Things to do in Santa Cruz — hand-verified picks across food, beaches, trails, families, sunsets, rainy days, and more.
A beloved Soquel Avenue spot in Santa Cruz that's part bar, part live-music venue, part sweet-and-savory crepe restaurant — with a hidden back garden and a long history of hosting …
Santa Cruz's coastal-inspired craft brewery crafting bold, imaginative beers with names and artwork celebrating the ocean lifestyle. Known for hazy IPAs, fruited sours, and a rotat…
DeLaveaga Golf Course is an 18-hole municipal golf course nestled in the scenic hills of Santa Cruz. Known for its challenging layout and breathtaking views among the towering redw…
Santa Cruz Food Tour offers a guided culinary adventure through downtown Santa Cruz and Pacific Avenue, where visitors can sample a variety of local favorites, from artisanal coffe…
A locally rooted Santa Cruz brokerage with decades of Westside, Eastside, and Live Oak expertise. Known for a personal, low-pressure approach and deep neighborhood knowledge — part…
Keller Williams Santa Cruz serves the entire Santa Cruz County market with one of the largest agent teams in the area. Coverage spans Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Soquel, Scotts Va…
Laili Restaurant offers contemporary Afghan cuisine with a California twist in downtown Santa Cruz. Guests can savor the rich flavors inspired by the Silk Road, such as lamb and po…
A Pacific Avenue institution since the 1990s, open late, serving coffee, pastries, and beer/wine in a bohemian space that has hosted generations of Santa Cruz students, musicians, …
Coldwell Banker Realty - Santa Cruz is a Coldwell Banker-affiliated brokerage in Santa Cruz. Coldwell Banker is one of the oldest and largest residential real estate franchises in …
The largest open studios art tour in the Western US, held every October across all of Santa Cruz County. Over 300 artists in every medium — painting, ceramics, glass, textiles, scu…
Karon Properties is an independent real estate brokerage in Santa Cruz, one of the locally-owned firms working alongside the larger national franchises across the Monterey Bay regi…
Shaffer & Associates is an independent real estate brokerage in Santa Cruz, one of the locally-owned firms working alongside the larger national franchises across the Monterey Bay …
Betty Burgers is a beloved craft burger joint in Santa Cruz, known for its commitment to fresh, never-frozen beef and locally baked buns. This casual eatery offers house-made sauce…
California Real Estate, "Boutique Brokerage" is an independent real estate brokerage in Santa Cruz, one of the locally-owned firms working alongside the larger national franchises …
The Penny Ice Creamery serves handcrafted, from-scratch ice cream made with local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. Nestled in the vibrant Santa Cruz neighborhood, it offers a fa…
A small Santa Cruz westside brewery known for its rotating IPAs, mixed-fermentation farmhouse ales, and barrel-aged saisons. A casual taproom with a beach-shack feel and a steady f…
Stagnaro Sportfishing & Whale Watching offers unforgettable experiences on the water, with a variety of whale watching cruises, sportfishing trips, and scenic bay tours. As a famil…
A locally-roasted, female-founded specialty coffee shop on Mission Street near UC Santa Cruz. Small, focused menu, immaculate espresso, and a welcoming atmosphere that has made it …
A well-established Santa Cruz County boutique brokerage known for its community focus and strong expertise in the Beach Flats, Westside, and Eastside Santa Cruz neighborhoods. Bail…
The flagship retail outpost of Santa Cruz's acclaimed Verve Coffee Roasters, a nationally recognized roastery that sources directly from farms in Ethiopia, Colombia, and beyond. Be…
Kayak Connection offers a range of outdoor activities in the Santa Cruz Harbor, specializing in kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Visitors can explore the stunning local ecos…
Coastal Dream Realty is an independent real estate brokerage in Santa Cruz, one of the locally-owned firms working alongside the larger national franchises across the Monterey Bay …
Santa Cruz Properties is an independent real estate brokerage in Santa Cruz, one of the locally-owned firms working alongside the larger national franchises across the Monterey Bay…
A beloved Santa Cruz state beach famous for its natural rock arch bridge, Monarch butterfly preserve (October–February), and exceptional tidepools. Natural Bridges is one of the mo…
Lawrie & Lawrie Properties is an independent real estate brokerage in Santa Cruz, one of the locally-owned firms working alongside the larger national franchises across the Montere…
A long-running Santa Cruz outfitter offering kayak rentals and tours, stand-up paddleboard lessons, scuba instruction, and group adventure programming on Monterey Bay. A go-to loca…
Rosie McCann's Irish Pub offers an authentic experience on Pacific Avenue, featuring a full menu of Irish and American comfort food. With 30 draft beers available and a vibrant atm…
Hula's Island Grill & Tiki Room is Santa Cruz's iconic Hawaiian fusion restaurant and tiki bar, celebrated for its fresh island-inspired dishes and tropical cocktails. Set in a liv…
Ideal Bar & Grill is a classic beach bar situated steps from Cowell's Beach and the Santa Cruz Wharf. Popular for its ocean views from the upstairs deck, the establishment offers a…
The Crow's Nest is an iconic restaurant and nightclub in Santa Cruz, offering panoramic ocean views from its location above the harbor. Known for its fresh local seafood and Americ…