Things To Do
EAT: Zoccoli's Delicatessen
Established Italian deli featuring gourmet sandwiches, pastas & salads, plus outdoor seating. PRO TIP: Grab a coffee next door at Verve and explore downtown Pacific Ave.
EAT: Harbor Café
Our favorite place for breakfast. The nautical theme & relaxing outdoor patio continue the laid-back vibe at this American diner. PRO TIP: They make a mean Bloody Mary.
EAT: Cafe Brasil
The breakfast menu & juice bar star at this colorful Brazilian cottage with outdoor patio seating.
EAT: Zachary's Restaurant
EAT: Diner-style American cuisine served casual family-friendly atmosphere. Explore downtown Pacific Ave before or after your meal.
CAFE: Cat & Cloud Coffee
Incredible local craft coffee roaster with very friendly staff.
DRINK: Birichino Winery Tasting Room
We love the wine from here, and love the luscious indoor carnivorous plants even more!
DRINK: The Apéro Club
A fun little natural wine spot.
DRINK: Humble Sea Brewing Co.
Local, craft brewery focused on approachable, innovative beers for every person on the planet. LOTS of IPAs.
DRINK: Sante Adairius Rustic Ales
Snug brewery featuring old-world-style ales with a twist & a comfy tasting room with a relaxed vibe. BONUS: they serve incredible Detroit-style pizza.
DRINK: Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
This brewery just got new owners and will reopen, a staple in the Santa Cruz brewing scene!
PARKS: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
This park is right next to the wedding venue and part of the reason we wanted to get married there. The Redwood Grove Loop Trail is a very short walk and a perfect stroll through the redwoods.
PARKS: Natural Bridges State Beach
This beach, with its famous natural bridge, is an excellent vantage point for viewing shore birds, migrating whales, and seals and otters playing offshore. Further along the beach, tidepools offer a glimpse of life beneath the sea. Low tides reveal sea stars, crabs, sea anemones, and other colorful ocean life. Fun fact, Moore Creek flows through the park.
PARKS: Wilder Ranch State Park
There are beautiful trails along the ocean bluffs and beaches! Fun fact, Ashley ran a half marathon here!
PARKS: The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Off the beaten path, this park is usually less busy than others on this list. Enchanting redwood groves, waterfalls, fern-covered canyons, and historic logging sites are just a few of the things that you can experience in this stunning redwood forest.
TREAT: The Penny Ice Creamery
There is LOTS of ice cream in Santa Cruz. This is our favorite spot. Artisan, hand made and fun seasonal flavors.
ZEN: UCSC Arboretum
As fellow Banana slugs, we'd love to share our beautiful campus with you. This botanical garden is focused mainly on mediterranean-climate plants of the Southern Hemisphere and features a fine collection of native Californian shrubs and trees.
Mentone
Upscale Italian from the mind of David Kinch of Manresa.
Copal Restaurant
Authentic Oaxacan food + drink.