Guidebook for Santa Cruz

Laura
Guidebook for Santa Cruz

Food Scene

Locals know that they will always find something new to try on their daily menus, as well as seasonal favorites. Locally grown and organic produce is prepared whenever possible. Italian inspired menu. Go early on the weekends, reservations are best. Four blocks from my house!
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Avanti Restaurant
1917 Mission St
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Locals know that they will always find something new to try on their daily menus, as well as seasonal favorites. Locally grown and organic produce is prepared whenever possible. Italian inspired menu. Go early on the weekends, reservations are best. Four blocks from my house!
I am addicted to good bread. Fresh, locally made, organic, chewy, crusty...
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Companion Bakeshop Westside Santa Cruz
2341 Mission St
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I am addicted to good bread. Fresh, locally made, organic, chewy, crusty...
Italian coffee, scones, eggs and greens, breakfast burritos, line spritzers, art hanging on the loft walls.
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Café Iveta
2125 Delaware Ave
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Italian coffee, scones, eggs and greens, breakfast burritos, line spritzers, art hanging on the loft walls.
Locally roasted coffee served here. Friendly. Art on the walls. Cold brew. Smoothies. Bagel sandwiches.
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Coffeetopia
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Locally roasted coffee served here. Friendly. Art on the walls. Cold brew. Smoothies. Bagel sandwiches.
Bar, pool, and food. A little bit dark. Corner spot, easy parking. Locals, lots of students. Good beer selection. Delicious sandwiches and Bangers and Mash.
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The Parish Publick House
841 Almar Ave
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Bar, pool, and food. A little bit dark. Corner spot, easy parking. Locals, lots of students. Good beer selection. Delicious sandwiches and Bangers and Mash.
Both bakery and cafe...just yummy. Indoor and outside courtyard seating.
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Kelly's French Bakery
402 Ingalls St
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Both bakery and cafe...just yummy. Indoor and outside courtyard seating.

Drinks & Nightlife

Santa Cruz might be out of the way but lots of first rate bands and musicians find their way here en route to or from San Francisco. We are blessed with the opportunity to experience headliners in some of our intimate local venues and Moe's is one of them!
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Moe's Alley
1535 Commercial Way
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Santa Cruz might be out of the way but lots of first rate bands and musicians find their way here en route to or from San Francisco. We are blessed with the opportunity to experience headliners in some of our intimate local venues and Moe's is one of them!

Parks & Nature

Henry Cowell has a terrific redwood trail loop that is short and sweet for children, seniors and anyone who just wants to park the car and be drawn into a majestic redwood grove within moments. Super accessible! Plus, it is right next door to the Roaring Camp where you can catch a ride on a steam engine train up the mountain and through the trees.
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Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 N Big Trees Park Rd
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Henry Cowell has a terrific redwood trail loop that is short and sweet for children, seniors and anyone who just wants to park the car and be drawn into a majestic redwood grove within moments. Super accessible! Plus, it is right next door to the Roaring Camp where you can catch a ride on a steam engine train up the mountain and through the trees.
Favorite spot to go hiking- either along the ocean or up into the hills. Also, a bike path from the Westside of town makes it easy to access without car traffic. Mountain bikers also love it! Trails for both hiking and biking abound. Also, visit historic Wilder Ranch on site...barns, blacksmith and victorian farmhouses...seasonal festivals happen there.
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Wilder Ranchin osavaltion puisto
1401 Coast Rd
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Favorite spot to go hiking- either along the ocean or up into the hills. Also, a bike path from the Westside of town makes it easy to access without car traffic. Mountain bikers also love it! Trails for both hiking and biking abound. Also, visit historic Wilder Ranch on site...barns, blacksmith and victorian farmhouses...seasonal festivals happen there.

Arts & Culture

A little bit of history, a little bit local flavor, the MAH always has some event or occasion happening...right in the middle of downtown. Great permanent exhibit about local history on the second floor, very kid friendly too.
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Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front St
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A little bit of history, a little bit local flavor, the MAH always has some event or occasion happening...right in the middle of downtown. Great permanent exhibit about local history on the second floor, very kid friendly too.

Shopping

Not just a bookstore, they sell unique gifts, toys and stationary too. However, their new and used selection of books is outstanding. Cozy kid's section, has comfy spots to read aloud. Locally owned and operated, they host visiting authors numerous dates each month. They are situated on Pacific Avenue across the street from Sock Shop...amazing shoes. Directly in front of the bookstore in Chocolate- awesome spot for a meal or coffee and their in-house created chocolate desserts.
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Bookshop Santa Cruz
1520 Pacific Ave
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Not just a bookstore, they sell unique gifts, toys and stationary too. However, their new and used selection of books is outstanding. Cozy kid's section, has comfy spots to read aloud. Locally owned and operated, they host visiting authors numerous dates each month. They are situated on Pacific Avenue across the street from Sock Shop...amazing shoes. Directly in front of the bookstore in Chocolate- awesome spot for a meal or coffee and their in-house created chocolate desserts.

Essentials

Locally grown produce. Many unusual and non-mainstream brands. Organics. On-site butcher. Deli and coffee/juice bar. Super cheese selection. The store hosts food-related classes and workshops. There is also a Safeway nearby. Both stores are walking distance.
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New Leaf Community Markets
1101 Fair Ave
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Locally grown produce. Many unusual and non-mainstream brands. Organics. On-site butcher. Deli and coffee/juice bar. Super cheese selection. The store hosts food-related classes and workshops. There is also a Safeway nearby. Both stores are walking distance.

Entertainment & Activities

Iconic, Art Deco influenced architecture, mostly restored and remodeled. Real popcorn with real butter served here. Where else can you have a slice of chocolate cake and cup of coffee while watching a movie? Oh yes, at the sister theater, the Nickelodeon, around the corner on Lincoln St. And the Delmar hosts Midnight Movies too! We have four movie theaters in downtown Santa Cruz...
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Del Mar Theater
1124 Pacific Ave
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Iconic, Art Deco influenced architecture, mostly restored and remodeled. Real popcorn with real butter served here. Where else can you have a slice of chocolate cake and cup of coffee while watching a movie? Oh yes, at the sister theater, the Nickelodeon, around the corner on Lincoln St. And the Delmar hosts Midnight Movies too! We have four movie theaters in downtown Santa Cruz...
Because we are one of the few oceanside areas that still have our old rollercoasters! Ride on the Big Dipper! Eat saltwater taffy and caramel apples and cotton candy from Marini's Candies. Build a sandcastle, Go on the original, historic Merry-Go-Round...Eat sourdough and clam chowder. And if you still have energy, play miniature golf, laser tag, or head across the street for a few games at the SurfBowl.
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach St
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Because we are one of the few oceanside areas that still have our old rollercoasters! Ride on the Big Dipper! Eat saltwater taffy and caramel apples and cotton candy from Marini's Candies. Build a sandcastle, Go on the original, historic Merry-Go-Round...Eat sourdough and clam chowder. And if you still have energy, play miniature golf, laser tag, or head across the street for a few games at the SurfBowl.