The winter season marks the start of the best wildlife watching on the California coast and Santa Cruz County is no exception! Migrating whales, fluttering monarchs, active elephant seals, and birding galore, make the winter months the perfect time for a Santa Cruz vacation set around incredible wildlife viewing. And to top it off, there are some amazing hotel deals that will make your winter getaway even better!
See the lodging specials below at some of Santa Cruz County’s most scenic and sought after properties and start planning your Winter Wildlife Getaway! And be sure to order a free 52-page Wildlife Watching Guide that will help you find your way to the area’s best wildlife hot spots!
CHAMINADE RESORT & SPA Stay two nights at Chaminade Resort & Spa, and get your third night for free! Linger longer and enjoy local winter wildlife attractions such as Whale Watching Tours on the Monterey Bay or Rain Forest Weekends at Roaring Camp Railroads.
Terms and Conditions: Based upon availability, plus tax and resort fee. Blackout dates and minimum length of stays. Offer available through April 30, 2020 and subject to change at anytime.
Terms and Conditions: Specials available on select properties. Specials do not apply over major holidays. Call our reservations for more information.
WEST CLIFF INN Book a two-night stay and receive your second night free! Promotion includes: A two night stay at West Cliff Inn Four Sisters Inns, celebrated breakfast buffet, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres. Pricing starts at $249 for a two night stay.
Terms and Conditions: “Second Night Free” promotion is based on availability, valid Sunday through Thursdays, October 20, 2019 through March 19, 2020, is not valid during holidays and special event periods, and blackout dates may apply. Must mention this package at time of reservation. Excludes certain room types. First night must be booked at full regular rate to receive the second night free and nights must be in consecutive order. This special offer is paid in full at the time of reservation and is non-refundable. This is not offered nor bookable on other travel sites.
Blackout dates and other terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. Based on availability. Ask about any other restrictions when making your reservation.*
Share your wildlife experiences on social media, using the hashtag #SCWildlife! For more information about wildlife watching opportunities this winter, or to order your free Wildlife Watching Guide, visit santacruz.org or call (800) 833-3494.
The official summer season may be coming to a close, but the weather continues to amaze! And right on cue, September sunsets are making everyone remember why the change of seasons isn’t so bad in Santa Cruz County. Whether you can sneak in some more beach days, catch a sunset on the coast, or plan a whole camping trip, discover the south county gem of Sunset State Beach.
Upon entering the Sunset State Beach campground and beach area, you’ll be greeted by sunflowers dancing in the wind with a backdrop of ag fields and the Monterey Bay.
The expansive beach is worth the very short trek over the sand dunes and the panorama will give a new perspective on the beauty of the Bay.
With miles of beach to comb, lots of surf, and convenient parking, Sunset SB and the surrounding beaches make a great spot for a sunrise to sunset day on the coast.
The ultimate experience is reserving a campground and leisurely walking to one of the many perches to watch the sunset over the Monterey Bay.
Here are some quick tips and details about the campground:
Tent camping and trailers/camper/motorhomes up to 31 feet are allowed (no hookups)
Beach and campground are open year-round
Bathrooms and showers onsite
Dogs are allowed in campground on 6 foot leash, but are not permitted on Sunset State Beach. Just north of Sunset State Beach is Manresa SB where dogs on-leash are permitted
Fires permitted in campground fire pits
Firewood available from Camp Host for $10 a bundle
Pack warm for cool, sometimes windy, evenings
Lock up food and trash – critters are active in this area (campsites come with wooden food cabinet – use them!)
Please double check for updates on openings or restrictions
The sand and surf are calling our name year-round, but with summer approaching there’s no better time to head over to Santa Cruz County. Located in Aptos on the beautiful Monterey Bay waterfront, Seascape Beach Resort serves as the perfect place for the vacay. Check out three new reasons you’ll want to head to this hidden gem for your Santa Cruz getaway.
#1 The Beaches are Just for You!
Located on 45 acres of coastal bluff,
Seascape serves as an all-around gorgeous setting for relaxation and
rejuvenation. Their private beach welcomes guests only, and the peace and quiet
is unbeatable. Walk down the winding pathway from your villa to the beach sand
where you and your group can enjoy dramatically stunning lagoons and rolling
waves.
#2 The Set-Up is Set Up!
Want to have a dreamy night of bonfires
and s’mores on the beach? Need a lift to-and-fro around the 45 acres of scenic
view? Heading to the nearby golf course? The concierge will accommodate all of
your extra activities! Let them know you’d like to host your crew for beachside
marshmallow goodness and they will assemble your beach bonfire! Golf cart are
available for transportation on-site, including rides up to Sanderlings, Seascape’s delicious eatery.
#3 Events are Always Happening!
Seascape offers an array of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Rent wetsuits and boogie boards for a perfect beach day, enjoy one of 12 championship tennis courts and play among stunning greenery and the coastal breeze, or treat yourself to the grace and beauty of one of California’s most esteemed golf courses that’s less than two miles from your room.
Don’t feel like leaving your room?
Schedule an in-suite spa day to reach ultimate relaxation status.
You Can Win a Trip to Stay Here!
Plus, as part of our Let’s Cruz Vacation Giveaway, you could win a Grand Prize of a 2-night stay in a three-bedroom condo at Pajaro Dunes Resort, a $150 “Capitola Dine & Shop Experience” gift certificate in the Capitola Village, a Craftbar Experience at Annieglass Studios for four guests, four tickets to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and four passes to Roaring Camp Railroads, PLUS your choice of four additional activities from a list of uniquely Santa Cruz options! Activities like stand up paddle-boarding, kayaking, beer tasting, wine tasting, surf lessons, spa treatments, whale watching, dining gift certificates, and more!
Set steps from the rippling surf of Cowell Beach, the new Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge serves up big waterfront views, fresh coastal cuisine, and heaps of local surf culture. Taking its name and inspiration from the late Jack O’Neill, the wetsuit pioneer and founder of Santa Cruz’s first surf shop, the signature restaurant inside the retro-chic Dream Inn received a stylish reboot that’s transformed it into an Insta-worthy destination along the shorefront. With a mix of modern style and respect for the past, the newly debuted eatery captures the essence of contemporary Santa Cruz, mixed with California’s iconic sport.
Surfside Setting
Bounded by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking
bustling Cowell Beach, the Santa Cruz Wharf, and Monterey Bay, the restaurant
immerses guests in Santa Cruz’s seaside splendor. Diners can watch beachgoers
frolicking on the sand, surfers riding waves into shore, and the Boardwalk’s
frenetic rides spin and twirl. Big, comfy banquettes lend room to spread out,
and a private dining room offers an inspiring meeting spot for groups.
Interiors sport glam-beach cottage vibes complemented with vintage photos of
Jack O’Neill including an oversized print above the bar depicting the surf
maverick cruising in his convertible Jaguar. Don’t miss Jack O’Neill Way, a
short walkway just outside the entrance, and enlivened by a mural of vintage
surf photos, and an historic landmark plaque noting the locale of O’Neill’s
first surf shop.
California Coastal Fare
It’s not just the decor that takes its cues from
the surrounding, sea-kissed landscape. The all-day restaurant showcase the
region’s farms and producers with its contemporary take on California classics.
In addition to faves such as Monterey Bay calamari, local seafood is also
featured in current dishes such as the O’Neill Poke Bowl with fresh salmon and
ahi marinated in an addictive orange-sesame-tamari glaze. With a nod to the
famed vampire flick filmed steps away, The Lost Boys Bouillabaisse brims with
crab claws, jumbo shrimp, mussels, and daily fresh fish. Plus, the kitchen adheres
to the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program which ensures menu options
support healthy oceans. On the turf side, you’ll find dishes such as a sausage
sampler with links from local gem Corralitos Market, and a decadent burger
featuring Painted Hill Farms beef served alongside Gilroy garlic fries.
Cocktail Hour
Set under under a ceiling of sleek surfboards, an adjacent lounge provides a more relaxed setting with the same expansive views. A bar bites menu offers après-surf nibbles such as crispy, tangy wings and chicken flatbread studded with local artichokes, while the welcoming bar pours local brews, Santa Cruz Mountain wines, and vibrant cocktails such as the Sea Odyssey made with a local agave spirit from Venus Spirits. You can also toast Jack with his favorite drink, a namesake martini garnished with plump, blue cheese-stuffed olives. Swing by during a daily happy hour from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., and enjoy 25% off all appetizers, well drinks, wines by the glass, and draft beers. Check the restaurant’s site for additional daily specials including Locals Tuesday, No Corkage Thursday, and O’Neill Sea Odyssey Wednesday when a portion of dinner proceeds is donated to O’Neill’s successful ocean education program for youth.
Zipping past the verdant agricultural fields along Highway 1 in southern Santa Cruz County, you might not guess that a stunning waterfront gem sits moments away. Just six minutes from the highway-and worlds away from modern-day bustle-you’ll discover Pajaro Dunes Resort, a hidden, coastal nirvana with a pristine white sand beach, seagrass-shrouded dunes, and more animated wildlife than a Disney cartoon. The secluded vacation home community offers guests a taste of exceptional coastal living, even if just for a weekend. Check out what makes it a special destination along the Monterey Bay:
#1: Blissful Coastal Living
Pajaro Dunes Resort features an alluring seaside aesthetic that’s like the coastal-themed Pinterest board of your dreams: cute, wood-shingled homes, Adirondack chairs plunked onto sunny decks, and wispy sea grass blowing in the invigorating sea air. Add a lobster roll, and you’d think you were vacationing on an exclusive New England island. The resort enjoys an especially scenic slice of the Monterey Bay, and its architecturally striking buildings are fully immersed in its splendor. Choose from a variety of waterfront properties, including single family homes, townhomes, and condos, to gather the family for joyous memories, or to simply seek a quiet, nature-filled escape.
#2: That White Sand Beach!
Pajaro Dunes fronts nearly two miles of uncrowded, white, sandy shore backed by tufts of seagrass and the resort’s namesake: wind-rippled dunes. It’s one of the most visually striking beaches in the region. Spend leisurely days basking in the sun, frolicking in shallow waves, or marveling at the ivory sand dollars burrowed in the sand. During the summer, when a sandbar obstructs the Pajaro River, you can stroll all the way out to Moss Landing and the Elkhorn Slough. At night, toss on a hoodie and reserve a Bonfire on the Beach with S’mores with Pajaro Dunes Resort! Their staff will set up everything for you – just pick the day & enjoy!
#3: Wildlife for Days
Bounded by the Watsonville Slough, Pajaro River, and marine sanctuary of the Monterey Bay, Pajaro Dunes teems with wildlife. You’ll see graceful egrets and herons gathered at a tranquil lagoon, squadrons of mighty brown pelicans soaring overhead, and adorable sanderlings darting across the sand, playing chicken with the crashing surf. Turn your gaze toward the water, and you’re likely to spot sleek dolphins, furry sea otters, and migrating whales’ humps and misty plumes. The rolling sand dunes are protected for the nesting of the snowy plovers and their babies start hatching in March. It’s truly a haven for wildlife!
The 2019 Official Santa Cruz County Traveler’s Guide is now available! Get information and inspiration on Santa Cruz County attractions, activities, restaurants, events, lodging, and more!
Check out the Guide’s “Meet the Makers” section, where local artisans and small business owners share about their passions. John Martinelli from Martinelli’s and Company, artist Taylor Reinhold, confectioner Jennifer Ashby, and surfboard maker Martijn Stiphout are all highlighted.
Farmer’s markets, arts and culture, wildlife, beaches, state parks, and other visitor draws are also included. The annual publication features enhanced area maps, and dining and lodging listings highlighting the amenities offered by various restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfast inns, motels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds.
The cover photo features local artist September Wren’sJune Days – a depiction of a robin’s-egg blue lifeguard tower, an iconic sight on California beaches.
Set amidst redwood forests, yet minutes from the coast, Scotts Valley offers an ideal base for exploring Santa Cruz County. Named for 1850s settler Hiram Scott, the cozy town is steps from majestic redwood trails, and fifteen minutes to major attractions such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp Railroads. Check into the following hotels, and you can pack both your hiking shoes and boogie board!
Opened in December 2018, this stylish property features 128 contemporary rooms and suites with a sleek design and a soothing, natural color palette. Highlights include free WiFi and a full-service restaurant and lounge that serves up crowd-pleasing faves, classic cocktails, and local brews on tap. Dining extends to an outdoor patio with lounge seating, fire pit, and babbling creek. Plus, a compact, the in-house market offers grab-and-go snacks and other essentials. The hotel features a signature Best Brews & BBQTM program offering refreshing local craft beers and seasonal BBQ-style appetizers. Best Brews provides guests with the opportunity to sample craft beers and enjoy authentic local flavors at the hotel pub Fifty Thirty, where each brew is strategically chosen for its unique flavor, popularity and quality ingredients. Two conference rooms offer a good place to gather the group, and a fully-equipped fitness center ensures you get your Fitbit steps in while on the road. Or, simply head outside where the redwood trails of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park are just ten minutes away.
With a grand lobby and forested setting, this lodge-like property feels like a modern mountain retreat. The exceeding pet and family-friendly property features 178 rooms and 22 suites, all with free WiFi, and a handful with outdoor balconies—spring for a room with vistas of the surrounding forest. The all-day Stonehouse Bar and Grill dishes up breakfast and lunch staples, and, during the evening, shareable plates such as crab cake sliders, steak quesadillas, and an artichoke and-feta-studded flatbread. Remember your swimwear for the outdoor, heated pool with sweeping views of redwood forests. Golfers will want to bring their clubs for the legendary Alister MacKenzie-designed course at Pasatiempo Golf Club less than ten minutes away. Wedding planners take note: the property includes a scenic outdoor veranda where you can recite your vows, and an adjacent ballroom to whoop it up.
This 58-room property packs in a lot of perks in its compact size. Newly remodeled rooms sport plush new beds as well as refrigerators, coffee-makers, and AC. Mornings begin with a fully stocked, complimentary breakfast counter with DIY waffles, eggs & potatoes, and continental staples such as yogurt, muffins, and bagels. Plus, a fitness room and business center have your work and fitness needs covered. After a day exploring nearby attractions, wind down in the outdoor heated pool and hot tub.
Looking for things to do in Scotts Valley? Check our site for fun ideas and activities, and start building your itinerary! Or take a look at this video itinerary and see the sights yourself.
Santa Cruz County is known for its unique landscape of mountains, valleys, and redwood forests, along with the unforgettable 29 miles of beaches and coastline. Vacationers looking to explore the county find both peace and convenience when booking their stay in Scotts Valley. Just a 10 minute drive to the beach and even less time to the redwoods, Scotts Valley is an ideal location to launch your Santa Cruz County vacation.
STAY
The gorgeous Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley has fairy tale charm with its castle-like architecture and setting among the redwoods. The lobby itself is a sight to behold with its grand entry and 50-foot high ceilings. And with their renovated suites and guest rooms, heated pool and Jacuzzi, fitness studio, and on-site restaurant and bar, you’ll have every reason to want to make the Hilton your vacation homebase.
Another stellar option is the Best Western Plus – Scotts Valley Inn. With the convenience of being right “over the hill” from the Bay Area, this comfortable and conveniently located hotel makes for a great vacation or business stay. You’ll also enjoy the pool in the often 10 degrees warmer temps of Scotts Valley compared to Santa Cruz.
And since its opening in 2018, Four Points by Sheraton Scotts Valley hosts 128 rooms, 1,400 square feet of market-leading meeting facilities, plus a boardroom with attached patio, full service breakfast dining, evening dinner and light bites, and a large veranda surrounded by the upland slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains and vineyards.
FAMILY TRAVELERS
Beyond the convenience, Scotts Valley is also an exceptional community known for its family-friendly appeal and offerings. With many parks including county favorite, Skypark, you can stretch your legs, ride bikes, play a game of bocce ball, and enjoy the redwood mountains surrounding the pleasant valley. Skypark also features a pump track, skate park, and a popular dog park for locals, and visitors traveling with their pooch. And speaking of pet-friendly travel, both the Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley and Best Western Scotts Valley welcome your four-legged companion.
EVENTS, FARMERS MARKET AND MORE
There are many popular and seasonal, family-friendly events that take place in Scotts Valley including: Music at the Park, Movies at the Park, Food Truck events, the Annual Art, Wine & Beer Festival, the 4th of July Parade and Fireworks Show, Car Shows, and many more. See some of the upcoming Scotts Valley events here.
Santa Cruz County has a true appreciation for art and Scotts Valley is no exception. As you explore the area you will find many colorful murals and art installations that add charm, and often historical significance to the area. Three notable murals are found at the Scotts Valley Public Library, Camp Evers, and the CineLux Theater – which is a great spot to take a break from the travel activity with some popcorn and a movie.
Clearly Scotts Valley is a convenient, comfortable, and family-friendly locale in the county, but here are some other fun, nearby ideas to inspire adventure and discovery during your stay:
All Aboard at Roaring Camp Railroads! Ride through ancient redwoods on an old-fashioned steam train, or hop on a beach train and arrive at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Did you know your dog can ride the train?
Continue your redwood journey with a hike through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, adjacent to Roaring Camp Railroads. The Redwood Grove Loop Trail is a must for all ages and levels–it’s stroller and wheelchair-friendly and features unique old-growth redwoods.
Looking for an adrenaline high? Experience the redwoods like never before–from 150 feet up in the air! Mount Hermon Adventures offers 2-hour guided eco-tours through the redwood canopy on 6 zip lines and two sky bridges.
Book a tee time at Pasatiempo Golf Club, a world famous course designed by renowned golf architect Alister MacKenzie. Enjoy rich history, challenging holes, and breathtaking views of the Monterey Bay on one of the few Alister MacKenzie originals available for public play.
Escape to the Santa Cruz Mountains wine region where sipping opportunities abound. Plan a vineyard picnic, meet winemakers, and enjoy a leisurely day of wine tasting and finding that perfect bottle to savor back home or on the balcony of your suite.
Hit the beach! Scotts Valley is just 10 minutes away from the beach and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Thrill rides and cool waves will complete your quintessential beach town experience!
If you’ve never exited the highway, you might mistake the historic town of Watsonville for one big brussels sprouts field. But hidden amidst leafy, green expanses are killer food finds, cool historic sites and some of the best beaches in the county. And yep: a few charming farms as well. Here’s your itinerary for a south county sojourn:
For a proper introduction to the area’s rich farm culture, start at the Agricultural History Project Center & Museum. The center is only open the second Saturday of each month, so mark your calendar to enjoy rich history exhibits and family-friendly activities like driving a (kid-friendly) tractor and milking a (wooden) cow.
You’ll experience the bounty of the region’s farmland at California Grill, an all-day restaurant whose organic produce is sourced direct from the owners’ farm. If Watsonville had a power lunch spot, this would be it.
You can practically dine on the tarmac at Ellas at the Airport, a casual, aviation-themed restaurant at Watsonville airfield. Don’t worry, the fresh farm-to-table food bears little resemblance to the stuff you’re served at 33,000 feet. Their bar has a great selection of local craft beers offered, appropriately enough, in flights.
Across from the airport, you’ll find the new locale for Head’n Home. The family-owned business has been crafting high-quality, handmade leather hats — from western to steampunk — for 40 years. Pop into the new retail shop for one-of-a-kind hats or schedule a tour of the factory to experience a very fun, unique company.
You may already know the Annieglass studio with gorgeous, often sea-inspired glassware designed by artist Annie Morhauser and made on site. But did you know the studio has an open-air wine bar? Each month, they feature a new local winery so you can browse the adjacent showroom with vino in hand.
Annieglass recently got a new neighbor whose juice comes from apples rather than grapes. S. Martinelli & Company has been a Watsonville institution since 1868 and, if you were like us, you grew up drinking their juice out of a glass bottle shaped like an apple. They recently opened the doors to a new Visitors Center and Tasting Room that offers the chance to sip and enjoy a variety of ciders and sparkling juices. In addition, guests will learn about the history of Martinelli’s through a museum located on site.
S. Martinellis reminds us that apple orchards once blanketed the area. Gizdich Ranch is another charming reminder where families can pick ripe apples (and berries), watch workers press fresh juice, and frolic in a shaded picnic area. Don’t forget a slice of homemade pie!
Watsonville is centered around a historic downtown plaza that makes for a pleasant spot to ditch the car, stroll the surrounding shops — many housed in grand historic buildings — and nibble on street food from the many Mexican eateries and bakeries. As you wander, check out the series of vibrant murals that depict the vintage labels of old produce crates. The plaza is also home to a weekly farmer’s market each Friday.
In neighboring Corralitos, you’ll find Corralitos Market and Sausage Market, a beloved butcher shop that makes their own smoked meats and sausages. You can also get items like a Tri-Tip Sandwich or Jalapeno Cheddar Dog grilled up to devour onsite.
And if there’s sausage, beer must be nearby. Corralitos Brewery’s handsome, wood-sheathed tasting room and dog-friendly patio overlook surrounding fields. And they don’t stop at the great brews. They rotate a variety of food trucks – from pizza to fish and chips, and mole to sliders, the food trucks are just another reason Corralitos Brewery is a must visit.
Now about those brussels sprouts fields: you’ll pass through plenty en route to Sunset State Beach, a striking stretch of shoreline backed by massive sand dunes. It’s an easy beach to access and the extensive picnic grounds are the perfect spot for a BBQ or impromptu seaside lunch.
Adjacent Manresa State Beach is a similar wide expanse of sand. It sits below coastal cliffs blanked in multi-colored ice plant so expect a short jaunt down to the sand. Bonus: Manresa has fire pits for s’more filled evenings at the beach.
A particularly gorgeous stretch of the bay can be found at Pajaro Dunes Resort. Better yet: make it an overnight in one of their beachfront vacation homes that’s situated amidst rolling sand dunes and wispy sea grass, literally steps from the water.
With colorful surf shops, charming beach cottages, and a shoreline teeming with surfers and beachgoers, Pleasure Point is the kind of quintessential beach community that enlivens Hollywood movies and lures envious tourists to California’s sunny shores year-round. Situated on Santa Cruz’s east end, this seaside neighborhood is one of the most vibrant surf destinations along the California coast. The easy going neighborhood earned its hedonistic name from Prohibition-era shenanigans, but you’d swear it’s because spending a day here is such a joy, no surfboard required.
PLAY
One of Pleasure Point’s biggest draws is East Cliff Drive, a dazzling waterfront promenade-part of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail-that winds along coastal bluffs overlooking the sparkling Monterey Bay. Join the parade of beach cruisers, skaters, and board-toting surfers as you enjoy vistas of quiet beach coves and thrilling surf breaks.
You’ll spot onlookers at the mini blufftop park overlooking The Hook (East Cliff Dr. at 41st Ave.), one of the neighborhood’s famed surf spots. Spectators belly up to a cliffside fence to take in sweeping views of the Monterey Bay and throngs of wetsuit-clad surfers riding rolling waves into shore. A few blocks away, Pleasure Point Park (East Cliff Dr. at 32nd Ave.) offers another great vantage point of surfer-topped waves from a small overlook guarded by a giant wooden tiki.
Jack O’Neill Park (East Cliff Dr. at 37th Ave.) honors the late surf legend and wetsuit pioneer who lived in the green cliffside house immediately adjacent. It’s a rugged, undeveloped plot of land that offers unspoiled views of the spectacular coastline. In July 2017, it served as the launching point for thousands of surfers who participated in a massive memorial paddle out to pay tribute to O’Neill.
SHOP
Pleasure Point’s main drag, 41st Avenue, immerses visitors in the town’s rich surf culture. The buzzing thoroughfare is lined with swaying Golden Medallion trees-named for their brilliant yellow blooms-and colorful storefronts filled with surf shops, beachy home stores, and casual eateries. The relaxed neighborhood sports a strict dress code of flip flops, shorts, and surf tees. Outfit yourself like a local at Freeline Surf Shop owned by big wave surfer, Peter Mel, or at O’Neill Surf Shop which continues the legacy of Jack O’Neill who first coined the term “surf shop.”
On Sunday mornings, you’ll find locals bustling about the makeshift public plaza that is the Live Oak Farmers’ Market. Tote-wielding shoppers arrive early to nab fresh seasonal veggies from the region’s many surrounding farms and munch savory breakfast tacos to the toe-tapping tunes of live bands.
EAT + DRINK
East End Gastropub dishes
Start the day with a jolt from one of the neighborhood’s many third-wave coffee shops. Verve Coffee Roasters debuted its first shop in Pleasure Point before branching out to Los Angeles and Tokyo. Pop into their cozy initial locale on 41st Avenue to enjoy foam art-topped mugs amidst a stylish new interior from Santa Cruz design firm Young America Creative. At Cat & Cloud, you can sip creamy espresso drinks from beans roasted on-site in an Instagram-worthy interior. A case full of baked goods delivered daily from Companion Bakeshop and a killer avocado toast-invite lingering on a sunny front patio. As the folks at Cat & Cloud say, “come kick it with us for that neighborhood feeling, chill surf vibes, and a bunch of cute dogs to pet.”
You know you’re in a surf town when there’s a hulking breakfast burrito within a surf leash’s reach. Each morning, locals pour into Point Market and emerge with foil-wrapped beauties assembled in a variety of combos. Ask for extra hot sauce!
Surf-themed posters, photos, and boards cover every inch of Pleasure Point Pizza, a neighborhood landmark that serves up hot slices to ravished surfers. The atmospheric eatery played a role in “Chasing Mavericks,” a 2012 feature film that tells the story of local surf legend Jay Moriarty. Check out some of the other local spots featured in the film with this cool movie map.
East End Gastropub cocktail
Some more absolute tried-and-true Pleasure Point favorites, stop by Suda, Eastside Eatery, and East End Gastropub. Arguably some of the best cocktails, brunches, lunches, and dinners have come from these three, so be sure to add them to your P.P. must-visit list.
With Pleasure Point’s beachfront setting and 300 annual days of sunshine, you know there’s a tasty ice cream spot nearby. The Penny Ice Creamery makes a point of pleasing with scoops of from-scratch organic ice cream made with fresh seasonal ingredients and served in homemade waffle cones. Get it like the locals do with a roasted marshmallow topping!
ARTISTIC TOUCH
Pleasure Point’s pops of color don’t end with the vibrant coastal blooms and cotton candy sunsets, the seaside neighborhood oozes with artistic charm around every corner. From the uniquely decorated and adorned beach bungalows to the iconic mural by Santa Cruz native, Jeremiah Kille, Pleasure Point puts on a display of artistry and whimsy. Stroll East Cliff and the surrounding neighborhoods and find all sorts of unexpected expressions of art. The “Lost Soles” sign is a fun find near the stairs at 36th Avenue, plus the countless other artistic pops discovered as you explore Pleasure Point.
And the artistry is hard to miss as you shop as well! Surfboard shapers, iconic surf apparel, and boutique stores like Zen Island let you take a piece of the surf and sun themed designs to your home.
STAY
Walking distance from the hub of activity on 41st Avenue, the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott features spacious two-room suites, a bocce ball court, and an aquatic-themed lobby with a glass jellyfish chandelier that would delight Nemo and Dory. At the nearby Best Western Plus Capitola-by-the-Sea Inn & Suites, notable perks include a year round heated pool and hot tub, free WiFi, and an exceptional complimentary breakfast buffet.
You’ll fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves at Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages which overlook a hidden scenic beach that’s a favorite among locals. Fully-equipped cottages and outdoor patios with BBQ grills will have you feeling like one of the neighbors in no time. Beach lovers can also take shelter at Bella Notte, a boutique 10-room property that’s walking distance to Twin Lakes State Beach. Bright citrus trees and climbing vines lend a Mediterranean vibe while lux rooms with Italian bedding and heated bathroom floors ensure a bella notte, or beautiful night.
With its quiet hilltop setting, scenic nature trails, and relaxing day spa, Chaminade Resort & Spa is where we head to chill on the hill. Now, the modern, mission-style resort is taking wellness to the next level with a pair of Himalayan salt saunas. Turns out, that bottle of pink salt at your gourmet grocer does more than spice up your supper. The mineral-rich salt has alleged health benefits including calming and detoxifying effects. Eastern Europeans have sought solace in natural salt caves for generations. Now, you can enjoy the same immersive experience at Chaminade-home to the only salt-therapy saunas in Santa Cruz County-as well as other spa offerings that are more than worth their salt.
WHAT IS HALOTHERAPY?
Despite the angelic name-which derives from the Greek word for “salt”-Halotherapy is a new spa trend that seeks to recreate the atmosphere and wellness benefits of a natural salt cave. At Chaminade, the two saunas-one in the women’s lounge, the other in the men’s-feature glowing backlit blocks of Himalayan salt which both soothe and mesmerize. Like a reinvigorating day at the ocean’s shore, the salt-infused room is credited with calming stress, opening up breathing, and imparting a general sense of well-being.
BEYOND THE SALT
The new salt saunas are just one aspect of the wellness experience at Chaminade. A 1,700-foot day spa includes an airy, full-size gym outfitted with spiffy exercise machines and free weights. Outside, a landscaped patio garden features a bubbling whirlpool, peaceful koi pond, and lounge seating overlooking inspiring hilltop views. The spa offers a number of relaxing and revitalizing services including skin care, massage, and body treatments. Plus, spa guests are welcome to take a dip in the sparkling, outdoor heated pool, swing a racket on the tennis courts, or get lost on the nature trails that wind through the property’s 300-acre, oak and redwood-filled grounds.
After a full spa and wellness day, you’ll likely be too blissed out to brave city streets. Instead, book a room and meander back to your plush bed, fresh-air balcony among the eucalyptus trees, and the dedicated meditation corner in your room. Stay Saturday night, and you’ll wake to a sunny outdoor brunch buffet with wholesome fruits, grains, and proteins. Oh yeah, there’s also a chocolate fondue fountain just in case you’re not done treating yourself.
EXPERIENCE THE SAUNAS
All hotel guests have access to the salt saunas, fitness center, and day spa amenities. Day spa guests who book a treatment 45 minutes or longer receive access to all spa and resort amenities. Check the Chaminade site for a list of their overnight packages here.
Since the surf-crazed 1960s, the Dream Inn hotel has delighted visitors with its beachfront setting and immediate proximity to iconic local attractions such as the Santa Cruz Wharf and Beach Boardwalk-both clearly visible from each of the property’s guest rooms. Now, the sunny property welcomes guests with a spiffy new renovation of its 165 rooms, pool deck, and lobby.
RETRO REFRESH
Every inch of the Dream Inn-from guest rooms to pool deck to restaurant and lounge-is geared to maximize its spectacular waterfront vistas. If there’s a ho-hum view somewhere on the property, we have yet to see it (we can’t swear to this, but we suspect even the janitorial closet rocks a killer view). The property’s cheery, retro-mod motif got a stylish upgrade with new guest rooms that feature modern furnishings, surfboard-inspired tables, and Instagram-worthy geometric wallpaper. Downstairs, a new lounge-like lobby is bedecked with surfboards, a vintage juke, and a mobile coffee cart brewing up espresso drinks from local fave, Verve Coffee Roasters.
POOL PARTY
The Dream Inn’s remodel also included a refresh of the waterfront pool deck with additional seating, fire pits, and a modern surf shack-like pool bar. Throughout spring break and summer 2018, the popular pool deck transforms into a non-stop pool party. Nab some tacos from the street taco bar (daily, 12-4pm), get inked by an airbrush tattoo artist (Fridays, 1:30pm-3pm), and customize a mimosa to sip while enjoying front row views of the mellow waves and frolicking kids at Cowell Beach (Saturday & Sunday, 10am-12pm).
BREW CRUZ
The Dream Inn will also help you take the party on the road. The hotel’s lobby is the departure point for a new weekend brewery tour from our pals at Brew Cruz. For $45 a person, you can get a taste of Santa Cruz’s vibrant craft brew scene via a gleaming 1964 split-window VW bus (note the clock which is always set to 5 o’clock). After touring four local breweries, you’ll be welcomed back to the Dream Inn with happy hour prices at the Jack O’Neill Lounge.
