A Few Favorite Places to Visit in Santa Cruz

We've loved visiting Santa Cruz, ever since our very first road trip where we stayed with the parents of a random guy we met who ended up joining us for a few weeks on the road (and becoming one of our best friends). We got to go back there recently, and we're so excited to share some of our favorite places to visit in Santa Cruz with you! That being said, we still have never been to the famous Santa Cruz boardwalk, so you won't find that here...

I think we've been to almost every Verve Coffee Roasters location, and for good reason! We love their coffee, their people, and their super gorgeous coffee shops. Verve actually started right here in Santa Cruz, so naturally we had to visit their newest shop just blocks from the beach. We love this little neighborhood on the westside, just off of Mission Street and so close to the water!

The cafe is right next door to the amazing restaurant Bantam, which is one of the best places to eat in Santa Cruz. There's also two Cameron Marks stores to check out, across the street from each other. One is for home goods, and the other for quality apparel. 

Sawyer is a cool local surf shop, with all the surfing supplies and gear you'll need to become a Santa Cruz local in no time. While you're in the 'hood, you should also check out  Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery, El Salchichereo, and New Leaf Market.  

Downtown Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz's downtown neighborhood around Pacific Ave is a great place to walk around and shop, and it looks pretty too! The new plant and home goods shop Botanic and Luxe is a joy to visit, and it will definitely inspire you to improve your green thumb when you get back home.

They call themselves a "lifestyle store for dreamers, lovers, and seekers of all things beautiful," and we can definitely see why! 

One of our favorites things to do in Santa Cruz is ride bikes along the seawall with our friends, there's not much that beats a cool breeze and being surrounded by the sandy, oceanside cliffs.