Santa Cruz, California City Guide

For over 20 years, Pamela Lanier's Santa Cruz, California Travel Guide has been your connection to Santa Cruz's tourism community with invaluable details on local attractions, restaurants, shopping, museums, history, outdoor recreation and more.

Santa Cruz-ing

Although Santa Cruz is known as a “surfing capital,” there is plenty to do for those who prefer to keep their feet dry. Santa Cruz is an “authentic” beach community that has always drawn creative and innovative thinkers and artists to its shores. As a result, there is an eclectic array of shops, galleries and restaurants that reflect the “alternative” lifestyle and liberal thinking of its residents. The sidewalk cafes, tree-lined streets and live music from the many street performers gives the town the feel of a European village, perfect for people watching and soaking up the local color.

Downtown Santa Cruz, has over 200 shops and galleries filled with a wide range of unique finds, like hand-crafted gifts and jewelry to locally made redwood furniture. Just as eclectic, are the culinary offerings of Santa Cruz. With over 50 restaurants to choose from, you are sure to find something different and delicious to please your palette. Many of the restaurants take advantage of the local organic produce and fresh seafood form the bay, creating original and diverse menus combining ethnic and local cuisine. And of course, the local vineyards provide a broad range of boutique wines to compliment your meal.

Guest Editor: Lisa Lucas


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