Santa Cruz is a well- known destination for good vibes and even better surf. While this beautiful place is known as a surfer’s paradise, anyone can have a great time. Here are some of my highlights of Santa Cruz.
1. ShadowBrook Restaurant
My first recommendation is actually in Capitola, which is a short drive from Santa Cruz (I took the bus). This is by far number one on my list of the highlights of Santa Cruz. Shadowbrook restaurant was founded in 1947 and still maintains the charm of a restaurant in the 1950’s. They offer a complimentary shuttle service within a 3-mile radius which will pick you up in a vintage taxi. When you arrive, you step into a 50s- style cable car to take you down the hill to the restaurant. The line for this can get long, there are also stairs. I ate at the Rock Room Bar where large windows make the space a lush oasis. The food is delicious, the ambiance is timeless, and the entire experience is one of a kind.
2. Sunset at Lighthouse Point
Whether you like to surf, watch other people surf, look at the ocean, or get your feet wet on the beach, you will find yourself at Lighthouse Point. From the Santa Cruz Wharf you can see the lighthouse and its a short walk over. Lighthouse Point is the access point to the famous surf spot, Steamers Lane. In the morning and evening the area is packed with surfers ready to get in and catch a wave. Not only is Lighthouse Point a fantastic place to surf, there is also a dog friendly beach, plenty of paths for going for a walk, and the most amazing sunsets. When I was in Santa Cruz, I was here every night to watch the surfers and enjoy the sunset.
3. Natural Bridges State PArk
On the North End of Santa Cruz is Natural Bridges State Park. If you are staying in Downtown Santa Cruz, I recommend walking to the park. The 3 mile walk will be a great workout, you avoid paying $10 to park, and you’ll have a beautiful walk along the coast, maybe even seeing some otters. When you get there, you can set up your towel and relax on the beach. While the waves are a little too rough for swimming, you can dip your toes in and see the bridge up close. From the visitors center you can find the monarch trail. This will take you to a eucalyptus grove that serves as a refuge for wintering monarchs. Though you’ll see the most butterflies November- January, the trail is entertaining anytime.
4. Seabreeze Cafe
While you’re in Santa Cruz, you must have breakfast from the Seabreeze Café. The café is just across the the San Lorenzo River from Downtown Santa Cruz. If you go early in the morning or on a day the Beach Boardwalk amusement park is closed, you can walk through the Boardwalk while it’s empty and quiet. The Seabreeze Café is a classic beach breakfast spot with all the classics and a ton of vegetarian options. They have a signature house- made cinnamon roll that was by far the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever had. Every trip to a beach town like Santa Cruz needs a breakfast that makes you feel like a local, and this is the spot.
5. Shopping
Like most California downtowns, Santa Cruz is an incredible place to shop. Start up on Pacific Avenue with a coffee from Verve Coffee Roasters. You can spend hours walking around Pacific Avenue- whether you’re looking for outdoors equipment, surf gear, crystals meditation books, or top tier thrifting. Santa Cruz is known for its thrift stores so definitely make sure to check some out. Keep going down Pacific Ave until you get to the thrift stores as they are on the far end. I went back to Om Gallery multiple times and loved the Pacific Wave Surf Shop.
You’ll never get bored in Santa Cruz, and if you do you probably just need to relax and enjoy the view. While these are what I consider to be the highlights of Santa Cruz, the options are endless. I hope you enjoy your time in this one- of- a- kind city.
