Shop till you drop and have some cash left over for some tasty food or a night on the town.
GOOD TIMES guide to Indie shops, thrift stores and bargain hunting in Santa Cruz.
Bargain Barn
The Barn is a score and a half. This hot spot is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
392 Pioneer St., Santa Cruz, 423-8611
Bill’s Wheels
Voted Best Skateboard Shop in GT’s Readers’ Poll, you can’t really go wrong here. 1240 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 469-0904
The Boardroom
825 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-464-2500, www.santacruzboardroom.com
Crossroads
Clothes—from fancy to the basics. Crossroads is a find. 811 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 458-2555
The 41st Avenue Thrift Store District
There are all sorts of thrift and vintage clothes jammed into a few stores on 41st Avenue, just a half-block from Pleasure Point Pizza in Capitola
Front Street Thrift Store
Books, clothes, furniture and more. Almost always 50 percent off the clothing! 428 Front St., Santa Cruz, 457-0229
Goodwill Store
Affordable. Another big plus: many of the clothing options here are really still in style. 204 Union St., Santa Cruz, 423-1078
Jerry’s Sports
1148 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 465-1400, shopjerryssports.com
Moon Zoom
The assortment of old treasures hidden within the depths reveals beaded cardigans, vintage flannels, rare Doc Martens, and more. 813 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-8500
O’Neill Surf Shop
Good deals here. Best of all the clothing is durable and nice looking. 110 Cooper St., Ste. 100D, Santa Cruz, 469-4377
Retro Paradise
Looking for a mod look? This place has got the goods. You can find adorable vintage dresses, brightly colored sunglasses and killer cowgirl boots all in one stop. Paradise might even be an understatement. 1010 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 460-9960
Salvation Army
Open six days a week, (closed on Sundays). Wednesdays are 50 percent off clothing. 812 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 429-8118
Santa Cruz Surf and Skate Shop
With local hunger advocate Danny Keith at the helm, this shop is geared toward locals and has an amazing support for local causes, in general. Beyond that, the boards—surf and otherwise—truly stand out—clothing too. 912 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 462-3120
So Fresh Clothing
It began a few years ago by UCSC alums and now, this hip clothing shop is turning heads. So Fresh offers the latest in streetwear styles, along with a wide selection of headwear, accessories and music. If you are shopping for plain T-shirts you’ll find them here—for the student-friendly price of $5. 911 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 600-8703
Sky View Flea Market
Expect to find everything from fresh produce, bikes, toys, furniture, clothing, records, crafts and animals. Open Friday 7am-1pm, Saturday from 6am to 3pm. 2260 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, 462-4442
StreeTlight records
This portal is a wild warehouse of amazing finds. The coolest music selection around. 939 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 421-9200
Stripe
Fun and festive and often offering monthly get-togethers for the community, this furniture haven is great for finding items to load in your dorm. There are some nice clothing options here as well. 107 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 421-9252
TWIST
Great values here and a high quality of clothing. 1364 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 420-1300
The Food Bin/ Herb Room
Very close to UCSC, it houses plenty of fresh, organic produce and herbal medicine. 1130 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 423-5526
New Leaf Community Markets
A popular community market—great selection of vitamins, candles and cards. 1134 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-1793; 1101 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-1306; 1210 41st Ave., 479-7987; 6240 Hwy. 9 Felton, 335-7322
Shopper’s Corner
Awesome butcher. Amazing cheeses, and fresh produce rock at this local haunt. 622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1398
Staff of Life
Variety of organic products and produce. Deli and salad bar—homemade soups, homemade chai and a local butcher. Great sale items. 1266 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-8632
Trader Joe’s
Affordable; lots of organic and free-range meats and dairy. 700 Front St., Santa Cruz, 425-0140; 3555 Clares St., Capitola, 464-0115
Indie shops, thrift stores and bargain hunting in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, CA
