Dayna and Miguel’s Guidebook

Dayna
Dayna and Miguel’s Guidebook

Food scene

These restaurants are local favorites that we love.
Great Acai bowls and a good spot for a quick bite to eat.
8 místní doporučují
Samba Rock Acai Cafe
291 Water St
8 místní doporučují
Great Acai bowls and a good spot for a quick bite to eat.
Some of our favorite Italian food in town! Definitely make a reservation.
125 místní doporučují
Lillian's Italian Kitchen
1148 Soquel Ave
125 místní doporučují
Some of our favorite Italian food in town! Definitely make a reservation.
Best Sushi in town!
54 místní doporučují
Akira Sushi
1222 Soquel Ave
54 místní doporučují
Best Sushi in town!
One of our favorite spots for authentic Mexican food. They have different Mole options and each one is amazing. Ask for a taster of each before ordering. They also have great Mezcal and Tequila drinks.
10 místní doporučují
Copal Restaurant
1203 Mission Street
10 místní doporučují
One of our favorite spots for authentic Mexican food. They have different Mole options and each one is amazing. Ask for a taster of each before ordering. They also have great Mezcal and Tequila drinks.
Great breakfast/lunch spot. Local favorite for weekend brunch. Get there early to snag a table. No reservations, but the food, drinks and ambiance makes it worth the wait.
102 místní doporučují
Harbor Café
535 7th Ave
102 místní doporučují
Great breakfast/lunch spot. Local favorite for weekend brunch. Get there early to snag a table. No reservations, but the food, drinks and ambiance makes it worth the wait.
Eatery with rustic-industrial looks offers a gastropub menu with Californian leanings & craft beer.
125 místní doporučují
West End Tap and Kitchen
334 Ingalls St
125 místní doporučují
Eatery with rustic-industrial looks offers a gastropub menu with Californian leanings & craft beer.
Amazing wood-fired pizzas and Mediterranean food. make a reservation in advance, this restaurant is very popular with the local crowd.
94 místní doporučují
Bantam
1010 Fair Ave
94 místní doporučují
Amazing wood-fired pizzas and Mediterranean food. make a reservation in advance, this restaurant is very popular with the local crowd.
Our go-to Thai takeout spot. The fresh spring rolls are amazing!
18 místní doporučují
Real Thai Kitchen
1632 Seabright Ave
18 místní doporučují
Our go-to Thai takeout spot. The fresh spring rolls are amazing!
One block away. Our go-to spot for quick tacos and burritos. The salsa is amazing! Cash Only.
28 místní doporučují
Tacos Moreno
1053 Water St
28 místní doporučují
One block away. Our go-to spot for quick tacos and burritos. The salsa is amazing! Cash Only.
A local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Come hungry and order Mike's Mess.
47 místní doporučují
Zachary's Restaurant
819 Pacific Ave
47 místní doporučují
A local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Come hungry and order Mike's Mess.
Excellent Mediterranean and Afghan Cuisine. Dine-in for a fancy night out or do take out/delivery to enjoy in comfort.
104 místní doporučují
Laili
101 Cooper St
104 místní doporučují
Excellent Mediterranean and Afghan Cuisine. Dine-in for a fancy night out or do take out/delivery to enjoy in comfort.
Great for breakfast and lunch. Go early, or you'll be waiting for 30-45 minutes. Still worth it
67 místní doporučují
Linda's Seabreeze Café
542 Seabright Ave
67 místní doporučují
Great for breakfast and lunch. Go early, or you'll be waiting for 30-45 minutes. Still worth it
Extremely popular, and for a good reason. Excellent food, outdoor drinks and dining in good weather, and great view of the harbor and ocean.
276 místní doporučují
Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff Dr
276 místní doporučují
Extremely popular, and for a good reason. Excellent food, outdoor drinks and dining in good weather, and great view of the harbor and ocean.
Fish restaurant with a commanding view of the yacht harbor. Sandwiches and fresh fish, cooked several ways. Full bar.
57 místní doporučují
Johnny's Harborside
493 Lake Ave
57 místní doporučují
Fish restaurant with a commanding view of the yacht harbor. Sandwiches and fresh fish, cooked several ways. Full bar.
Organic Asian food that is delicious and very reasonably priced. A favorite of students and those who love healthy food.
80 místní doporučují
Charlie Hong Kong
1141 Soquel Ave
80 místní doporučují
Organic Asian food that is delicious and very reasonably priced. A favorite of students and those who love healthy food.
A very nice, mature place to have a cocktail or a tasty select of unique dishes. We like the bar menu, but a complete menu is available. Quiet, convenient, with nearby parking. Limited but delicious menu.
70 místní doporučují
Oswald Restaurant
121 Soquel Ave
70 místní doporučují
A very nice, mature place to have a cocktail or a tasty select of unique dishes. We like the bar menu, but a complete menu is available. Quiet, convenient, with nearby parking. Limited but delicious menu.
Nice, family-owned restaurant with excellent food and some reasonably priced wine. A family favorite, and also a UCSC hangout.
29 místní doporučují
Sabieng
1218 Mission St
29 místní doporučují
Nice, family-owned restaurant with excellent food and some reasonably priced wine. A family favorite, and also a UCSC hangout.
Our own local coffee roasting company. Very strong, locally roasted coffee and pastries. You can smell the coffee roasting in the morning.
220 místní doporučují
Verve Coffee Roasters
816 41st Ave
220 místní doporučují
Our own local coffee roasting company. Very strong, locally roasted coffee and pastries. You can smell the coffee roasting in the morning.
Reasonably good food and it's right on the Twin Lakes Beach. Watch the surf and volleyball, and enjoy a broad menu of breakfast and lunch/dinner entrees.
35 místní doporučují
Cafe El Palomar
2222 E Cliff Dr
35 místní doporučují
Reasonably good food and it's right on the Twin Lakes Beach. Watch the surf and volleyball, and enjoy a broad menu of breakfast and lunch/dinner entrees.
Excellent food and drinks, comfortable, and not at all a "chain" restaurant. Call for reservations most nights. Snapper Special on Friday is muy bueno! 831-688-4848
91 místní doporučují
Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
261 Center Ave
91 místní doporučují
Excellent food and drinks, comfortable, and not at all a "chain" restaurant. Call for reservations most nights. Snapper Special on Friday is muy bueno! 831-688-4848
Abbott Square Market is a culinary and entertainment venue in the heart of Santa Cruz. Enjoy a cocktail from Front & Cooper and a slice from Pizzeria La Bufala.
32 místní doporučují
Abbott Square
118 Cooper St
32 místní doporučují
Abbott Square Market is a culinary and entertainment venue in the heart of Santa Cruz. Enjoy a cocktail from Front & Cooper and a slice from Pizzeria La Bufala.
The best place for pastries and pies and cakes. They also have delicious breakfast and lunch plates to enjoy in the cafe or patio or to go.
133 místní doporučují
The Buttery
702 Soquel Ave
133 místní doporučují
The best place for pastries and pies and cakes. They also have delicious breakfast and lunch plates to enjoy in the cafe or patio or to go.
Special occasion? This iconic restaurant has been a fixture in Santa Cruz for over 60 years. Built on a hillside you can take the gondola down from the street or descend the meandering stairs through gardens and waterfalls to get to the restaurant. Pricey but worth a visit, try happy hour at the bar where they serve wood-fired pizza and other food.
205 místní doporučují
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Rd
205 místní doporučují
Special occasion? This iconic restaurant has been a fixture in Santa Cruz for over 60 years. Built on a hillside you can take the gondola down from the street or descend the meandering stairs through gardens and waterfalls to get to the restaurant. Pricey but worth a visit, try happy hour at the bar where they serve wood-fired pizza and other food.
One of the best bars in town. The iconic Crepe place has been in business since the 1970s. They specialize in savory and sweet crepes, have a lovely garden seating area in the back, and feature local bands with a cover charge some evenings.
109 místní doporučují
The Crêpe Place
1134 Soquel Ave
109 místní doporučují
One of the best bars in town. The iconic Crepe place has been in business since the 1970s. They specialize in savory and sweet crepes, have a lovely garden seating area in the back, and feature local bands with a cover charge some evenings.
Great taco night special on Tuesday/Thursday. Get a taco and it comes with a beer or house margarita. Awesome views of West Cliff and Cowell's Beach.
32 místní doporučují
Olitas Cantina & Grille
49 Municipal Wharf
32 místní doporučují
Great taco night special on Tuesday/Thursday. Get a taco and it comes with a beer or house margarita. Awesome views of West Cliff and Cowell's Beach.
The local distillery opened an excellent restaurant. Make a reservation beforehand to secure a table.
32 místní doporučují
Venus Spirits
200 High Rd
32 místní doporučují
The local distillery opened an excellent restaurant. Make a reservation beforehand to secure a table.
This is our neighborhood coffee shop. Its a quick walk away, in the same shopping center as Wholefoods. Try the veggie breakfast sandwich, the romenesco sauce is amazing.
8 místní doporučují
Lulus Midtown
925 Soquel Ave
8 místní doporučují
This is our neighborhood coffee shop. Its a quick walk away, in the same shopping center as Wholefoods. Try the veggie breakfast sandwich, the romenesco sauce is amazing.

Sightseeing

Visit Santa Cruz's historic beach boardwalk.
745 místní doporučují
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach St
745 místní doporučují
Visit Santa Cruz's historic beach boardwalk.
You can take in beautiful views while taking a walk down the historic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. There are lots of shops, restaurants, and the original Marini's Candies, a local favorite known for their Salt Water Taffy. Don't forget to go to the very end of the wharf and check out the sea lions and seals!
143 místní doporučují
Přístaviště Santa Cruz
21 Municipal Wharf
143 místní doporučují
You can take in beautiful views while taking a walk down the historic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. There are lots of shops, restaurants, and the original Marini's Candies, a local favorite known for their Salt Water Taffy. Don't forget to go to the very end of the wharf and check out the sea lions and seals!
This is a great place to go for a walk along the cliffs and take in beautiful views of the Monterey Bay, and watch surfers enjoy the waves that Pleasure Point has to offer.
17 místní doporučují
Pleasure Point County Park
East Cliff Drive
17 místní doporučují
This is a great place to go for a walk along the cliffs and take in beautiful views of the Monterey Bay, and watch surfers enjoy the waves that Pleasure Point has to offer.
We like to walk around the harbor in the evenings. There are restaurants and a few shops near the beach.
40 místní doporučují
Santa Cruz Harbor
135 5th Ave
40 místní doporučují
We like to walk around the harbor in the evenings. There are restaurants and a few shops near the beach.
West Cliff Drive is a scenic, 3-mile walking and biking path along the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz with epic views of the Monterey Bay. Beginning at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, It is here you will find locals mixing effortlessly with visitors strolling, biking, running, walking their dogs, and pushing babies in strollers as surfers head toward Steamer Lane for the surf break.
193 místní doporučují
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive
193 místní doporučují
West Cliff Drive is a scenic, 3-mile walking and biking path along the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz with epic views of the Monterey Bay. Beginning at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, It is here you will find locals mixing effortlessly with visitors strolling, biking, running, walking their dogs, and pushing babies in strollers as surfers head toward Steamer Lane for the surf break.
World-famous for a good reason: it totally rocks for kids, adults, anyone! A gorgeous facility on the bay with the most amazing exhibits. Allow three hours
668 místní doporučují
Akvárium Monterey Bay
886 Cannery Row
668 místní doporučují
World-famous for a good reason: it totally rocks for kids, adults, anyone! A gorgeous facility on the bay with the most amazing exhibits. Allow three hours
One of the premier surf spots in California. Bring your camera and telephoto lens. You are perched 25' on a cliff with a panoramic view of the waves and surfers. Surfing Museum is adjacent. Excellent
81 místní doporučují
Steamer Lane
700 W Cliff Dr
81 místní doporučují
One of the premier surf spots in California. Bring your camera and telephoto lens. You are perched 25' on a cliff with a panoramic view of the waves and surfers. Surfing Museum is adjacent. Excellent
Take a stunning Instagram picture on the Davenport Pier swing.
Davenport Pier
9812 Cabrillo Hwy
Take a stunning Instagram picture on the Davenport Pier swing.
Ride the passenger train through the redwoods from the small town of Felton to the Beach Boardwalk and back. The camp in Felton also has cool shops and learning activities for kids and adults.
150 místní doporučují
Roaring Camp
5401 Graham Hill Rd
150 místní doporučují
Ride the passenger train through the redwoods from the small town of Felton to the Beach Boardwalk and back. The camp in Felton also has cool shops and learning activities for kids and adults.

Beaches

Some of our favorite local beaches
Beautiful cove beach protected from the wind. Excellent place for boogie and body boarding during the right conditions.
33 místní doporučují
Sunny Cove
33 místní doporučují
Beautiful cove beach protected from the wind. Excellent place for boogie and body boarding during the right conditions.
Excellent beach for sun bathing and having fun in the water. Parking can be difficult, so park at the East Cliff Village Shopping Center and walk down 14th Avenue.
15 místní doporučují
Blacks Beach
180 14th Ave
15 místní doporučují
Excellent beach for sun bathing and having fun in the water. Parking can be difficult, so park at the East Cliff Village Shopping Center and walk down 14th Avenue.
Our neighborhood beach is a quick bike ride away. Great beach for sunbathing and getting your feet wet. There is a set of stairs at the end of 3rd Ave or use the main entrance at the end of Mott Ave.
32 místní doporučují
Seabright Beach
32 místní doporučují
Our neighborhood beach is a quick bike ride away. Great beach for sunbathing and getting your feet wet. There is a set of stairs at the end of 3rd Ave or use the main entrance at the end of Mott Ave.
Great beach to stroll around in. Natural arch rock formations make for great views.
261 místní doporučují
Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 W Cliff Dr
261 místní doporučují
Great beach to stroll around in. Natural arch rock formations make for great views.
Nice little beach with shops & restaurants. Good beginning surfing spot with easy access in & out
167 místní doporučují
Capitola Beach Company
131 Monterey Ave
167 místní doporučují
Nice little beach with shops & restaurants. Good beginning surfing spot with easy access in & out
Good kiteboarding spot for the very experienced. Great to watch from the shore too!
Scott Creek
Good kiteboarding spot for the very experienced. Great to watch from the shore too!

Breweries & Tap Rooms

So many great breweries in Santa Cruz. These are a few of our favorites.
This is our neighborhood taproom. It's two blocks away! Snug brewery featuring old-world-style ales with a twist & a comfy tasting room with a relaxed vibe.
15 místní doporučují
Sante Adairius Santa Cruz Portal
1315 Water St
15 místní doporučují
This is our neighborhood taproom. It's two blocks away! Snug brewery featuring old-world-style ales with a twist & a comfy tasting room with a relaxed vibe.
Our personal favorite. Humble Sea is world-renowned for their coastal "Foggy IPAs," decadent pastry and barrel-aged stouts, traditionally brewed pilsners and lagers, and barrel-aged saisons.
50 místní doporučují
Humble Sea Brewing Co.
820 Swift St
50 místní doporučují
Our personal favorite. Humble Sea is world-renowned for their coastal "Foggy IPAs," decadent pastry and barrel-aged stouts, traditionally brewed pilsners and lagers, and barrel-aged saisons.
Low-key, dog-friendly beer garden & eatery serving an array of pub grub, bottles & local brews.
82 místní doporučují
Beer 30
2504 S Main St
82 místní doporučují
Low-key, dog-friendly beer garden & eatery serving an array of pub grub, bottles & local brews.
This microbrewery makes organic beers & serves them in a dog-friendly taproom with eats & a garden.
94 místní doporučují
Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard
334 Ingalls St
94 místní doporučují
This microbrewery makes organic beers & serves them in a dog-friendly taproom with eats & a garden.
Good local brew pub with a pub menu. Outdoor dining in the summer.
74 místní doporučují
Seabright Social
519 Seabright Ave
74 místní doporučují
Good local brew pub with a pub menu. Outdoor dining in the summer.
Cute locally-owned brewery with some interesting menu items. Out of the way, but worth the trip.
55 místní doporučují
Discretion Brewing
2703 41st Ave
55 místní doporučují
Cute locally-owned brewery with some interesting menu items. Out of the way, but worth the trip.
Local microbrewery with excellent beer choices.
42 místní doporučují
New Bohemia Brewing Co.
1030 41st Ave
42 místní doporučují
Local microbrewery with excellent beer choices.

Hiking

We love to hike and the Santa Cruz Mountains and coastline are perfect for it.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and is most famous for the 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees. Hike the Cowells Highlights Loop, this hike has everything: redwoods, views, and water.
335 místní doporučují
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 N Big Trees Park Rd
335 místní doporučují
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and is most famous for the 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees. Hike the Cowells Highlights Loop, this hike has everything: redwoods, views, and water.
With more than 35 miles of trail, you can adventure into the Santa Cruz Mountains or walk along the coastal bluffs. Head half a mile down Old Cove Landing Trail to the scenic overlook above Wilder Beach, a snowy plover preserve. Just beyond, you’ll find Old Cove Landing, where schooners anchored in the 1800s. Continue along the coast on the Ohlone Bluff Trail to post 8, where there’s a spur trail leading to Fern Grotto Beach.
219 místní doporučují
Státní park Wilder Ranch
1401 Coast Rd
219 místní doporučují
With more than 35 miles of trail, you can adventure into the Santa Cruz Mountains or walk along the coastal bluffs. Head half a mile down Old Cove Landing Trail to the scenic overlook above Wilder Beach, a snowy plover preserve. Just beyond, you’ll find Old Cove Landing, where schooners anchored in the 1800s. Continue along the coast on the Ohlone Bluff Trail to post 8, where there’s a spur trail leading to Fern Grotto Beach.
Off the beaten path, The Forest of Nisene Marks is a refreshing retreat from the busy towns and beaches along Highway 1 near Santa Cruz. Its dense second- and third-growth redwood forest rise from near sea level to steep coastal mountains. You can hike to the epicenter of the '89 Loma Prieta Earthquake.
272 místní doporučují
Státní park Les Nisene Marks
Aptos Creek Road
272 místní doporučují
Off the beaten path, The Forest of Nisene Marks is a refreshing retreat from the busy towns and beaches along Highway 1 near Santa Cruz. Its dense second- and third-growth redwood forest rise from near sea level to steep coastal mountains. You can hike to the epicenter of the '89 Loma Prieta Earthquake.
The Land of Medicine Buddha (LMB) has an air of serenity that begins in the parking lot and only gets stronger as you amble deeper into the surrounding woods. The presence of the Buddhist retreat, made visible through colorful prayer flags and gentle reminders to keep voices low, gives a feeling of safety and community to this trail.
68 místní doporučují
Land of Medicine Buddha
5800 Prescott Rd
68 místní doporučují
The Land of Medicine Buddha (LMB) has an air of serenity that begins in the parking lot and only gets stronger as you amble deeper into the surrounding woods. The presence of the Buddhist retreat, made visible through colorful prayer flags and gentle reminders to keep voices low, gives a feeling of safety and community to this trail.
Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods is California’s oldest state park. In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, its biggest attractions—literally—are its ancient coast redwoods. If you have a full day, head to Berry Creek Falls, a 10.5-mile roundtrip hike. Along the way, you’ll see huge coast redwoods and four spectacular waterfalls. Be prepared for a workout, too, with an elevation change of 2,150 feet.
230 místní doporučují
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
21600 Big Basin Way
230 místní doporučují
Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods is California’s oldest state park. In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, its biggest attractions—literally—are its ancient coast redwoods. If you have a full day, head to Berry Creek Falls, a 10.5-mile roundtrip hike. Along the way, you’ll see huge coast redwoods and four spectacular waterfalls. Be prepared for a workout, too, with an elevation change of 2,150 feet.
Nice hiking area north of the harbor. Enter by Santa Cruz Bible Church bridge, at the end of Broadway. Great 3-mile loop from our home.
13 místní doporučují
Arana Gulch Park
101 Mentel Ave
13 místní doporučují
Nice hiking area north of the harbor. Enter by Santa Cruz Bible Church bridge, at the end of Broadway. Great 3-mile loop from our home.
Large city park with golf, hiking, little league, biking, disc golf, archery range, and picnics.
17 místní doporučují
Delaveaga Park
855 Branciforte Drive
17 místní doporučují
Large city park with golf, hiking, little league, biking, disc golf, archery range, and picnics.

Essentials

Hey, just another Costco, but we love Costco and this is our local location. They also have a gas station a block away
16 místní doporučují
Costco Wholesale
220 Sylvania Ave
16 místní doporučují
Hey, just another Costco, but we love Costco and this is our local location. They also have a gas station a block away
Yes, we have a Whole Foods. Great produce and other organic products. Bring your checkbook...
157 místní doporučují
Whole Foods Market
911 Soquel Ave
157 místní doporučují
Yes, we have a Whole Foods. Great produce and other organic products. Bring your checkbook...
One of Santa Cruz's oldest health food markets with a wonderful selection of fresh foods, including a hot selection to take home. Loved by the community
69 místní doporučují
Staff of Life
1266 Soquel Ave
69 místní doporučují
One of Santa Cruz's oldest health food markets with a wonderful selection of fresh foods, including a hot selection to take home. Loved by the community
A well-respected boutique grocery store that's been there for 80 years. Extensive wine and cheese selection, with full butcher shop, excellent produce. Friendly service and good parking.
76 místní doporučují
Shopper's Corner
622 Soquel Ave
76 místní doporučují
A well-respected boutique grocery store that's been there for 80 years. Extensive wine and cheese selection, with full butcher shop, excellent produce. Friendly service and good parking.
Groceries are cheap, healthy & convenient location.
165 místní doporučují
Trader Joe's
700 Front St
165 místní doporučují
Groceries are cheap, healthy & convenient location.
Closest grocery store, four blocks away.
15 místní doporučují
Safeway
117 Morrissey Blvd
15 místní doporučují
Closest grocery store, four blocks away.

Work out studios

Yoga studio one block away.
9 místní doporučují
DiviniTree Yoga and Art Studio
1043 Water St
9 místní doporučují
Yoga studio one block away.