Things to do
Where to visit, eat, and drink
West Cliff
West Cliff is a beautiful 3 mile walk along the water on the west side. Grab a coffee and burrito at Cat & Cloud and get your steps in with a stunning ocean view.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Explore the unique clothing and surf boutiques! Our favorite spots for grab and go are Zoccholi’s Deli, Palomar Taco Bar, Abbott Square Market, Los Pericos, Pacific Cookie Company, and Verve Coffee.
Los Pericos
Located near DT Santa Cruz, Los Pericos is our favorite taqueria in the area. We recommend the carne asada or el pastor super burritos, and make sure to get all the salsas and chips!
Bookies Pizza @ Sante Adairius Rustic Ales
Detroit focaccia style pizzeria within a small, charming brewery. This place is a local secret with immaculate vibes.
Gayles Bakery
All-day grab-&-go bakery with a lengthy menu of sandwiches, salads, house made baked goods & more. Located just around the corner from Capitola village.
Humble Sea Brewing
Joseph’s favorite brewery in Santa Cruz — a fun ambiance with lots of local craft beer and cider, usually has a food truck and cookie stand. Very dog and kid friendly!
The Apero Club
All natural wine bar located across the street from West End Tap and next to the Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery. Unique wine list and a fun atmosphere!
Capitola Village/Pleasure Point
A sweet, walkable village on the East Side of Santa Cruz. Do the out-and-back walk up to pleasure point to watch surfers, explore little shops and restaurants, or walk on the Capitola State Beach.
Bookshop Santa Cruz
An iconic institution in Santa Cruz, Bookshop Santa Cruz is a massive, locally owned bookstore known for their comprehensive children's and new release sections as well as strong sections in travel, politics, cooking, science, and fiction.
Santa Cruz Wharf & Boardwalk
Classic arcade games, theme park rides and fare, and you can end your visit with a stroll on the beach or dip in the ocean.
Cafe Brasil
A Santa Cruz brunch classic, Cafe Brasil has a great breakfast menu and our favorite Acai bowls. Located on Mission St., west side.
Barceloneta
A bright, buzzy new restaurant in Downtown Santa Cruz with big windows, they serve Spanish shared plates, paella, and upscale wine & cocktails.
Cat & Cloud Coffee
Hannah and Joe’s favorite “cute” coffee shop with THE BEST breakfast burritos served only on Saturdays and Sundays. This is located across the street from Humble Sea Brewery and nearby west cliff!
Stockwell Cellars Tasting Room
Stockwell Cellars is a local tasting room we love, located on west side. Comfy couches fill lounging areas where you can kick back and relax with a glass of your favorite under the pretty string lights.
Abbott Square Market
A fun food market with numerous street food counters, craft beer, specialty cocktails and a wine bar. They typically have live music on the weekends, it’s a good time!
Henry Cowell State Park
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has been a cornerstone for generations of locals, including Hannah’s family. Enjoy the towering redwoods on trails and learn about the history of the park while breathing the fresh air.
Harbor Beach
Located next to the harbor, this was one of Hannah’s favorite beaches to visit in her childhood. Pick up a burrito at Palomar Cafe (right on the beach), or grab a drink at the Crow’s Nest, play beach volleyball on the courts, or enjoy the beach.
West End Tap
Our favorite gastropub with over 18 craft beers on tap, fresh salads, juicy burgers, flatbreads and a solid appetizer list.
Companion Bakeshop
Our favorite matcha lattes (highly recommend ordering with their macadamia nut milk), and an incredible pastry and sandwich menu. They also have a full coffee bar and serve Cat & Cloud coffee.
Beer Thirty Pour house
Thirty rotating taps, 300+ bottles, brewery bites, beer garden, outdoor games, family and dog friendly. This is located down the street from our wedding venue in Soquel!
Bad Animal
A used and rare bookshop, natural wine bar, and Thai restaurant located in downtown Santa Cruz. Captures the eclectic, weird vibe of Santa Cruz perfectly!