If Margaret could recommend one activity while you're in town, it would be tide pooling at Natural Bridges. At a negative low tide (make sure to check the tide charts), you're guaranteed to find plenty of starfish, mussels, crabs, and blooming anemones within small pools.
Joshua's top recommendation to visitors is Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz's most famous surf spot. If the swell is pumping, large waves break close to the cliffs, creating a natural surfing stadium. This spot is on the West Cliff Trail which pairs well with a walk along the Santa Cruz Wharf.
The Santa Cruz Wharf is the longest pier on the west coast of the United States. A great place to walk out over the ocean, enjoy some lunch with a view, and look down to the sea lions napping on the supports underneath you.
Wilder is a beautiful state park along the ocean just north of Santa Cruz, perfect for a coastal hike or bike ride (and home to a few of Joshua's favorite surf spots). Keep your eyes peeled for seals on the rocks, pelicans, and the early sightings of the humpback whale migration.
Nisene Marks has the best forest hiking trails in the area, particularly along its many creeks with surprisingly deep valleys of vegetation. (There is a lot of hype surrounding a waterfall 5-7 miles deep into the forest, which we don't think is worth hiking to.)
Monterey Canyon is a 1-mile deep underwater trench that runs right up the center of Monterey Bay, pumping nutrient dense water into the nearshore environment. As a result, this small enclave is home to a biodiverse landscape of seals, seabirds, and rafts of the signature Southern Sea Otter. Kayaking here with a decent camera will certainly generate some great wildlife photos and a memorable experience.
In addition to her work, Margaret is a volunteer diver at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. One of the most well-known aquariums in the world, over 2 million people visit each year. On certain days, you can see a cute blonde oceanographer swimming with sea otters or sharks.
As a coffee shop, Cat & Cloud can't be beat (except on price). Not sure what to order? Margaret orders a decaf dirty chai with almond milk and Joshua likes the decaf mochas with oat milk. If you want to feel like a proper millennial, try the avocado toast.
For a quick, cheap breakfast on the run, Dunlaps will give you a strong drip coffee, a simple breakfast sandwich, and donut guaranteed to get you sugar high. The cronut is a MUST.
Best bagels in town and top-notch breakfast sandwiches. Be aware, this place can be fast, but long lines develop in late morning on the weekends. Margaret orders a double-toasted everything bagel with cream cheese and Joshua orders the Kitchen Sink on a jalepeno cheddar bagel.
For a quintessential Santa Cruz morning, order a breakfast burrito from the Point Market, stroll across the street to the pleasure point park, and watch the waves rolling through. The house you'll see protruding over the water belonged to Jack O'Neill, founder of the brand and inventor of the wetsuit. There's a reason he picked this view for his home. This is also where Joshua has surfed hundreds of hours (yet somehow has remained a mediocre surfer.)
Suda boasts healthy American eating with indoor and outdoor seating. This was our go to restaurant when we lived in town. We endorse the whole menu (however, the poke bowl is disappointingly small).
Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, this is place has some serious character and shockingly good Asian food. This is Joshua's unashamed favorite place to eat in Santa Cruz because it is the only place you can order Pho and a chocolate milk shake to wash it down. (It's also right near Marianne's Ice Cream.)
If you're hungry for lunch, this is the best sandwich in Santa Cruz. Great choice for a beach picnic, especially since Seabright Beach is only steps away. We're big fans of the Cove and the Beach Bum sandwiches.
Copal is our favorite Mexican restaurant. It has food inspired by the Mexican state of Oaxaca, a sprawling mezcal bar, and an excellent atmosphere.
Inside of the Sante Adarius brewery on water street is the best pizza in Santa Cruz. A business-within-a-business, Bookie's Pizza serves "Detroit Style" pizza that makes my mouth water as I write this. A side order of hot honey to dip the pizza is a must.
Modern American food in a fun semi-fancy environment. Our go-to appetizer is lemon-rosemary popcorn and you can get a beer from Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing next door while you wait.
Semi-formal Italian restaurant serving homemade pasta with an extensive wine list.
Homemade ice cream from an old fashioned shop guaranteed to satisfy your craving. We moved away from Santa Cruz, in part, so that Joshua would stop going here every day.
Smooth beers in a great location close to Wilder Ranch. If there is a taco truck there, Real Taco, they have best fish tacos we've ever had.
Solid IPAs and west coast beers served in fun location; directly adjacent to West End Tap & Kitchen.
Great beer, outdoor seating and corn hole. Best brewery if you want a central location and space for a large party.
A large brewery with solid food options and the best sours in town.
Excellent beers, outdoor seating, and American food from an order window to the restaurant next door.