Best of Santa Cruz, CA
Surf City USA
About Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz serves as the county seat and largest city in Santa Cruz County, California. Located on the northern edge of Monterey Bay, it attracts visitors with its beaches, surf culture, and historic landmarks.
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Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Located at 100 McAllister Way, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center is part of the University of California, Santa Cruz's Coastal Science Campus. It shares this campus with institutions such as the Long Marine Laboratory and the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center.
View details →Best Hotels in Santa Cruz
34 places · Where to stay, from budget-friendly to boutique.
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Beachview Inn
The Beachview Inn offers accommodations in the Downtown area, providing convenient access to local attractions.
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Best Western
Best Western is a hotel located in the Mission Hill Historic District.
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Comfort Inn
Comfort Inn is a hotel located in the Mission Hill Historic District.
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Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
The Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz is located in the Westside neighborhood of Santa Cruz.
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Ocean Pacific Lodge
Ocean Pacific Lodge offers convenient lodging for visitors in Downtown. The hotel provides modern amenities and easy access to nearby attractions.
Best Restaurants in Santa Cruz
70 places · Where to eat, from neighborhood staples to standout kitchens.
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Ideal Bar & Grill
Ideal Bar & Grill is a restaurant located in the Downtown neighborhood.
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Pizzeria Avanti
Pizzeria Avanti is a restaurant that offers pizza in the Westside.
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Pono Hawaiian Grill
Pono Hawaiian Grill serves authentic Hawaiian cuisine in the Mission Hill Historic District.
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Sabieng Thai Cuisine
Sabieng Thai Cuisine is a restaurant located in Westside that serves authentic Thai dishes.
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Sesame Korean Grill
Sesame Korean Grill is a Korean restaurant located in Downtown.
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Shun Feng Restaurant
Shun Feng Restaurant serves Chinese cuisine in the Mission Hill Historic District.
Best Cafés & Coffee in Santa Cruz
50 places · Coffee shops, roasters and casual spots to linger.
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11th Hour Coffee
11th Hour Coffee is a café located in the Mission Hill Historic District.
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11th Hour Coffee
11th Hour Coffee is a café located in the Westside neighborhood that specializes in coffee drinks.
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Lulu Carpenter's
Lulu Carpenter's is a café located in the Mission Hill Historic District.
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Mariposa Coffee Bar
Mariposa Coffee Bar offers Cuban and Vietnamese drinks in Downtown.
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The Abbey Coffee, Art and Music Lounge
The Abbey Coffee, Art and Music Lounge is a café located in the Mission Hill Historic District.
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Lulu Carpenter's
Lulu Carpenter's is a coffee shop located in the Westside neighborhood.
Best Bars & Nightlife in Santa Cruz
25 places · Cocktail bars, pubs and where the night goes.
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Humble Sea Brewing Company
Humble Sea Brewing Company is a bar located in the Westside neighborhood.
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Surf City Billiards
Surf City Billiards is a bar located in the Downtown neighborhood.
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Big Basin Vineyards Tasting Room & Wine Bar
Big Basin Vineyards Tasting Room & Wine Bar is a downtown bar offering a selection of wines in a relaxed setting.
Best Things to Do in Santa Cruz
31 places · Museums, landmarks and the experiences worth your time.
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Museum of Art & History
The Museum of Art & History at 705 Front Street offers a nonprofit educational experience focused on art and history.
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Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, located at West Cliff Drive, documents the history of surfing from its early days on mainland United States.
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Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Located at 100 McAllister Way, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center is part of the University of California, Santa Cruz's Coastal Science Campus. It shares this campus with institutions such as the Long Marine Laboratory and the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center.
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Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery
Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery is located at 520 Cowell-Stevenson Road.
Best Shops in Santa Cruz
44 places · Independent boutiques, bookstores and places to browse.
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Anthropologie
Anthropologie is a shop located in the Downtown area. It offers a variety of fashion and home décor items for shoppers looking to update their style or living space.
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Glow Candle Lounge
Glow Candle Lounge is a shop located in the Downtown neighborhood.
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Lenz Art Supplies
Lenz Art Supplies is a shop located in the Mission Hill Historic District.
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Batish's India Bazaar
Batish's India Bazaar is a shop located in the Westside neighborhood.
Best Parks & Outdoors in Santa Cruz
45 places · Green space, gardens and room to breathe.
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Chestnut Park
Chestnut Park is a public park located in the Downtown neighborhood.
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Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is a historic park located in the Mission Hill Historic District.
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Sergeant Derby Park
Sergeant Derby Park is a public green space located in the Westside neighborhood.
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Bethany Curve Greenbelt
Bethany Curve Greenbelt is a park located in the Westside neighborhood.
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Downtown Neighborhood Historic District
The Downtown Neighborhood Historic District is a park that showcases the oldest residential area in Santa Cruz, California.
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Family Student Housing Garden
Family Student Housing Garden is a park located in the University neighborhood.
Nearby cities to explore
More guides within driving distance of Santa Cruz.
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