Santa Cruz Foodie Weekend
2 days · Santa Cruz
This 2-day Santa Cruz itinerary is built from real, hand-verified listings — every restaurant, beach, trail, and view below has been checked and photographed by the MontereyBay.app team. Use it as a starting point for foodie travelers, then swap stops based on weather, season, and what's open. Use the Expedia search box to book a hotel near day one's starting point, and tap any listing on the itinerary to see its full page with hours, address, and parking notes.
Day 1 — Arrival & Iconic Sights
Morning. Start the day at **Miches and Ceviches** — Miches and Ceviches in Santa Cruz offers a vibrant atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes, including flavorful ceviches and tr. Arrive by 9–10am to beat parking pressure and catch the morning light along the coast.
Afternoon. Mid-day, head to **The Midway** — The Midway is a vibrant restaurant in Santa Cruz, offering a casual dining atmosphere that appeals to locals and visitors alike. With a focus on quality dishes . Plan ~2 hours here.
Evening. End the day at **Woodhouse Blending & Brewing** — Woodhouse Blending & Brewing is a unique restaurant in Santa Cruz that blends a cozy atmosphere with a focus on crafted brews and food. Situated in a vibrant ne. Sunset on the bay is the local ritual — bring a layer.
- Miches and Ceviches — Miches and Ceviches in Santa Cruz offers a vibrant atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes, including flavorful ceviches and tr
- The Midway — The Midway is a vibrant restaurant in Santa Cruz, offering a casual dining atmosphere that appeals to locals and visitors alike. With a focus on quality dishes
- Woodhouse Blending & Brewing — Woodhouse Blending & Brewing is a unique restaurant in Santa Cruz that blends a cozy atmosphere with a focus on crafted brews and food. Situated in a vibrant ne
Day 2 — Final Day & Last Stops
Morning. Start the day at **Zameen At The Point** — Zameen At The Point offers a modern take on Mediterranean cuisine with made-to-order wraps, salads, and bowls. Situated in a vibrant setting, this restaurant pr. Arrive by 9–10am to beat parking pressure and catch the morning light along the coast.
Afternoon. Mid-day, head to **Point Market** — Point Market is a cozy restaurant in Santa Cruz, California, known for its inviting ambiance and diverse menu options. Guests can enjoy a meal in a comfortable . Plan ~2 hours here.
Evening. End the day at **Guang Zho** — Guang Zho is a welcoming restaurant in Santa Cruz offering a range of Chinese cuisine at budget-friendly prices. With a focus on providing a pleasant dining exp. Sunset on the bay is the local ritual — bring a layer.
- Zameen At The Point — Zameen At The Point offers a modern take on Mediterranean cuisine with made-to-order wraps, salads, and bowls. Situated in a vibrant setting, this restaurant pr
- Point Market — Point Market is a cozy restaurant in Santa Cruz, California, known for its inviting ambiance and diverse menu options. Guests can enjoy a meal in a comfortable
- Guang Zho — Guang Zho is a welcoming restaurant in Santa Cruz offering a range of Chinese cuisine at budget-friendly prices. With a focus on providing a pleasant dining exp
What it costs
Rough per-person budget for 2 days in Santa Cruz: • Lodging: $180–$450 per night (Big Sur and Carmel run high; book early) • Food: $60–$90/day for casual meals + one nicer dinner • Activities: free coastal stops; $40–$120 if you add the Aquarium or a tour • Parking: free at most beaches; $10–$15 at metered downtown lots Use the Expedia search above to compare hotels right now.
FAQ
What's the best time of year for this Santa Cruz itinerary?
April–October offers the most reliable weather along the Monterey Bay coast — mornings are typically foggy, with afternoons clearing to sun. The window from mid-September to mid-October is the regional sweet spot: smaller crowds, warmer water, and clear skies. Winter trips (December–February) still work for this plan — just pack layers and treat the included hikes as rainy-day backup options.
Where should we stay for Santa Cruz Foodie Weekend?
Base yourself in Santa Cruz, CA so you're a short drive from every stop on this itinerary. Use the Expedia search above to compare hotels, vacation rentals, and inns near the day-one starting point. Most travelers find Santa Cruz-area lodging fills up fastest on weekends — booking 3–4 weeks ahead is usually enough.
How much should I budget for this trip?
Lodging is the largest variable: Carmel and Big Sur run $250–$450/night for a mid-tier hotel, Monterey and Santa Cruz typically $180–$300, and Pacific Grove sits in between. Food budgets land around $60–$90 per person per day for casual meals plus one nicer dinner. Most attractions on this plan are free (beaches, scenic drives, parks); the Aquarium and a whale-watching tour add roughly $50–$120 per person if you include them.