Local Food & Drink Favorites
Whether you're grabbing a quick coffee or planning a night out, downtown Santa Cruz has you covered.
Walkable favorites include:
- Verve Coffee Roasters
- Laili
- Abbott Square Market
- Saturn Cafe
- Hula’s Island Grill
- Snap Taco
- Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
- Humble Sea Brewing Co.
Entertainment & Activities
There’s always something to do in Santa Cruz—whether you're catching live music, browsing a local market, or spending the day on the boardwalk.
Highlights include:
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk & Arcade
- Live shows at The Catalyst or Rio Theatre
- First Friday Art Walks
- Downtown Farmers Market
- Surf lessons or paddle boarding
- Boutique shopping on Pacific Ave
- UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Nature & Outdoor Activities
From redwood forests to ocean views, Santa Cruz offers some of California’s best natural beauty—all within minutes of 201 River Street.
Nearby escapes:
- San Lorenzo Riverwalk
- West Cliff Drive walking & biking path
- Wilder Ranch State Park
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Pogonip open space trails
- Natural Bridges State Beach