for your ambitious second act.

    Chanticleer Avenue County Park

    Located in the Live Oak neighborhood of Santa Cruz, the recently renovated Chanticleer Avenue County Park is a rising star in the pantheon of play. The facilities include picnic tables, on and off-leash dog areas, a bicycle pump track and LEO’s Haven — a large, inclusive play area for children of all abilities. Rave reviews all around.

    Wild Roots Market in Felton

    Shorecuterie Supplies

    Since getting out the door and on the road is priority number one, picking up your supplies locally in Santa Cruz County makes a lot of sense. Sandwich shops like Zoccoli’s Italian Delicatessen or Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria slice it how you like it, while a stop at Santa Cruz Ace Hardware can help with  everything from beach chairs and toys to grilling supplies and ice chests. And for endless grab-and-go delights, The Picnic Basket has top-notch items perfect for the mobile adventurer.

    Local, independent markets are the cornerstone of Santa Cruz life. Staff of Life Natural Groceries and New Leaf Community Market have multiple locations with a wide range of groceries and prepared foods. Since 1938, Shoppers Corner Market has long been a local fave, and its wine & cheese selection is aged to perfection.

    With locations in Felton and Boulder Creek, mountain picnics are tastefully supplied by the good folks at Wild Roots Market. Sustainable and local is the name of the game here, with sandwiches such as The Roaring Camp and The Henry Cowell Club paying homage to local attractions.

    Blanket Advice

    • Summer mornings can bring coastal fog that eventually burns off, while spring and fall temps are typically mild and fog-free. Be sure to pack warm layers and enjoy the shoulder seasons in Santa Cruz County!
    • Before you arrive check the webpage for park hours, vehicle entry fees, and alcohol and pet policies.
    • Many parks offer reservable picnic tables both for individuals and groups. Contact the park directly for booking information.
    • For visitors who like things official, National Picnic Day falls on April 23 while National Picnic Month spans all of July. For the rebels out there…the rest of the year awaits!
    • Use a picnic checklist to guarantee successful snacking…and don’t forget the bottle opener!
    • Since we all like talking about dinner during lunch, check out Places To Eat in Santa Cruz County for your follow-up meal.

    Art of the Picnic

    Silver-haired sojourners listening to birdsong from their picnic table in a peaceful redwood grove… sweethearts sipping wine as they watch the sun dip below a wall of fog far out to sea…beach toys strewn across the family blanket as the Boardwalk beckons. The beauty of Santa Cruz picnics is that no two are alike. The seasons provide their own allure. Surprisingly warm October days invite shorts and tank tops, while in spring ferns unfurl gracefully next to rushing creeks, providing the perfect soundtrack for snacking. Of course what treats you put in your basket and who you invite to come along, that’s up to you. But where you land, that part is pure Santa Cruz.

    Dan and Scott Marengo

    June 16, 2025
    Beaches, Family Fun, Food & Drink, Outdoor + Wildlife, Parks, Things to Do, Vacation Ideas
  • Santa Cruz Bucket List: Spring Edition

    As winter fades and the wildflowers bloom, Santa Cruz County transforms into a springtime paradise. With longer days and warmer weather, it’s the perfect season to explore stunning coastal hikes, sip on exquisite local wines, and discover hidden gems across the region. Whether you’re craving a scenic drive through fields of blooming wildflowers, a day of tide pooling along the coast, or a sunset picnic overlooking the ocean, this Santa Cruz spring bucket list has something for everyone. Get ready to embrace the season with these must-do experiences!

    Wildflowers along a trail at CoasDairies State Park
    Coast Dairies State Park

    Wildflowers:

    Spring in Santa Cruz County means vibrant bursts of color across rolling hills, coastal bluffs, and redwood-lined meadows. Here’s a list of some of the best spots for seasonal wildflowers!

    • Visit the UCSC Arboretum’s Spring Blooms – Experience the beauty of spring as flowers like camellias, azaleas, and magnolias burst into bloom.
    • Hike Glenwood Open Space Preserve – This hidden gem in Scotts Valley features rolling hills covered in vibrant purple lupines during spring.
    • Explore Quail Hollow Ranch – Hike the historic grounds and see rare wildflowers.
    • Hike Wilder Ranch Coastal Loop – A stunning 5-mile hike along the coast with breathtaking ocean views and fields of wildflowers. Look for California poppies.
    • Discover the Coast Dairies Beaches – Drive north on Highway 1 and discover a collection of pocket beaches on the rugged coast. Look for roadside parking lots and explore new coastal trails full of seasonal blooms.
    • See the Cherry Blossoms in Bamboo Giant Nursery – This hidden gem in Aptos during the spring time is covered with delicate cherry blossoms that make it a perfect spot for photoshoots or taking in the serene scenery.
    Sea Lion Pup sitting on a wooden pylon bobbing on the ocean near the Santa Cruz Wharf
    Sea Lion Pup at the Santa Cruz Wharf

    Wildlife:

    As the days grow warmer, Santa Cruz County becomes a haven for wildlife activity. Spring is the perfect time to spot migrating whales off the coast, playful sea otters in the kelp forests, and elephant seals basking on the beaches. 

    • See Sea Otter Pups – Most sea otters are born in the late winter and early spring making spring the perfect time to see the fluffiest babies in Santa Cruz County!
    • Find Ladybug Aggregations – Nisene Marks and Fall Creek are some of the best spots to spot the gathering of ladybugs in the early spring months.
    • See Baby Seals at Año Nuevo State Park – Spring is when harbor seal pups start appearing along the coastline.
    • Hike the Forest of Nisene Marks for Banana Slugs & New Growth – Spring rain brings out these bright yellow creatures, making for a fun and unique nature walk.
    • Go Tide Pooling at Pleasure Point or Natural Bridges – Spring low tides reveal some of the best marine life on the coast.
    • Watch for Gray Whale Migrations – Late spring is the tail end of the gray whale migration, and places like Lighthouse Point or Davenport offer great viewing spots.
    Two people on a rowboat in the middle of Loch Lomond Recreation Area
    Loch Lomond Recreation Area

    Outdoor Activities:

    Spring is the ideal time to get outside and explore all that Santa Cruz County has to offer. Whether you’re hiking through redwood forests, sailing on a yacht at sunset, or watching surfers catch waves on the sparkling waters of the Monterey Bay, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to enjoy. 

    • Visit Loch Lomond – On the first of March every year, Loch Lomond Recreation Area in the Santa Cruz Mountains opens through Labor Day. Rent paddle boats, fish, or hike this outdoor wonderland.
    • Take a Springtime Surf Lesson at Cowell’s Beach – The spring weather offers perfect conditions for beginners to catch some waves.
    • Maple Falls at Nisene Marks – A must-do springtime hike when the waterfall is flowing at its best.
    • Take a Sunset Sail on the Chardonnay II or with O’Neill Yacht Charters – Enjoy wine or beer and stunning ocean views on this luxury sailing tour.
    • Fall Creek Unit (Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park) – A peaceful forested hike with babbling creeks and mossy ruins of an old lime kiln.
    • Watch the Surfers at Steamer Lane – Some of the best local competitions happen in spring when the waves are still strong.
    • Watch the Sunset at Natural Bridges State Park – Bring a picnic blanket to the beach and watch the sun go down behind the waves. Or watch from the lookout and see the sun dip under the iconic natural arch that gives the park its name.
    • Go Waterfall Hunting After a Rainstorm – Temporary waterfalls appear all over Santa Cruz County when there is a big storm. Try to find them along the coast or in the mountains along Highway 9 or visit one of these year round spots.
    A group of people enjoying a meal at the restaurant Home Soquel
    Home Soquel

    Food:

    Spring in Santa Cruz County brings a fresh wave of seasonal flavors, from farm-fresh produce to ocean-to-table seafood. Add these foodie havens to your list for spring-inspired culinary experiences.

    • Go on a Springtime Winery Tour in the Santa Cruz Mountains – Enjoy tastings of local wines and take in the beautiful vineyards coming to life with mustard grass. Estate vineyards like Alfaro and Windy Oaks are gorgeous during the spring blooms as the vineyards wake up from winter.
    • Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market Spring Kick-Off – Celebrate the arrival of fresh strawberries, artichokes, and other seasonal produce. Seasonal farmers markets like Scotts Valley and Felton reopen during the late spring.
    • Visit a Local Cidery for Spring Seasonal Releases – Try wildflower-infused ciders at Santa Cruz Cider Company or Tanuki Cider.
    • Have a Farm-to-Table Dinner at Home in Soquel – Their rotating spring menu is full of amazing seasonal flavors.
    • Pack a Picnic at Davenport Bluffs – An unreal coastal view with almost no crowds.
    • Warm Up with Chowder Bread Bowl at Stagnaro Bros. – A must-try at the Santa Cruz Wharf.
    • Try a Seasonal Ice Cream at Penny Ice Creamery – Look out for flavors like Meyer Lemon or Honey Lavender in the spring.
    Wednesday Night Sailboat races
    Wednesday Night Sailboat Races

    Events:

    As the days grow longer, Santa Cruz County comes alive with vibrant festivals, farmers’ markets, and community celebrations. You don’t want to miss these yearly activities.

    • Ride the Giant Dipper at the Boardwalk – Kick-off the season at the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk by riding their most legendary roller coaster.
    • Celebrate Earth Day at the Santa Cruz Earth Day Festival – Participate in eco-friendly activities, learn about sustainability, and enjoy the local springtime vibe.
    • Join the Downtown Santa Cruz Spring Wine Walk (April-May) – Stroll through Downtown Santa Cruz, tasting wines from local wineries and sampling delicious bites from restaurants.
    • She is Beautiful Run – On Saturday, May 10, 2025, support the women in your life by either running or cheering on runners in the 5k and 10k race that stretches the iconic West Cliff Drive.
    • Woodies on the Wharf – June 19-22, 2025: The most iconic event of the year in Santa Cruz features old school wood-paneled cars on the Santa Cruz Wharf. 
    • Enjoy Live Music at Abbott Square Market – The outdoor market hosts live music on the weekends all year but the spring is the beginning of warm nights perfect for enjoying this year-long staple!
    • Wednesday Night Sailboat Races – A weekly sailboat race in Santa Cruz Harbor that runs from the first Wednesday in March after Daylight Savings, through October.
    • Santa Cruz Film Festival – June 2025: Each year for one week, movie theaters and unique venues all over town are host to exciting and often locally produced films.
    • Santa Cruz Mountain Mushroom Festival – May 2025: Celebrate the bounty of fungi fun in the Santa Cruz Mountains at Roaring Camp. 

    Monica Multer

    February 16, 2025
    Things to Do, Vacation Ideas
  • Coastal Retreats to Soothe the Soul

    Take some time to relax and unwind along the rejuvenating coastline of Santa Cruz County, where the sounds of the waves lapping against the shore are sure to soothe the soul. Take a tranquil hike amidst the towering redwoods, breathing in the fresh mountain air. For those who need a bit of assistance to find nirvana, Santa Cruz offers a variety of therapeutic remedies, from massages and facials to sunset strolls on the sand, that will restore your body and soul.

    Pajaro Dunes Resort on the beach

    PAJARO DUNES RESORT

    Spread along miles of pristine California coastline, the Pajaro Dunes Resort promises a weekend of serenity. Escape the distractions and stresses of home in a luxurious beachside vacation rental just steps from the sand. Feel the weight lift off your shoulders as you decide whether to spend the day combing the shore, reading from your oceanview deck, or discovering the wildlife at Elkhorn Slough. You’ll find yourself slowing down to the pace of nature during your stay at this secluded retreat along the Monterey Bay.

    Seascape Beach Resort overlooking the ocean

    SEASCAPE BEACH RESORT

    There’s no need to set an alarm at Seascape Beach Resort, where you can enjoy breakfast in bed before receiving your choice of relaxing In-Suite Spa Treatments, from a full body massage to a warm shell treatment, all within the comfort and privacy of your room. Let the soothing sounds of the ocean and the warm crackling of the fireplace lull you into the deepest state of relaxation. End this blissful day with a bonfire on the beach – s’mores included – or opt to stay in and enjoy the sunset from your private oceanview balcony.

    Dream Inn guest room with ocean view

    DREAM INN

    Unparalleled views of Monterey Bay await at the Dream Inn, where you can watch the sunset – or sunrise, if that’s your vibe – wrapped up in a plush robe on your own private balcony. Dive into relaxation at the only oceanfront hotel situated in the city of Santa Cruz, where you’ll gain access to the beachside heated pool, hot tub, and bar. Take a dip overlooking Cowell Beach and the historic Santa Cruz Wharf, sip on a poolside cocktail, and watch the waves from the comfort of a chaise lounge. There are even fire pits to keep the crisp ocean breeze at bay! Savor the sea’s offerings at the Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge, where expertly crafted cocktails and a seasonally, regionally-driven menu embody the surf culture of Santa Cruz while offering spectacular seaside views. At the end of the day, the soothing sounds of the surf reach every retro-chic room, lulling you to a restful slumber that will leave you feeling rejuvenated.

    Aerial view of Chaminade Resort & Spa

    CHAMINADE RESORT & SPA

    Perched on a hilltop with 300 quiet acres offering breathtaking views of Monterey Bay, the Chaminade Resort & Spa has everything you need for a full day of pampering. Achieve pure relaxation with a full body massage and invigorate your skin with a facial or exfoliating body treatment. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, exploring miles of scenic hiking trails through the surrounding forest. Stop in post-hike to the fitness center, where you can loosen up your muscles in the heated pool, hot tubs, steam room, and sauna. When you’ve worked up an appetite, savor the seasonal fare at The View at Chaminade. Linger over your meal by the warmth of a fire overlooking acres of trees stretching down to the twinkling lights of Santa Cruz and the sparkling blue of the ocean below.

    Front view of Courtyard by Marriott

    COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT SANTA CRUZ

    Just blocks away from the hustle and bustle of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a serene escape can be discovered at the Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz. After a day of fun in the sun, restore your energy with a revitalizing spa treatment from Spa Nalini. Enter a deep state of relaxation through massage therapy, facials, body exfoliation, and more. To end the evening, cozy up by one of the outdoor fire pits before snuggling into the plush bedding in your spacious room. You’ll leave the Courtyard by Marriott feeling well-rested and restored!

    Front view of Seacliff Inn

    SEACLIFF INN

    Step into vacation mode at the Seacliff Inn, a coastal-cool haven where visitors can relax and recharge after a full day of exploring all that Santa Cruz County has to offer. Retreat to your room, where a plush bed and cozy amenities await! Unwind as you take in the garden views from your private patio, take a dip in the heated pool, and hop into the hot tub for a satisfying soak. Enjoy a bite on the relaxed outdoor patio at Sevy’s Bar + Kitchen, with views of a tranquil waterfall flowing into a koi pond below. For a more laid-back evening, you can order food and drinks to be delivered poolside. After the sun sets, settle into your sumptuous 300-thread-count sheets for a truly rejuvenating rest that’s sure to leave you feeling refreshed by morning.

    Soaking tub at Well Within Spa

    SPA TREATMENT

    For those living locally or not staying at a property with spa-like amenities, find tranquility in a relaxing and restorative treatment at one of the spas around Santa Cruz County. A hidden gem in Downtown Santa Cruz, Yōso Wellness Spa is a green-certified business taking a holistic approach with “True Care from Skin to Soul” through facials, massage, acupuncture, oncology esthetics, eco-friendly nail services, lash extensions, waxing, and more! Their friendly and knowledgeable staff takes extreme care in their customers and the treatments and products they offer. Also Downtown, Tea House Spa and Well Within Spa are wonderful options for a spa day! Private hot tub rooms, saunas, and massages are offered at these long-standing retreats in the heart of Santa Cruz.

    Updated 2024

    Molly Ressler

    January 28, 2025
    Lifestyle, Vacation Ideas, Where to Stay
  • Top 5 Tide Pools in Santa Cruz County

    The expansive coastline in Santa Cruz County offers endless options to explore coastal environments for tide pool treasures. Exploring the tide pools of Santa Cruz unveils creatures like giant sea anemones, colorful sea stars, and dragon-like nudibranchs. Visiting tide pools during low tides or during the annual King Tides event is a wonderful activity perfect for people of all ages looking for a distinctly Santa Cruz experience. With these top 5 tide pools to explore here in Santa Cruz, you’ll never miss a low tide opportunity for adventure again!

    Remember to recreate responsibly while exploring all of the wonders these different tide pools offer here in Santa Cruz County. Tide pools are not just incredibly beautiful sights to see but are also very sensitive habitats full of living creatures. So, remember that when viewing tide pools, always leave no trace, respect the creatures you encounter by giving them space, and watch where you step! Also, stay safe while tide-pooling by never turning your back on the waves, wearing appropriate shoe attire to avoid slipping, and always being aware of incoming tides to ensure you can safely leave the area before the tide rises.

    Tide pools at Pleasure Point

    1.) Pleasure Point

    The Pleasure Point area, which starts at 32nd Street, offers a huge expanse of tide pools uncovered by the receding waves during low tide events. Choose any of the stairways along East Cliff Drive, like the very first one next to the giant tiki statue, to head down to the flat beach that stretches far out into the ocean. These popular tide pools offer an abundance of sea anemones, kelp crabs, and starfish. This tide pool location is one of the best in the area for finding the elusive nudibranch, which is a type of sea slug without a shell that comes in a variety of dazzling colors and looks like a tiny sea dragon! If you’re tide-pooling with kids, this is a wonderful, safe space for them to explore the ocean’s wonders since there are no large drop-offs and the terrain is flat once you reach the beach.

    Tide pools at the Hook

    2.) The Hook

    This famous surf spot also doubles as a perfect tide pooling location! To find this spot, head to the Hook County Park parking lot at the end of 41st avenue and find the closest staircase across the street. This stairway leads to the beach, where you will head left for a secret low tide spot that features peculiar rock formations covered in bright green algae. Sheltered in the spaces between the waving rocks are alcoves perfect for tide pool creatures like hermit crabs just waiting to be discovered.

    Natural Bridges State Beach at sunset

    3.) Natural Bridges State Park

    Located at the end of Santa Cruz’s iconic West Cliff Drive, this easily accessible beach is a perfect place to squeeze in some tide pool time while staying close to the heart of the Santa Cruz area. The iconic rock arch that Natural Bridges State Park is named after is only accessible when the tides are very low. If you’re lucky enough to go tide pooling here, especially during King Tides, you can walk through the arch to find bright, colorful sea stars, vibrant sea anemones, and mussels. Along the shoreline of this state park, visitors can also find lively tide pools on jutting cliff faces. To find these, all you have to do is head down to the shore and then turn right to walk as far as you desire on the small cliffs, where you will find endless pools waiting to be explored.

    Low tide at Capitola  Beach

    4.) Capitola Beach/ New Brighton State Park

    Capitola is known for its quaint seaside small-town vibe but is equally the perfect place to explore at low tide! Visitors can walk from the Capitola Esplanade onto the beach to New Brighton State Park when the ocean recedes. You can discover at this beach ancient fossils of shells embedded in the clay-like cliffs that are only visible at low tide. Exploring this unique low tide ecosystem is perfect for families looking for a unique experience since the area is entirely flat and offers boulders to climb around on and fossils to find!

    Starfish at Scott's Creek Beach

    5.) Scott Creek Beach

    If you’re looking for a little more adventure, head North of Santa Cruz on Highway 1 to Scott Creek Beach for an unforgettable tide pool experience. This gorgeous beach features high craggy cliffs that tower over huge expanses of elevated tide pool areas full of a wide variety of sea life. From sea urchins to sea stars and, if you’re lucky, a tiny octopus, you will be astonished at the bounty of ocean treasures just waiting to be discovered.

    BONUS LOCATION!

    Tidepools at Greyhound Rock in North County

    6.) Greyhound Rock Beach

    Greyhound Rock is another North County treasure and is an excellent spot for low tide exploring. With the iconic rock visible from Highway 1 and the beach’s cliff-side parking lot, many may recognize Greyhound from a distance. However, for those willing to do a steep downhill descent (and later ascent), Greyhound Beach is a wonderland of rocky tide pools teeming with marine life. Low tide is key for the pools to be visible, but at high tide, the beach is just as enticing with sheer cliff walls, endless Monterey Bay vistas, and secluded walks along the Pacific coastline.

    Monica Multer

    January 7, 2025
    Beaches, Events, Family Fun, Outdoor + Wildlife, Parks, Things to Do, Vacation Ideas
  • Your Guide to Romantic Restaurants

    They say the way to a loved one’s heart is through their stomach, and after visiting a few restaurants on this list, you’re sure to see why! From dramatic coastal views to lush hidden havens, we’ve got you covered for wining and dining at some of the most romantic eateries in Santa Cruz County.

    Take a romantic ride on the iconic red cable car at Shadowbrook Restaurant

    SHADOWBROOK RESTAURANT
    1750 Wharf Road, Capitola
    Since 1947, Shadowbrook Restaurant has been revered for its romance in dining. A night out here always feels special, as you’re whisked away to a luscious paradise via red cable car, which descends a hillside garden of ferns and waterfalls before delivering you to the restaurant’s creekside location. It can be just as pleasing to stroll along the meandering garden path, with a stream that flows into a pond within the restaurant. Inside, you’ll discover unique features such as themed dining areas, aquariums, a massive stone hearth, and towering trees growing up through the ceiling. Pour over the menu as you relish in the whimsical ambiance: the traditional seafood and steakhouse staples are sure to delight, whatever you’re craving! An icon in the community, Shadowbrook is the perfect spot to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. Conclude the festivities by hailing a complimentary ride back home with one of Shadowbrook’s vintage taxicabs!

    Entrance of Home restaurant in Soquel
    HOME’s adorable string-lit patio is perfect for date night

    HOME
    3101 N Main Street, Soquel
    Since its opening in 2016, HOME has captured the heart of the community, and for good reason: there is an ever-changing array of delectable dishes coming out of Chef Brad Briske’s kitchen that are sure to leave your mouth watering. While the menu evolves daily based on what is in-season locally, a recurring favorite that is sure to impress is the HOME-made squid ink spaghetti. Whether you’re dining in their wine cellar or under the twinkle lights of their patio, HOME creates a date night atmosphere that feels upscale without all the fuss. It’s this inviting ambience paired with their succulent, dynamic fare that will bring you back to HOME for many date nights to come!

    Fresh Brick Oven Pizza at La Posta restaurant
    Enjoy La Posta’s Fresh Brick Oven Pizzas

    LA POSTA
    538 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz
    La Posta has been bringing the soul of Italian cuisine into the Seabright neighborhood since 2006. Farm-fresh and locally sourced ingredients are the foundation of their housemade pasta, pizza and Italian and Mediterranean-influenced dishes. Their rave-worthy menu and extensive wine selection are sure to make any night feel like a special occasion. Order a few items and share with your partner – we highly recommend making one of those sharable items their oven baked pizze! For first timers, you are sure to feel like you’ve stumbled upon a local treasure!

    PERSEPHONE
    7945 Soquel Drive, Aptos
    Nestled above Aptos Creek, Persephone’s twinkling lights and cozy space create an atmosphere that is simultaneously energizing and intimate. Snuggle up to your date as you peruse their extensive wine list or ask for a pairing to go with your meal. Persephone’s inventive fine dining menu is stuffed with dishes that seamlessly blend Italian flavors with fresh, high-quality local ingredients. Persephone is the ideal place to linger over a few good glasses of wine as you dazzle your date with a romantic evening out!

    Delicious season menu at Avanti on the Westside of Santa Cruz
    Delicious season menu at Avanti on the Westside of Santa Cruz

    AVANTI
    1917 Mission St, Santa Cruz
    A cherished local institution, Avanti Restaurant is just the spot for an unforgettable date night! Nestled in Santa Cruz’s vibrant Westside, Avanti welcomes you into an inviting and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening out. Their thoughtfully curated wine list and inventive cocktail menu set the stage for a culinary journey that will delight your senses. At the heart of Avanti’s expertly crafted menu is a celebration of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Sample one of their Italian classics, or opt for one of the rotating farm-to-table creations! Every bite at Avanti reflects their unwavering commitment to quality, taste, and supporting the local community. With its intimate atmosphere and selection of mouthwatering, seasonal dishes, Avanti has rightfully earned its spot as a beloved destination for an extraordinary night out! 

    Vim Dining & Desserts located on the Westside of Santa Cruz
    Vim Dining & Desserts located on the Westside of Santa Cruz

    VIM DINING + DESSERTS
    2238 Mission Street, Santa Cruz
    A hidden gem on the Westside, Vim Dining & Desserts welcomes you with bright, art-deco-inspired interiors and soft jazz tones that transcend time, while the menu’s ever-changing array of California cuisine keeps things fresh. Share an intimate drink at Vim’s luxurious bar before taking a seat: we recommend the patio, where twinkling lights, luscious greenery, and plenty of heat lamps provide a charming setting to cozy up with your date. The all-organic fare is meticulously curated by Chef Jesikah Stolaroff, and changes seasonally, so there’s always a new temptation to enthrall your taste buds. Trust us and get the dessert: you’ll fall head-over-heels for the Vim Chocolate Cake, which makes for a rich finale. Their sustainable, seasonal ingredients means each trip to Vim will be a new experience, and after trying it, you’ll want to come back for more!

    Fresh wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas and more at Cavalletta in Aptos
    Fresh wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas and more at Cavalletta in Aptos

    CAVALLETTA 
    9067 Soquel Dr, Aptos
    Tucked away down a winding side road is the charming Cavalletta, an elevated yet intimate restaurant that dishes up classic Italian fare with a fresh Californian twist! Cozy up to your partner in their welcoming dining area, or gain extra ambiance by sitting on the lush, string-lit patio overlooking Aptos’s picturesque Valencia Creek. Pore over their carefully curated wine list as the tempting aromas of wood-fired pizzas and freshly made pasta fill the air, a preview of the delights to come. With a menu that evolves with each changing season, every visit to Cavalletta feels like a new culinary adventure. However, you can always count on their signature house-made pizza and pasta to deliver mouthwatering perfection – no matter the time of year. Consider sharing a few items to get the full gastronomic experience! With its enchanting, creekside setting, incredible wines, and delectable bites, it’s clear to see why Cavalletta is a go-to spot for a memorable date night! 

    VINOCRUZ WINEBAR + KITCHEN
    4901 Soquel Drive, Soquel
    Located in Soquel Village, Vinocruz Winebar + Kitchen focuses on the best of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Enjoy over 50 local wines by the glass, craft beer on tap, and yummy cider! Their award-winning cuisine is all made fresh in-house with an emphasis on quality. Savory burgers, cheese & charcuterie plates, bright salads and more are sure to please! Order a few of their fantastic menu items and pair it with your favorite wine for a romantic afternoon or evening.

    Lillian's Italian Kitchen in the Seabright neighborhood
    Lillian’s Italian Kitchen in the Seabright neighborhood

    LILLIAN’S ITALIAN KITCHEN
    1148 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz
    Pasta is a universal love language, and one that Lillian’s Italian Kitchen takes to heart: the family-owned restaurant dishes up traditional Sicilian recipes that have been passed down through generations. Located in the Seabright neighborhood, Lillian’s lively atmosphere feels welcoming and charming, and Lillian’s true love of Italian cuisine shines through in each bite. Take a peek at their impeccable wine list, where local vintners are featured alongside their Italian peers, and grab an appetizer rarely seen outside of Italy: arancini, deep-fried risotto balls, filled with cheese and served with a side of marinara. Delicious! Peruse the menu of crowd-pleasers, and you’ll quickly understand why this romantic spot keeps people coming back for more!

    CAFE BITTERSWEET BISTRO
    787 Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Suite C, Aptos
    Recognized by locals as one of the top restaurants in Aptos and Santa Cruz County for 25 years, Bittersweet Bistro offers an American Bistro Cuisine style dinner menu with Mediterranean influences. Enjoy dinner inside or cozy up on their heated patio. Their award-winning dessert menu features items to share like the Chocolate Trio and Dessert Fantasy, plus favorites including Lemon Napoleon, Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse, Classic Crème Brûlée, cheesecakes, bread puddings, ice creams, and sorbets. Their creative cocktail menu features classics, plus some unique, and even romantic-themed, drinks like First Glance – a perfect cocktail made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Aperol, agave syrup, grapefruit & lemon juice topped off with sparkling wine – or Tropical Heat – made with jalapeno infused milagro silver tequila, fresh pineapple, jalapeño, lemon juice & simple syrup. Other flirty cocktail favorites include Your Hibs Do Lie, You’re Berry Naughty, and Pear Pleasure.

    The Crow's Nest is a classic date night - or date day - location
    The Crow’s Nest is a classic date night – or date day – location

    THE CROW’S NEST
    2218 E Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
    Situated at the entrance to the Santa Cruz Harbor, The Crow’s Nest is a beloved local institution – and for good reason! With sweeping views of the Bay, delicious drinks being served up from the bar, and a menu to drool over, The Crow’s Nest is sure to please. Watch the sailboats drift past as you indulge in a delectable meal with your special someone. Come around sunset to truly feel the romantic ambiance that the Crow’s Nest has to offer, then head upstairs to hear live music and dance the night away!

    TRESTLES RESTAURANT
    316 Capitola Ave, Capitola
    Tucked beneath the iconic Capitola Village wooden trestle, discover Chef Nick Sherman’s passion project: Trestles Restaurant. The intimate setting at Trestles creates a romantic atmosphere where you can cozy up with your special someone over a glass of wine while pondering over the mouthwatering menu. The open kitchen provides a peek at the culinary experience to come, and your tastebuds will delight over the local and fresh seasonal fare. Reservations come highly recommended for this desired spot, especially if you’re hoping to warm up to your significant other by the firepit under the twinkle lights on the outdoor patio overlooking Capitola Village. With its intimate atmosphere and culinary charms, Trestles has earned its place as a community favorite for an evening out – romantic or otherwise!  

    Jack O'Neill Restaurant and Lounge at Dream inn

    JACK O’NEILL RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
    175 W Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
    Overlooking the Santa Cruz Wharf and one of the most iconic surfing beaches on the California coast, the Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge adds an air of flirty fun to romantic eateries. The retro-chic dining rooms, named for Santa Cruz wetsuit pioneer Jack O’Neill, offer visitors world-class views of the Monterey Bay underneath stunning light fixtures and a relaxed atmosphere. The menu features delicious California classics with produce sourced in-county. Their fresh caught seafood meets the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch sustainability standards. Grab a drink at the bar and enjoy intimate seating while the surfers catch the waves out the window.

    Venus Spirits Cocktails and Kitchen Westside

    VENUS SPIRITS COCKTAILS + KITCHEN WESTSIDE
    200 High Rd, Santa Cruz
    Spice up date night at Venus Spirits: first tour their distillery, admiring the stunning, hand-pounded copper stills while learning about the small-batch spirits made inside them, then head next door for a taste of their bold, handcrafted flavors at Venus Spirits Cocktails + Kitchen Westside. Peruse the menu of inventive, handcrafted cocktails as you take in the lively atmosphere of the spacious dining room, which exudes industrial charm. Make it a playful evening with a frisky-fun libation, such as the Frozen Paloma Libre or the gin-infused Laura Palmer. The menu blends southern-style comfort food with a coastal flair that is sure to satisfy any palate. After you’ve had your fill, head down to West Cliff Drive for a romantic sunset stroll overlooking some of Santa Cruz’s most iconic views! 

    Venus Spirits Kitchen and Cocktails Beachside

    VENUS SPIRITS COCKTAILS & KITCHEN BEACHSIDE
    131 Esplanade, Aptos
    Just steps from the beach, the sound of the waves amplifies the romantic ambiance of Venus Spirits Kitchen & Cocktails Beachside. Settle into a seat on the dreamy outdoor patio, surrounded by tropical plants and under a canopy of string lights, or head inside to the sumptuous, cerulean-toned dining room whose centerpiece is the wall of windows looking out at the sandy shore beyond. It’s particularly spectacular at sunset! Be sure to try the lobster roll – with fresh lobster surrounded by a toasted, buttered brioche, it will leave you wanting more. Pair it with their Frozen Paloma Libre for a true taste escape. With its oceanfront locale, enchanting atmosphere, and mouthwatering menu, VSCK Beachside transforms date night into a tropical vacation for two. 

    CANTINE WINEPUB
    8050 Soquel Drive, suite B, Aptos
    Looking for a romantic spot to enjoy fine wine, craft beer, and tapas? Cantine Winepub offers an extensive selection of wine and beer sourced from right around the corner, throughout the west, and across the pond. They make wine approachable and fun – not pretentious or complicated. The same goes for their craft beer. Honest food prepared simply and with respect to the ingredients; wine that is nuanced and balanced; beer crafted using hand selected ingredients, specifically picked for distinct flavor characteristics in mind and brewed to be flavorful, quality beer. Cantine is a great spot for a relaxed date night or ramp it up for a fun evening out with friends!

    SANDERLING’S RESTAURANT
    1 Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos
    Stunning views of Monterey Bay, the sound of rolling waves, and miles of sandy stretch are the framework for romance at Seascape Beach Resort in Aptos. Their on-site eatery features California coastal cuisines; delightful happy hours inspired by colorful cocktails and live music on the weekends. Sanderlings Restaurant is open daily from 6am to 10pm, so whether you’re just starting a romantic day or coupling up for diner, a spectacular view awaits!

    Gabriella Cafe front entrance

    GABRIELLA CAFE
    910 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz
    Housed in a romantic 1920s building on a quiet side street in Downtown Santa Cruz, this impossibly charming café has grown a devoted following with its farm-to-table dishes and intimate dining room that feels plucked from the French countryside. Owner Paul Cocking spent many years as part of the downtown farmers market, and today his restaurant sources nearly all of its produce from local, organic farmers.

    Suda restaurant

    SÜDA
    3910 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz
    For a spectacular date night, pair dinner at Süda with a romantic stroll along picturesque East Cliff Drive as the sun sets over Monterey Bay. The scenery continues inside: this Pleasure Point hidden gem is captivating from top to bottom. Dim light emanates from geodesic fixtures, giving the industrial-yet-intimate dining room an effortlessly cool vibe. The fresh, local, seasonally-driven California cuisine fills the crowd-pleasing menu. Heat up the night with the Firecracker, a spicy-yet-fruity, spirit-forward craft cocktail! Don’t miss the chance to try one of their seasonal sips, a masterfully crafted list of cocktails that changes regularly to highlight the freshest ingredients. Linger over the evening, cozying up to your partner near Süda’s fire pits, indulging in a nightcap and a sweet treat! 

    Lago di Como front entrance

    LAGO DI COMO 
    21490 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz
    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 Spaghetti 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. Linger over the dolci – that’s dessert – for a truly indulgent and romantic evening out! 

    Diners at Cafe Cruz

    CAFE CRUZ
    2621 41st Avenue, Soquel
    This hidden gem is an oasis of great food and ambiance off bustling 41st Avenue in Soquel. Hidden behind towering green shrubbery, a quiet garden courtyard is set with tables warmed by an outdoor hearth. Inside, the intimate, low-ceiling dining room with open kitchen is a local favorite for date nights and special occasions. Since opening in 1995, the family-owned restaurant has become known for its warm, rustic fare including a signature garlic herb rotisserie chicken, grilled steak salad, seafood specials, and delicious wines and cocktails by the fire.

    AROMA RESTAURANT 
    9600 CA-9, Ben Lomond
    Tucked amidst the towering redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Aroma Restaurant showcases a vivacious collection of recipes from all over the globe in a cozy setting. Inside, a crackling fireplace creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that lend well to a date night out. For a romantic evening alfresco, relax on the inviting patio situated beneath the redwood canopy, exploring the innovative continental-meets-Californian menu that utilizes fresh, local ingredients. The scenic setting and delectable dishes make Aroma an ideal spot for those seeking a romantic and gastronomic adventure! 

    LAILI RESTAURANT
    101 B Cooper Street, Santa Cruz
    For centuries, the Silk Road has acted as a conduit of innovations, cultures, and exotic foods throughout all of its varying regions. Laili Restaurant offers a fine dining experience in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, providing the rich flavors of the Mediterranean, infused with a unique Afghan twist. The string lit, lush garden patio creates a romantic ambience that is sure to become a date night favorite!

    OPT-IN FOR TAKEOUT

    Take the romance from the redwoods to sea with a picnic on the beach, overlooking West Cliff Drive or in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Check out where to find the best takeout in Santa Cruz County on our Tasty Takeout blog!

    Caryn Hewlett

    January 5, 2025
    Food & Drink, Things to Do, Vacation Ideas
  • A Stroll Through Capitola Village

    The quaint seaside village of Capitola began as a humble tent camp along the shore of the Monterey Bay. Camp Capitola, as it was known, welcomed its first guests in 1874 making it the first beach resort in California. A few years later, it premiered a magnificent wood-frame Victorian hotel — Hotel Capitola — that echoed grand contemporaries like the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego and San Francisco’s original Cliff House. The hotel succumbed to fire in 1929, but the romance of the original beach resort still exists in the colorful, seaside shops and restaurants tucked into a hillside along Soquel Creek. Wandering the village and its bay front promenade — window shopping and snacking along the way — is a quintessential part of any Santa Cruz experience.

    Individual on a stand-up paddle board passing through the Venetian hotel. Photographed by Keith Ormerod
    Photo by Keith Ormerod

    PLAY

    It’s all about the bustling scene at Capitola Beach and the bench-filled Esplanade Park that fronts it. Beachgoers perch themselves on a wide seawall lined with colorful tiles painted by community members and take in the panoramic beach scene. Get in the water for a swim, surf, boogie board session, or for some stand up paddle boarding on the Bay.

    Viewer binoculars on the newly renovated Capitola Wharf. Photographed by Marcus Trawick
    Photo by Marcus Trawick

    Walk the newly renovated Capitola Wharf. Peer through binoculars at the gorgeous views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Stop in Capitola Boat & Bait for boat rentals, along with tackle, bait, food, drinks, surf shirts, and unique gifts.

    Palm trees, bright florals, beach bungalows, and murals are around every corner as you stroll through the Village buildings, sidewalks, and pathways.

    View down Capitola Rd and Monterey Avenue of an empty street past shops. Photographed by daniel Gorostieta
    Photo by Daniel Gorostieta

    SHOP

    During summer, Capitola Beach Company rolls out its rental trailer stocked with everything you need for a fun day at the beach including boogie boards, beach chairs, and sun umbrellas. Don’t miss their boutique down the street that’s filled with men’s and women’s beach apparel individually selected by owners Jill and Matt. Around the corner, Nubia Swimwear offers an exhaustive selection of stylish women’s swimwear from designers across the globe. With dozens of shops by the shore, Capitola Village has something special for everyone!

    Find unique handmade treasures at the Craft Gallery. Owner Carin Hanna emphasizes that the products and pieces are “work produced in the U.S. and Canada.”

    Cocktail at the patio of Pete's Capitola Restaurant with a view of the Venetian hotel at sunset. Photographed by Jenn Day
    Cheers from the patio at Pete’s Fish House – Photo by Jenn Day

    DINE

    The restaurants on the Esplanade boast incredible Capitola Village vistas. With the beach, river, waves, wharf, palm trees, and candy-coated hues of the Venetians, these waterfront restaurants are hard to beat when it comes to views and vacation vibes! Zelda’s on the Beach, Paradise Beach Grille, Margaritaville, Pete’s Capitola, and other waterfront spots are ideal for dining al fresco.

    View of Capitola Village over the water. Photographed by Liz Birnbaum, the Curated Feast
    Photo and header photo by Liz Birnbaum, The Curated Feast

    Stop by Trestles Restaurant and discover a new favorite. Established in 2021, Trestles Restaurant, takes its name from its location, being steps away from the iconic Capitola Trestle. Their commitment to using local, fresh, ingredients to create seasonal fare will have you coming back for more. Another Village treasure is Capitola Wine Bar. Wines from around the county and world, coupled with a great bites and an intimate atmosphere, Capitola Wine Bar is a great find.

    Bird's eve view of Shadowbrook Restaurant. Photographed by Daniel Gorostieta
    Bird’s eye view of Shadowbrook Restaurant – Photo by Daniel Gorostieta

    Two more absolute-favorites in the Capitola Village are a short walk from the oceanfront, but are definitely not-to-miss. Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria is a local and visitor favorite – delicious pastries, cookies, cakes, and top-notch breakfast, lunch, and dinner grab and go meals. Everything on the menu is worth a try, but you’re bound to find your own favorites that you’ll order again and again. And no Capitola visit is complete without a trip on the cable car – more specifically – Shadowbrook’s cable car! Shadowbrook is an experience in itself with its dreamy red trolley, lush landscape, and expansive riverfront restaurant – and we haven’t even mentioned the award winning food and drinks yet. A place for celebrations and memories, Shadowbrook’s menu, service and atmosphere will be the highlight of any Capitola Village visit.

    Venetian Hotels with a sunset burst through palm trees. Photographed by Liz Birnbaum, The Curated Feast
    Photo by Liz Birnbaum, The Curated Feast

    STAY

    An unmistakable part of the seaside landscape is the complex of colorful houses that line Capitola Beach. They were built as condominiums in 1925 and were intended to bring Venice’s charm to Capitola. The brown houses within the same complex now comprise the atmospheric Capitola Venetian Hotel. Snag a multi-bedroom room with kitchen and living area and be walking distance to everything! Another village favorite is the Capitola Hotel in the heart of the Capitola Village, just steps from the beach. This boutique hotel offers luxury rooms dressed in crisp white cotton linens and the most comfortable beds you’ve ever slept in.

    Capitola Beach Suites mural with the ocean in the background. Photographed by Daniel Gorostieta
    Capitola Beach Suites mural – Photo by Daniel Gorostieta

    Want to get a little higher up in the village? Capitola Beach Suites is still right in the village, but boasts jaw-dropping panoramic views and offers newly remodeled rooms, fully equipped kitchens, balconies, and a fantastic rooftop terrace. Plus, you can’t miss their iconic three-story high mermaid mural created by Manuel Cruz in 2017. Perched on the other side of the village, the Inn at Depot Hill is a great little B&B that offers guestrooms and suites decorated in the style of famous travel destinations. From the romance of Paris to the serenity of Kyoto, each guestroom boasts feather beds, luxury linens, and a crackling fireplace.

    For more great hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts that are just a hop and a skip to the Capitola Village, check our Capitola destination page here.

    Sanctuary Scenic Trail sign with Capitola Whard and Capitola Village in the background. Photographed by Liz Birnbaum, The Curated Feast
    Photo by Liz Birnbaum, The Curated Feast

    HISTORY LESSON

    Capitola has a fascinating history and even the most casual glimpse lends fun insight into America’s captivation with recreation and leisure. If you have an interest in the events and forces that shaped the local landscape, drop by the Capitola Historical Museum for a peek into the town’s rich history.

    Visit Santa Cruz County

    January 5, 2025
    Attractions, Beaches, Shopping, Things to Do, Vacation Ideas, Where to Stay
  • Top 5 Winter Activities in Santa Cruz County

    Santa Cruz is a great year-round vacation destination, but the winter months offer some very special reasons to visit that you might not expect. While Santa Cruz is known for soaking up the sunshine during summer, winter provides a unique way to experience some of Santa Cruz’s best features, like huge waves, extremely low tides, and even monarch migrations! If you’re considering exploring Santa Cruz County this winter, here’s a short list of the top 5 ways to enjoy the area during the holiday season!

    Monarch Butterfkues at Lighthouse Field State Beach
    Monarch Butterflies at Lighthouse Field State Beach by Jenn Day

    1. ) Experience the Natural Wonders of Winter

    From the forests to the sea, the winter season in Santa Cruz brings an abundance of natural wonders you don’t want to miss, like witnessing the monarch migration or going tide pooling during King Tides. The Monarch butterflies congregate in Santa Cruz and the wider Monterey area around mid-October through mid-February, with a peak season of November – December. In Natural Bridges State Beach, one of the best spots for butterfly viewing, visitors can see the butterflies cluster on the eucalyptus branches and form a “city in the trees,” according to State Park officials. Monarchs can also be found at Lighthouse Field State Beach. Another great natural wonder of winter is the yearly predictable tidal event known as King Tides, which features the year’s highest and lowest tides. This year’s remaining King Tides will take place on December 13 – 15, 2024, however, there are even more dates with these extreme tides! Extreme low tides (and high tides) will be present on the days leading up to and after the dates listed. Winter is also the best time to enjoy our other small creatures, like the banana slug or the California newt, which emerge during the winter’s wetter months.

    Christmas lighting at Neptune's Place on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

    2. ) Go Christmas Lights Viewing

    Watching Santa Cruz come to life with Christmas lights is the best way to get in the spirit of winter festivities! December kicks off with the Lighted Boat Parade at the Harbor where 50 beautifully-decorated power and sailboats parade through the Santa Cruz Harbor. This year, you can watch the boat parade at 5:30 pm on December 7nd, 2024. Another great spot for Christmas lights and decorations is Farley’s Christmas Wonderland in Midtown, a walk-in Christmas experience. This festive exhibit celebrates the traditional wonders of Christmas and visitors can wander through elf villages, sit on fairy benches, and enjoy the holiday spirit. Over at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Holiday Lights, enjoy 1/2 mile of giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights, Santa, reindeer, snowmen, lighted tunnels, and many more magical moments. Enjoy lights by train on the Holiday Lights Train that departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Be sure to stick around the Winder Wonderland at the Boardwalk for more festive lights, photos with Santa, a 3-story tall Christmas tree and more!

    Across all of Santa Cruz, locals get in the holiday spirit and decorate their homes with fantastic displays of Christmas lights you have to see to believe. From iconic homes like 2580 Bean Creek Rd in Scotts Valley to neighborhoods like Depot Hill in Capitola or historic Walnut Avenue in Downtown Santa Cruz, just driving around to find your favorite decorations is a wonderful way to enjoy winter here in Santa Cruz.

    Wild mushrooms in the Santa Cruz mountains
    Wild Mushrooms in the Santa Cruz Mountains

    3. ) Enjoy All Things Fungus

    Mushroom hunting or foraging is a huge part of the Santa Cruz local culture in the winter months when higher rains lead to mushroom booms in the forests! After the first rain of the season, mushrooms begin to crop up everywhere in the natural spaces in Santa Cruz. Some of the best spots to go see mushrooms are the UCSC upper campus and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Whether you’re a full-blown mycophile or just interested in discovering the bountiful world of mushrooms here in Santa Cruz, there are events happening all winter long for all levels of interest. From guided mushroom walks at Schwan Lake to the Fungus Fair happening this January 10-12th, the winter season is truly mushroom time! If you’re less interested in mushroom hikes, or expert-guided mushroom hunting expeditions, you can always enjoy delicious fungus-forward foods at Far West Fungi, which has one of the best grilled cheeses in town! Always remember to be safe when mushroom foraging and consult experts before attempting to eat or pick them for yourself. Be sure to follow collection guidelines since California State Parks don’t allow for mushroom picking for personal use but enjoy looking at the beautiful bounty that nature creates right in our own backyards!

    Waterfalls at the top of the Lime Kiln Trail in Fall Creek
    Waterfalls at the top of the Lime Kiln Trail in Fall Creek

    4. ) Hike Waterfalls and River Trails

    Winter is one of the best times for hiking on trails with rivers and waterfalls, like in Henry Cowell State Park and Fall Creek. The increased rainfall rejuvenates the landscapes, turning the lush trails into a canvas of vibrant greens and cascading rivers. One of the most enchanting winter activities is embarking on hikes along the many water features that come to life during this season. Santa Cruz boasts an array of spectacular trails, where rivers and waterfalls take center stage, like the Lime Kiln Trail, which follows along a rushing river and offers several different waterfalls to enjoy. The winter rains transform these normally tranquil waterways into dynamic, rushing currents, adding an extra layer of excitement to the adventure. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a casual nature lover, exploring Santa Cruz’s water-centric trails during the winter unveils a captivating beauty that is unique to this season. This is also the perfect time to see banana slugs and newts along the damp forest trails!

    The Sunset from West Cliff Drive
    The Sunset from West Cliff Drive

    5. ) Watch Spectacular Winter Sunsets

    During the winter months here in Santa Cruz, the sunsets are truly phenomenal. The early setting sun sets the sky on fire with deep rich pink, orange, and red colors that will leave you awestruck. Santa Cruz winters bring cooler weather and rain, resulting in low humidity and crisp clean air. As a result, the winter air contains fewer particulates that can dull sunset colors or leave the air looking hazy. The daily light show of sunsets that look more like paintings than reality is best viewed in the Santa Cruz area between November and February. Find the best sunset viewing spots in the winter along West Cliff Drive or north at the beaches and bluffs along Highway 1 near Davenport like Four Mile Beach or Davenport Landing.

    Monica Multer

    November 18, 2024
    Attractions, Events, Family Fun, Outdoor + Wildlife, Vacation Ideas
  • Beachside Bliss: Twin Lakes

    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!

    Caryn Hewlett

    July 23, 2024
    Beaches, Things to Do, Vacation Ideas
  • Opt Outside in Santa Cruz County

    Opt Outside in Santa Cruz County

    We are highlighting some of the best places in Santa Cruz County to explore the great outdoors! From miles of sand to comb on the beaches of south county to zip lining through the resilient redwoods, you’ll love getting some fresh air with these outdoor explorations.

    #1: HIKE THE FOREST OF NISENE MARKS
    Located in Aptos, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park offers 30 miles of trails for walking, running, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Interesting sites include an unusual, twisted grove of redwoods, remnants of an old sawmill, and the epicenter of the devastating 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. For those looking for a longer trek with big rewards, hike to Maple Falls where you’ll enjoy all the splendor of the redwoods, a waterfall, plus a few creek crossings along the way.

    #2: TIDE POOL AT NATURAL BRIDGES
    There are many spots to tide pool in Santa Cruz County, but a classic has to be Natural Bridges State Beach. The famed arch, monarchs in the winter, and year-around abundance of wildlife by land, sea, air, and lagoon, make this spot a must-see. Take a peek at this Moment in Nature from Natural Bridges State Beach and you’re sure to be convinced. Request a free Birding and Wildlife Watch Guide for info on where to go, when, and what to look for! And be sure to check out the King Tides and Monarch Butterflies in the winter months!

    #3: TAKE A LONG WALK ON THE BEACH
    Enjoy miles and miles of continuous sand at south county beaches. From Seacliff to Rio Del Mar, Seascape to La Selva and Manresa to Sunset (pictured here), you just might have a bit too much sand to explore! These wide-open beaches are perfect for a socially distanced day at the beach. And if you’re looking to extend your south county adventures, find places to stay here.

    #4: ROAM THE GARDENS AT THE ARBORETUM
    With 135 acres of gardens and blooms, there’s plenty of room to roam at the UCSC Arboretum. Succulent gardens and botanical and foliage from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and California are all found on the expansive grounds. See a variety of rare fruit trees and bustling aroma gardens – bustling with hummingbirds and bees that is.

    #5: SURF THE MONTEREY BAY
    Whether you’re a seasoned (salty) surfer or a hang ten newbie, get out in the Monterey Bay and take to the waves. Surf lessons are available or you can opt for surfboard, stand-up paddle board, or boogie board rentals. And if you’d rather watch from the shore, that’s okay too.

    #6: TAKE A SCENIC WATERFRONT WALK
    Enjoy a stroll along the coast with the Best Waterfront Walks in Santa Cruz County. West Cliff Drive is a classic oceanfront promenade where you can take the family, pups, and kids, and bask in the dazzling, local scenery. Be sure to check our whole list – spoiler: one isn’t by the ocean!

    #7: VISIT THE WATSONVILLE WETLANDS
    “Birds are everywhere you look,” proclaims a trail sign along the Struve Slough, one of six, interlinked freshwater sloughs that slice through South County. Over 90 percent of California’s wetlands have been lost to development and the Watsonville Sloughs are one of the largest remaining marshlands in the state. The wetlands provide a year-round home for local birds such as the White Pelican and serve as a stopover point for migratory birds visiting from faraway locales such as South America. Request a free Birding and Wildlife Watch Guide for more helpful info.

    #8: RIDE THE TRAIN AT ROARING CAMP RAILROADS
    Hop aboard the train at Roaring Camp where you can see California’s towering redwood trees from two historic railroads. Travel on authentic 19th century steam trains through the Big Trees to the summit of Bear Mountain or ride early 1900s Pullman cars on open-air excursion cars along a scenic river gorge through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to the beach of Santa Cruz.

    #9: HIKE THE COAST AT WILDER RANCH
    Enjoy the best of both views at Wilder Ranch State Park. Grasslands, oaks, knobcone pines, coastal redwoods, douglas firs, rugged coastline, tidepools, hidden beaches, Victorian farmhouse, barns — need we say more? Wilder Ranch boasts a wide assortment of terrain and habitat, and offers over 34 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails winding through coastal terraces and valleys. Need more proof? Watch this Moment in Nature from Wilder Ranch State Park.

    #10: GO HIGH IN THE REDWOODS AT MOUNT HERMON ADVENTURES
    For the thrill seekers, you can climb, crawl, swing and soar through a redwood canopy at Mount Hermon Adventures. On the Redwood Canopy Tour, enjoy six zip lines and two suspension bridges hung serenely above a babbling creek among towering redwoods. This continuous canopy tour experience keeps you high above the earth in the branches of ancient trees. For a more active adventure, take the Sequoia Aerial Adventure where you traverse rope and timber obstacles suspended between the redwood trees high above the forest floor.

    #11: HIKE THROUGH ANCIENT REDWOODS AT HENRY COWELL
    Take a Moment in Nature at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Located in Felton, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is known for its rich history and lush, towering redwoods. Notable visitors such as President Theodore Roosevelt spent time among the old-growth redwoods and inspired preservation efforts to keep our nature pristine. The Redwood Grove Trail circles around the park’s oldest and largest trees and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. And in case you missed the first link, watch this video from Henry Cowell and see how many creatures you can spot.

    After all that outdoor action, fuel up al fresco with some local eats and drinks at one of the best scenic patios in Santa Cruz County! And if you’re looking to extend your adventures in Santa Cruz County, check our site for information on hotels, motels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals.

    Special to Visit Santa Cruz

    June 3, 2024
    Beaches, Family Fun, Hiking, Outdoor + Wildlife, Parks, Things to Do, Vacation Ideas
  • Micro Tour: SLV

    After completing your perfect itinerary for a micro tour of Felton, expand your adventures into the greater San Lorenzo Valley area for even more scenic natural beauty, great shops, and delicious dining options! The San Lorenzo Valley (SLV) area is a picturesque and secluded region in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Known for its stunning natural beauty, lush redwood forests, and charming small towns, the San Lorenzo Valley offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling cities nearby. The towns within the San Lorenzo Valley exude a laid-back charm and a strong sense of community. In addition to Felton, visitors can explore the quaint towns of Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek, and Brookdale. Each town has its own unique character, with local shops, cafes, and restaurants offering a taste of small-town life.

    Redwood trees in San Lorenzo Valley

    Morning

    All across the San Lorenzo Valley there are great coffee shops to fuel up at like Coffee 9 in Ben Lomond or in Boulder Creek check out the Tree House Cafe and Jenna Sue’s Cafe. All three spots offer great coffee and filling food options, including bagels, breakfast burritos, and delicious pastries. You can also start your day with brunch from a local favorite like Rocky’s Cafe and Spanky’s or pick up some of the best sweets in the county at La Placa Family Bakery, which dishes up delectable Italian pastries!

    After you’ve fueled up, head into one of the incredible nearby parks to explore the natural beauty of the San Lorenzo Valley. The San Lorenzo Valley is home to some of the oldest and tallest redwood trees in the world. These majestic giants create a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere, perfect for hiking, camping, or simply taking in the natural beauty. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California’s oldest state park, is a highlight of the area. Here, visitors can explore miles of trails that wind through ancient redwoods. While still rebuilding the main infrastructure of the park after the 2020 CZU fires, many of Big Basin’s hiking trails are now open. The popular Skyline to the Sea trail remains closed at this point in time, but many trails within the main area of the park are open and accessible to the public.

    Rabbit at Quail Hollow Ranch
    Quail Hollow Ranch

    If you’re looking for options a little closer to town, check out the nearby Quail Hollow or Loch Lomond, which are great options for both hikers and families. Quail Hollow abounds with wildlife and even hosts private parties at their historic farmhouse. Loch Lomond is a reservoir where visitors can rent boats, fish along the scenic shores, and stroll the network of gorgeous trails.

    Tri-Tip Sandwich from Masood's Liquor and Deli
    Masood’s Tri-Tip Sandwich

    Afternoon

    For lunch, if you find yourself in Boulder Creek after finishing up a big hike in Big Basin State Park, grab a sandwich or some ready-made food from Wild Roots Market. If you’re near Ben Lomond after finishing your explorations at either Loch Lomond or Quail Hollow, head to a humble hidden gem, Masood’s Liquor and Deli which serves up one of the best tri-tip sandwiches in town.

    Spend the remainder of your afternoon exploring the best quaint towns by strolling the downtown stretches to pursue the many businesses. The downtown area of Boulder Creek is full of excellent gift shops and antique stores, and almost every wall is covered in giant murals. One in-town favorite is the Mountain Feed and Farm Supply store, overflowing with gorgeous plants and home decor, they even host excellent pop-ups like Fika Bakeshop on special occasions. This hub of local activity in Ben Lomond is a must-visit!

    Big Basin red wine with the view of Big Basin Vineyards

    A favorite for wine tasters in the area is to head to the expansive estate winery for Big Basin Vineyards. This is arguably one of the most scenic vineyards in the entire Santa Cruz Mountains Wine AVA. The best times to visit are in the summer for fireside tastings and live music or in the fall when the rolling mountain vineyard turns gorgeous fiery colors. History aficionados can visit the San Lorenzo Valley Museum to explore the rich legacy of the valley through artifacts, exhibitions, and education. There is something to explore for everyone in the San Lorenzo Valley!

    Exterior view of Scopazzi's restaurant

    Evening

    Finish your day with a delicious dinner at one of the great local establishments. If you’re looking for a sit-down, high-end dining experience, head to Scopazzi’s or Aroma. Check out the beloved Red Pearl, Boulder Creek Pizza and Pub, or Sawmill if you’re looking for local favorites and family-friendly spots.

    End your night with a nightcap at the Historic Brookdale Lodge, where live music and great drinks bring the community together to end a perfect day in the San Lorenzo Valley.

    The San Lorenzo Valley is a hidden gem of Northern California, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, small-town charm, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat in the redwoods, an adventure in the mountains, or a taste of local culture, the San Lorenzo Valley has something for everyone. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, allowing visitors to connect with nature and immerse themselves in the laid-back lifestyle of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

    Monica Multer

    April 28, 2024
    Family Fun, Hiking, Things to Do, Vacation Ideas
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