The laid-back beach town of Santa Cruz is an ideal weekend getaway for food and nature lovers.
With its laid-back atmosphere, eclectic mix of outdoor adventures, and thriving arts scene, Santa Cruz attracts a diverse crowd—from surfers and hikers to food enthusiasts and history buffs.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this Santa Cruz weekend itinerary will help you explore the best of what Santa Cruz has to offer.
Day 1: The Historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
For lunch, head to Stagnaro Bros on the Santa Cruz Wharf, where you can enjoy fresh seafood with stunning ocean views. The clam chowder and fish tacos are local favorites. They are typically closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. As with all, the businesses listed, please call ahead to confirm hours.
Then, dive right into the heart of Santa Cruz at the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This iconic amusement park is a must-see, with its vintage rides and lively atmosphere. It’s free to walk the boardwalk – there’s no entrance fee and you can pay for the rides if you choose to.
Tip: I prefer to go to the Boardwalk during the day. At night the vibe changes a bit, and the crowd turns from families to a rowdier crowd.
Ready for dinner? About a 15 minute drive from Santa Cruz in Capitola is the gorgeous, historic Shadowbrook. Built on a cliff. Make sure to give yourself time before you reservation to enjoy the lush tropical garden landscape and ride up the cable car elevator, aka the “hillavator”. You also have an option of taking up their free shuttle service (within 3 miles).
Day 2
Morning: Coffee and a Walk on the Beach
Take a morning walk on the Santa Cruz Wharf. Grab coffee at Ideal Coffee beforehand, but heads-up that they don’t open until 8am. If you need some caffeine earlier, grab it at your hotel room or Firefly Coffee opens at 7 (.5 miles from the wharf). Cat & Cloud is a local favorite. The Cooper St location (they have 4) is 1.1 miles away and also opens at 8am.
Sea lions are here pretty much year-round. Depending on the time of year, you may also see according to Santa Cruz County:
- December-April: Gray Whales. Peak viewing is from mid-January through mid-March.
- Summer and Fall: Blue Whales, Humpbacks (although in the past few years, Humpbacks are proving to be year-round in the Monterey Bay)
- Year-Round: Orcas. The best time to view is April as they follow the migration pattern of Gray Whales.
- Other marine animals you may spot: Blue Shark, Great White Sharks, Sun Fish, Common and Risso’s Dolphins, Sea Otters.
Afternoon: Lunch and Local Shopping
For lunch, pick a restaurant that offers outdoor seating to enjoy the coastal views and fresh air. Seafood dishes here are usually caught the same day.
After lunch, explore local shops and artisan boutiques. In local shops, look for artisanal goods like handmade jewelry or crafted soaps as unique souvenirs that support local businesses.
If you’re into craft beer, consider spending your afternoon at Humble Sea Brewing Co. Their quirky and flavorful brews make for a fun and relaxing experience.
Need some exercise after all that eating?
Santa Cruz is a great town to bike or walk.
Evening: Dinner
After settling in and freshening up, enjoy dinner at Alderwood, a downtown Santa Cruz hotspot known for its sophisticated atmosphere and delicious dishes. If you’re in the mood for a more casual evening, grab a slice at Pizza My Heart, a local legend that combines laid-back vibes with tasty pizza. Grab a shirt while you’re at it.
Day 3:
Time for breakfast at Zachary’s, located downtown, known for it’s big breakfasts and cozy vibe.
Spend your afternoon at Natural Bridges State Beach exploring the tide pools. This is a must-visit for nature fans, especially if you have kids in tow.
Some more suggestions:
If you’re into history, visit Mission Santa Cruz. This historical site offers insight into the region’s past and features a quaint museum that’s perfect for history buffs. Explore its history and the role it played in the local community. The site offers a quaint museum that’s perfect for history buffs.
More Food Choices
Home: In nearby Soquel, Great food, great service. They serve local ingredients.
The Penny Ice Creamery: makes their ice cream from scratch using seasonal ingredients from local farmers.
Lúpulo Craft Beer House: Great spot to hang out downtown if you like craft beer . They have a wide selection of beer and they have mexican-inspired food menu that’s darn good.
Idea Bar and Grill: A good option if you’re looking for beach-side eating.
If you have time on the way out, stop at Roaring Railroad in Felton, a 15 minute drive from Santa Cruz.
A few more ideas:
FAQs:
1. What’s the weather like?
The weather in Santa Cruz is pretty mild and doesn’t vary much from season to season. Be aware that Santa Cruz is often cool in the summer months (layers and a jacket is always a good idea). It rarely gets hotter than 80 degrees and is often in the low 70s or (most tpically) in the 60s during summer. DUring the winter, it is often in the 50s during hte day, and dips down to the 40s at night.
2. How do I get to Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is easily accessible by car via Highway 17 from San Jose or Highway 1 if you’re coming from the north or south coast. If you’re flying in, the nearest major airport is San Jose International Airport (SJC), about 30 miles away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle.
3. Where should I stay in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz offers a range of places to stay, from beachside hotels to charming bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals. For a quintessential experience, consider staying near the beach or in the downtown area to be close to popular attractions like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Wharf, and local shops.
Some standouts:
4. What are the must-see attractions in Santa Cruz?
Don’t miss the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a classic seaside amusement park, and the nearby Santa Cruz Wharf, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and stunning views. Natural Bridges State Beach is perfect for tide-pooling and seeing the famous monarch butterflies in the fall. The Mystery Spot and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum are also unique local attractions worth checking out.
7. Is Santa Cruz family-friendly?
Absolutely! Santa Cruz offers plenty of family-friendly activities. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a favorite with its rides and games. Roaring Camp Railroads offers a fun steam train ride through the redwoods, and the Seymour Marine Discovery Center is an educational stop for learning about marine life.
8. Can I bring my dog to Santa Cruz?
Yes, Santa Cruz is very dog-friendly! Many beaches, parks, and trails allow dogs on a leash. For some off-leash fun, check out Lighthouse Field State Beach or the dog-friendly sections of Seabright Beach.
9. What should I pack for a weekend in Santa Cruz?
Pack layers! Even in the summer, mornings and evenings can be cool due to the coastal breeze. Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the boardwalk and hiking, and don’t forget your beachwear and sunscreen for time on the sand.