Not to toot our own horn, but Santa Cruz County has got it all. From superb wines, to world renowned attractions, to pristine beaches, to a hip art scene, locals know how to work hard and play hard. What does that mean for visitors? Oodles of fun.
To help you navigate all that our area has to offer, we present our annual Visitor Guide. Within the following pages, you’ll find some of the best local culinary hotspots, spas, hikes, galleries, bars, live music venues, attractions, and so much more. For some insight into the area’s unique (and quirky) history, take note of the “Fun Facts” dispersed throughout.
Get started on page 10, where we give you a behind-the-scenes look at Santa Cruz’s best known attraction: The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Over in R&R (page 14), we feature an extensive list of places to stay and quality spas in the area. For adventurous types, we offer a complete guide to the great outdoors—from surf spots (page 24) to local thrills (page 32). There’s plenty more in between, including information about the area’s cultural epicenters, festive nightlife and a rundown of the best local wineries.
However your trip unfolds, here’s hoping it will be filled with good times.
—Jenna Brogan, Entertainment Editor, Good Times
Contents
Boardwalk 10
R&R 14–18
Outdoors 20–30
Local Thrills 32–34
Shops 36–42
Culture 44–48
Nightlife 50–54
Wine 56–58
Dining 60–76
AttractionS 78–84
Open Santa Cruz Visitor Guide ’13 PDF>
