Natural Bridges State Park is gorgeous! The boardwalk is fun in an old-timey way, especially with kids. There's so much great hiking, too. And check out Roaring Camp to take an old-timey train through the Redwoods. (I swear, I've been to Santa Cruz a lot of times, and not everything is old-timey if that's not your vibe.) I also love a beach day. I guess my recommendation is all the outdoor things!
Roc A Bee, oh yes, that makes sense! I've lived in the Bay Area for almost 20 years, and I still always forget that Santa Cruz is not the warmest and end up in flip flops and shorts and freezing, so I always try to warn people.
Roc A Bee , oh yes, that makes sense! I've lived in the Bay Area for almost 20 years, and I still always forget that Santa Cruz is not the warmest and end up in flip flops and shorts and freezing, so I always try to warn people.
I always give out of state visitors the same warning .. all of CA is NOT like southern California. Summer is NOT warm along our coasts lol
I’ve always found Santa Cruz to be a little warmer than other Northern CA beaches like Half Moon Bay and Stinson beach. For me, it’s still too cold to go in the ocean.
The restaurants in Santa Cruz are generally ok, but not a foodie paradise like the Bay Area. That said, I like Sala Thai, Abbey Coffee Shop— housed in a church building but no visible proselytizing— and Pono Hawaiian Grill for live music, poke and pupu platters.
Also Land of Medicine Buddha is a monastery in the Santa Cruz mountains that’s open to the public on weekends. There is a fairly easy hiking trail with 8 different stopping points and great views.
I’ve always found Santa Cruz to be a little warmer than other Northern CA beaches like Half Moon Bay and Stinson beach. For me, it’s still too cold to go in the ocean.
The restaurants in Santa Cruz are generally ok, but not a foodie paradise like the Bay Area. That said, I like Sala Thai, Abbey Coffee Shop— housed in a church building but no visible proselytizing— and Pono Hawaiian Grill for live music, poke and pupu platters.
Also Land of Medicine Buddha is a monastery in the Santa Cruz mountains that’s open to the public on weekends. There is a fairly easy hiking trail with 8 different stopping points and great views.
another vote for Pono Hawaiian Grill ... we took the kids there the last time we were at the Boardwalk and they loved it. Great drinks for the adults too!
I’d skip Roaring Camp…it’s a long train ride and unless your teens are into trains? Any local hike in the redwoods my older kids would much prefer than being stuck on that train.
The Wednesday afternoon downtown farmers market is amazing. Best food and farm vendors show up with amazing goods.
Ice cream - Penny Ice Creamery
Coffee - Verve
Breakfast/brunch - Harbor Cafe
Lunch - Zameen’s (Mediterranean), Pretty Good Advice (in Soquel)
Dinner - Bantam (get the pizzas & fried chicken), HOME in Soquel (make a reservation - and try for outside if weather is good) and La Posta also great
Bakery - companion bakery
Full steam dumplings does ramen on Friday nights that’s good
Crow’s Nest is a bit touristy but right on the water and actually pretty good food.
And the original Pizza My Heart in Capitola for by the slice pizza
Kids love the Boardwalk
It can been June Gloom along the central coast so pack warm layers!
And the original Pizza My Heart in Capitola for by the slice pizza
I didn't know the original was in Capitola! I had a very visceral "aww, childhood" reaction to reading that restaurant name (grew up in the Bay), so thanks for that little moment of nostalgia.