Guidebook for Santa Cruz
Sightseeing
The Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly located in the redwoods just outside of Santa Cruz, CA. This enigmatic place draws curious visitors who come to witness its gravity-defying properties.
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The Mystery Spot
465 Mystery Spot RdThe Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly located in the redwoods just outside of Santa Cruz, CA. This enigmatic place draws curious visitors who come to witness its gravity-defying properties.
The greatest walk in Santa Cruz is the walk from the wharf to Natural Bridges State Park. Any section of this walk is delightful. The crashing waves at each stage are mesmerizing. Often the walker is entertained by surfers trying to catch a wave. The West Cliff homes are visual delights from small cottages to elegant mansions. Catch the walk when the waves are especially high and you won't see anything more exciting.
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West Cliff Drive
West Cliff DriveThe greatest walk in Santa Cruz is the walk from the wharf to Natural Bridges State Park. Any section of this walk is delightful. The crashing waves at each stage are mesmerizing. Often the walker is entertained by surfers trying to catch a wave. The West Cliff homes are visual delights from small cottages to elegant mansions. Catch the walk when the waves are especially high and you won't see anything more exciting.
Walking along the front is great, even at dusk, you could see the sea lions coming up onto the pier to sleep for the night. Quite a few places to eat and gift shops. Parking on the pier is reasonable. Great place to catch the sunset.
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Santa Cruz Wharf
21 Municipal WharfWalking along the front is great, even at dusk, you could see the sea lions coming up onto the pier to sleep for the night. Quite a few places to eat and gift shops. Parking on the pier is reasonable. Great place to catch the sunset.
Parks & Nature
A refuge for wintering Monarch Butterflies, this park boasts a sandy cove, tidepools, a nature trail through the Butterfly Preserve, and several hiking trails. There is also a bicycle path around the perimeter of the park.
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Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 W Cliff DrA refuge for wintering Monarch Butterflies, this park boasts a sandy cove, tidepools, a nature trail through the Butterfly Preserve, and several hiking trails. There is also a bicycle path around the perimeter of the park.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is a very casual club with "real" music of all kinds. Dick Dale, Red Elvises, Los Strait Jackets, Concaves, blues, surf music, world music .... Cover charge ~$20 range, drinks reasonable, music priceless...
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Moe's Alley
1535 Commercial WayThis is a very casual club with "real" music of all kinds. Dick Dale, Red Elvises, Los Strait Jackets, Concaves, blues, surf music, world music .... Cover charge ~$20 range, drinks reasonable, music priceless...
Shopping
Downtown Santa Cruz is walk-able and safe year round. Spotted with the occasional street musician and homeless person on a bench, just like any downtown. Tons of shops and restaurants to stop in, so you can spend as little or as much time as you like. All price levels accommodated.
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Downtown Santa Cruz Info Kiosk
1130 Pacific AveDowntown Santa Cruz is walk-able and safe year round. Spotted with the occasional street musician and homeless person on a bench, just like any downtown. Tons of shops and restaurants to stop in, so you can spend as little or as much time as you like. All price levels accommodated.
Food Scene
Cute homey cafe with amazing breakfast. Cash only and long wait on weekends, so plan ahead! But trust me its worth it :)
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Linda's Seabreeze Café
542 Seabright AveCute homey cafe with amazing breakfast. Cash only and long wait on weekends, so plan ahead! But trust me its worth it :)
Great cafe breakfast and lunch. Amazing pastries. The best bread, pecan sandies, cookies, macaroons, etc. You can't go wrong with anything at this place.
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The Buttery
702 Soquel AveGreat cafe breakfast and lunch. Amazing pastries. The best bread, pecan sandies, cookies, macaroons, etc. You can't go wrong with anything at this place.
Local, family-owned eatery...
The black truffle gnocchi is to die for, and the Colorado lamb is always perfectly cooked. Perfect place for a romantic couples dinner or for large groups. It's a must when you're in Santa Cruz.
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Lillian's Italian Kitchen
1148 Soquel AveLocal, family-owned eatery...
The black truffle gnocchi is to die for, and the Colorado lamb is always perfectly cooked. Perfect place for a romantic couples dinner or for large groups. It's a must when you're in Santa Cruz.
Whether it is lunch happy hour or fancy dinner out, this hot spot in Santa Cruz. It has great views of the beach and ocean, especially from the upstairs area and deck. Great menu selection and full bar.
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Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff DrWhether it is lunch happy hour or fancy dinner out, this hot spot in Santa Cruz. It has great views of the beach and ocean, especially from the upstairs area and deck. Great menu selection and full bar.
The nautical theme & relaxing outdoor patio continue the laid-back vibe at this American diner.
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Harbor Café
535 7th AveThe nautical theme & relaxing outdoor patio continue the laid-back vibe at this American diner.
Entertainment & Activities
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic seaside amusement park. The admission-free attraction features thrill rides like the famous Giant Dipper roller coaster, kiddie rides, games, shops, food, and year-round indoor activities. Admission is free. Ride tickets may be purchased per ride, per day, or per season. Free summer entertainment includes Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach.
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StThe Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic seaside amusement park. The admission-free attraction features thrill rides like the famous Giant Dipper roller coaster, kiddie rides, games, shops, food, and year-round indoor activities. Admission is free. Ride tickets may be purchased per ride, per day, or per season. Free summer entertainment includes Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach.
Art deco-style theater draws audiences with indie films & big-budget movies plus beer & wine.
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Del Mar Theater
1124 Pacific AveArt deco-style theater draws audiences with indie films & big-budget movies plus beer & wine.
Nautical-themed entertainment center for family fun with mini-golf & arcade games plus casual chow.
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Neptune's Kingdom
400 Beach StNautical-themed entertainment center for family fun with mini-golf & arcade games plus casual chow.
Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz.
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Roaring Camp
5401 Graham Hill RdDeparting from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz.