This guide is part of Explore Santa Cruz 2021.

Antiques

After Effects 

4920 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-475-5991  

Anyone who appreciates beauty can treat themselves to paintings and prints, while bookworms can indulge their thirst for knowledge. Collectors of kitchenware won’t want to leave without adding a new dish to their collection. 

Center Street Antiques

3010 Center St., Soquel, 831-477-9211, centerstreetantiques.com

A one-stop gathering of 25 antique dealers, Center Street Antiques features an eclectic mix of interesting and one-of-a-kind items.

Loot 

3011 Main St., Soquel, 831-471-8755, lootvintage.blogspot.com

Find vintage items for your home and garden here, or take advantage of their workshops on chalk painting with Annie Sloan, where you’ll learn how to use the magic paint for furniture and other household items.

Town and Country Antiques   

9280 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond, 831-336-5993  

A great selection of lovely stained-glass lamps and antique documents of all sorts, including pictures, ads and stock certificates. 

Wisteria Antiques and Design  

5870 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-462-2900, wisteriaantiques.net   

Wisteria is a direct importer of French antiques and accessories.

Art Galleries

Artisans Gallery/Agency 

1368 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-8183, artisanssantacruz.com  

Wall art, jewelry, glass, ceramic, metal work, and various other handcrafted pieces of art—both functional and decorative—can be found at this downtown gallery, as well as lifestyle accessories, home goods and handcrafted furniture.

R. Blitzer Gallery

2801 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-458-1217, rblitzergallery.com

Renovated warehouse gallery on the Westside that features local and regional artists.

Tannery Arts Center

1050 River St., #118, Santa Cruz, 831-621-6226, tanneryartscenter.org

Expanding every year, what began as the union between the city of Santa Cruz and ArtSpace Projects has transcended the Tannery’s mission of an accessible and sustainable home for local artists. The Tannery has blossomed into a haven for art, culture and education for residents, visitors and the public.

Bookshops

Bad Animal

1011 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 831-900-5031, badanimalbooks.com

Where to begin? This independent bookstore, focusing on used rare, fine press books, is also a wine bar and restaurant featuring natural wines and seasonal California-French cuisine. 

Bookshop Santa Cruz  

1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-0900, bookshopsantacruz.com  

It’s famous for so many things—first and foremost, of course, books. This venerable local bookstore is, without a doubt, one of the best and most innovative not just in the Bay Area, but the entire country. Going strong now since 1966, it has survived an earthquake, competitive chain stores and economic downturns. There’s a vast selection of books here, plus a full roster of author events and other community happenings throughout the year.

Frenchy’s Cruzin Books & Video

3960 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-475-9221 

This adult superstore sells adult books and videos, lacy unmentionables, sex toys and more.

Two Birds Books  

881 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-900-5588

The newest kids on the block, Two Birds Books is a great spot to find new releases, hunt for high-quality used books, and browse a quirky curation of cards, puzzles and gifts.

Clothing/shoes

Amoureuse 

1119 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-7363 

If you’re looking for a stylish boutique with nourishing body products, accessories, elegant lingerie, classic perfumes, artistic jewelry, and unique gifts, this is the place to shop.

Bunny’s Shoes

1350 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-3824; 7000 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-662-2730 

Looking for lipstick-red shoes with platform heels, or something just plain old comfortable? Bunny’s has a fine selection. The store always has a great sales rack outside as well. Bunny’s in Aptos has a whole line of lovely hats, plus much more.

Camouflage

1329 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-7613, shopcamouflage.com 

Camouflage is a very sexy store! It carries a variety of fine lingerie, sexy clothing and intimate apparel, not to mention a wide array of sex toys. This adult store has been thriving for more than 30 years and is the perfect spot to find that seductive massage oil you’ve been looking for.

Fybr Bamboo

1528 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-3927, shopfybr.com 

What started as a recognition of the comfort and sustainability of bamboo clothing has evolved into a store that offers a variety of eco-friendly and stylish clothing, plus luxuriously soft bedding and locally made jewelry. 

Mmē

910 B Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-216-6366, mme.ltd 

High-end clothing and accessories for women who are looking for timeless staples that they will love wearing. Items are carefully curated for comfort and versatility.

O’Neill Surf Shop 

400 Beach St., Santa Cruz, 831-459-9230; 110 Cooper St. # D, Santa Cruz, 831-469-4377; 1115 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-475-4151, oneill.com 

Legendary clothing and gear for surfing and skating.

Pacific Trading Co.

1224 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-3349; 504 C Bay Ave., Capitola, 831-476-6109, pacific-trading-co.com  

This shop has won the GT Readers’ Poll award for Best Women’s Clothing many years in a row. The family-run women’s contemporary boutique also takes pride in customer service.

Pacific Wave Surf Shop  

1502 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-458-9283, pacwave.com  

Pacific Wave aims to bring the local surf shop mentality to a whole new level by keeping the local vibe fresh and taking care of customers. 

Rip Curl Santa Cruz

753 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-464-3233, ripcurl.com

All the apparel and gear for time at the beach. 

Shilshol  

109 Locust St., Santa Cruz, 831-440-8933, shilshol.com  

This design studio and retail shop features Shilshol bags and accessories along with a curated selection of items from other independent brands and designers. 

SockShop & Shoe Company

1515 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-6101, sockshopandshoeco.com 

One of the best selections of socks and tights you’ll find anywhere, as well as a variety of comfort shoes for men, women and children. Service is great, so you can take your time to choose the right pair.

Synergy Organic Clothing

2151 Delaware Ave., Santa Cruz, 888-466-0411; synergyclothing.com 

With certified organic cotton and eco-friendly fibers, the downtown boutique offers a pallet of simple chic in the form of dresses, skirts, jackets, scarves, yoga apparel, tops, and jewelry. Sustainable and conscious business. 

Electronics 

Santa Cruz Tech Exchange

1715 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-600-8915, santacruztechexchange.com 

Buy, sell, and trade all kinds of electronics. 

Fitness 

Cabrillo Fitness Club 

6200 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-475-5979

Part of Toadal Fitness. 

Toadal Fitness 

113 Lincoln St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-3764; 1200 17th Ave., #108, Santa Cruz, 831-464-3764; 269 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-430-9200; 2929 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-466-3764 

Toadal operates on the belief that fitness should be accessible to all, and good health is a key part of happiness. Also: The member is always right. 

Furniture

Couch Potato

3131 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-462-4636, cpotato.com

Quality sofas, sofa beds, recliners, chairs, and sectionals in leather and fabric—indulge the inner couch potato.

Helm of Sun Valley  

1408 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-462-6800, helmofsunvalley.com  

Providing everything needed to enjoy the outdoors, from patio furniture and outdoor umbrellas and beach chairs to ski and snowboard rentals, winter apparel and more. 

Ironhorse Home  

925 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-346-6170, ironhorsehome.com/santa-cruz  

This family-owned and operated business offers a variety of high-end and affordable home decor. 

Maggie’s Place 

910 A Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-466-2666, maggiesplacesantacruz.com 

This furniture and home décor store also offers design services, aiming to be the go-to place for anyone interested in home décor insight and inspiration.  

Natural Selection Furniture

607 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-4711, naturalselectionfurnituresc.com

Focusing on a casual, contemporary style, Natural Selection offers boutique shopping at affordable prices.

Redo Consign & Redesign

1523 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, 831-439-9201, redoconsign.com

This large space maintains high standards for vintage-to-new furnishings, art, mirrors, lamps, rugs, pots, statuary, and some outdoor items sourced from interior designers, private owners, stagers, and manufacturer sample sales.

SC41 Furniture

2647 41st Ave., Soquel, 831-464-2228, sc41.com 

The award-winning SC41 Furniture store features quality, stylish home furnishings and a large selection that’s worth a few hours of your time. Most are made with sustainable materials.

Garden

American Leisure Patio  

1118 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-2425, americanleisurepatio.com 

American Leisure is a leading retailer of indoor and outdoor furniture, with a focus on quality, integrity and treating each customer as though they are the only customer. No order is too small or large for them. 

DIG Gardens 

420 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-466-3444; 7765 Soquel Drive, #A, Aptos, diggardens.com  

DIG stands for Design Interior Garden, and you will definitely “dig” it! DIG has all kinds of plants—from palms, grevilleas, grasses, and bamboo to succulents and edibles. Stock up on DIG’s large range of organic heirloom veggies for your own garden, and find patio furniture for dining outdoors. 

The Garden Company  

2218 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-8424, thegardenco.com 

From wonderful perennials, tropicals, bulbs, and succulents that are easy to travel with to its gift shop filled with ceramics, candles, books, soaps, lotions, hats, and more, the Garden Company has much to offer. 

Mountain Feed & Farm Supply  

9550 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond, 831-336-8876, mountainfeed.com 

This eccentric and well-rounded locally owned shop is far from simply a feed and farm supply. With its homesteading section, you can find everything you need to do your own canning and make your own cheese and sausage. They also have a gift shop and an expansive edible nursery, along with all sorts of fun things for the home and garden. 

Terra Nova Ecological Landscaping 

831-425-3514, terranovalandscaping.com  

This team takes the practices of organic gardening and ethics of permaculture and applies them to landscaping. Go to them for your landscape design, installation and maintenance needs. 

Gifts

Annieglass

310 Harvest Drive, Watsonville, 831-761-2041, annieglass.com 

In addition to being sold at high-end stores like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s, local Ann Morhauser’s glass creations are shipped all over the world. Check out her online store for glassware and wine-tasting events at the Watsonville factory.

Art of Santa Cruz  

Capitola Mall, Capitola, 831-515-7390, regionalartisansassociation.org  

A nonprofit dedicated to exhibiting and selling the work of Santa Cruz County artists. 

Avalon Visions 

2815 Porter St., Soquel, 831-464-7245, avalonvisions.com

Take note of the abundance of choice books and music available here. There is a splendid collection of natural and crafted crystals, too—plus spiritual readings and an aura station. 

Botanic and Luxe

701-A Front St., Santa Cruz, botanicandluxe.com

This shop is the perfect place to find a unique gift for the plant lover in your life, and you will leave inspired by the simple beauty of natural design.

Brown Ranch Marketplace  

3555 Clares St., Capitola, 831-464-3555, brownranch.com 

Visit the marketplace for a range of stores and eateries, including Cheese Shop 831, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Robbie’s Sandwiches, Roux Dat Cajun Creole, Zizzo’s Coffeehouse and Wine Bar, and much more.

Gaia Earth Treasures  

gaiaearthtreasures.com 

Gaia has a large selection of mineral specimens, crystals and fossils from all around the world. It’s a unique store for gifts—bookends, vases, goblets, sculptures—and more. Find a stone that attracts you and keep it next to your bed.

Good Vibrations

111 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 831-466-9870, goodvibes.com/s/ 

This sex-positive sexual health and wellness toy retailer offers education and information promoting sexual health, pleasure, and empowerment in addition to toys.

Lumen Gallery  

112 Capitola Ave., #100, Capitola, 831-295-6647,lumengal.com   

Featuring local artisans and designers who use sustainable and green practices. 

OM Gallery

1201 Pacific Ave., Capitola, 831-425-9107, omgallery.com 

OM Gallery carries creatively designed lighting—lamps that look like giant lotuses, flower string lights, floor lamps, and paper star lanterns. OM also has gorgeous handmade silk clothing in classic Vietnamese and Chinese styles, linen pants, handbags, scarves, and accessories.

Outdoor World

136 River St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-9555; 1440 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-479-1501, theoutdoorworld.com 

Outdoor World is your one-stop shop for all things sporting goods. Looking for camping gear or fishing gear? How about archery or hunting equipment? Outdoor World’s got you covered. 

Outside-In

7568 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-684-0178, outside-in.myshopify.com 

Offering gifts, home decor, jewelry, and luxury clothing with an emphasis on supporting local artisans and businesses. Their store specializing in educational toys, books and clothes—named Outside-In Kids—is next door to the main store.  

Toque Blanche

1527 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-1351, mytoque.com/pages/our-stores 

Toque Blanche carries hundreds of kitchen products. Knives, bowls, espresso machines and much more.

The True Olive Connection

831-458-OILS, trueoliveconnection.com 

Specializes in fresh, high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar from around the world.

Zinnia’s Gift Boutique

219 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-430-9466, zinniasgiftboutique.com

Women’s apparel, home decor, jewelry, holiday items, and more. Zinnia’s has been voted first place in our annual Best Of issue for several years.

Ethos 

101 Capitola Ave., Capitola, 831-854-2490, ethossantacruz.com

Helping environmentally conscious shoppers reduce consumption of plastics and waste by offering a wide range of personal care items, home goods and on-the-go products.

Jewelry

Byzantine Jewelry

1530 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-2308, bfinejewelry.com

Byzantine Jewelry specializes in colored stones, and their professional staff of experienced jewelers can create 3D images of any ring a customer designs to ensure complete satisfaction.

Dell Williams 

1320 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-4100, dellwilliams.com  

Selling classic and contemporary jewelry, Dell Williams has been locally owned and family operated for four generations. In addition to jewelry, they sell watches and other giftware. A full restoration department can help customers repair a broken necklace or an inherited antique brooch. Dell Williams has been downtown since 1927 and has a loyal, generations-old customer base.

Ideal Jewelry 

720 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-457-9245

This family owned and operated boutique features an artist and in-house jeweler. 

Mark Areias Jewelers

7552 Soquel Drive at Aptos Center, Aptos, 831-688-2799, areiasjewelers.com

Fine jewelry and timepieces with a specialty in custom design. Also offers a wide selection of new and estate jewelry, plus a watchmaker on the premises for your watch-repair needs.

Stephan’s Fine Jewelry

102 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-458-9950, stephansjewelry.com 

Over 30 years of experience servicing Santa Cruz with a great selection of contemporary and classic fine jewelry and good prices.

Super Silver  

1301 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-460-9696; 1855 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-477-1932; 214 Capitola Ave., Capitola, 831-462-9696, supersilver.com 

This hotspot with locations in downtown Santa Cruz, the Capitola Mall and Capitola Village houses thousands of sterling silver chains, rings, earrings, charms, stone necklaces, hoops, and body jewelry.