Santa Cruz Travel Guide

My mom and I were long over due for a ladies trip. We wanted something laid back with no added stress or agenda. I’ve gather my 8 favorite spots we visited. Hope you’ll refer to this for your next Santa Cruz or Capitola visit.

Gayle’s Bakery

If you’ve been to Santa Cruz or Capitola, you’ve definitely been to Gayle’s. It’s open late, has a full breakfast, lunch and dinner bar. The desserts are out of control. We had our fair share of pastries to say the least.

Cameron Marks Boutique

Basically the best curated shop I spotted on the whole trip. My mom had to drag me out the shop. I was lusting hard over everything in the boutique. The home and gifts section is right across the court yard. Definitely don’t miss this spot! White space, natural light, beautifully designed minimal pieces?! I want to go back now.

Olitas Pier

My aunts lives in Santa Cruz, so she took us to this tasty spot on the pier. Cheap tacos, wine with an amazing view. A good spot for dinner so you can catch the sunset through the large windows on the second story.

Paradise Beach Grille

We loved the food here! Even if it is a prime tourist spot. The ahi mango avocado tower was the highlight of the meal with the potato encrusted halibut with mashed potatoes.

Pogonip Trail

This way a great segue between daytime shopping and dinner. I was mostly soaking in the fresh redwood smells the entire team. Watch out for bikers! Or take the left trail instead of right.

River Walk

This is a cute spot to walk through near downtown Capitola. Cute houses, people kayaking and beautiful foliage along the path way.

Verve Coffee

This was definitely the biggest fan girl moment of the trip. I went to both locations, bought a mug and experienced an amazing caffeine high. The pastries were amazing, they come from a fancy nearby restaurant for the half the price you’d find over the hill. Win-Win!

House Peepin’

My mom and I love driving through the neighborhoods, spotting quaint architecture and lusting over all the plants they can grow near the coast.

Other spots we hit: Zachary’s in downtown Santa Cruz for breakfast–very delicious, build your own omelette, potatoes on point. We also missed The Penny Creamer, due to copious amounts of pastries.

Hope you enjoyed my tips! I hope we return soon!

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