Santa Cruz Is a Central Coast Gem. Here’s What to Do on a Weekend Visit.
Go-to spots in the crunchy coastal town.
Peter Thomas/Unsplash
Sunset’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts. Follow along as we learn where to eat, drink, stay, and shop.
Julie Cox
Meet the Insider: Julie Cox, owner of Traveler Surf Club
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Julie Cox first fell in love with the crunchy coastal town of Santa Cruz the way that many do: on the water. Her introduction to the iconic breaks along East Cliff and Pleasure Point while attending UC Santa Cruz led to lifelong friendships, eventually drawing her back after competing in the professional longboard tour, surf instructing in Mexico, and spearheading the California Surf Museum in Oceanside. Cox and her partner Rel Lavizzo-Mourey have since opened Traveler Surf Clubs in Santa Cruz, Pacifica, and Malibu, serving as hubs for local surf culture. Here, Cox shares her go-to spots when visiting this gem of the Central Coast.
STAY
William James Photography/SantaCruz.org
Sea & Sand Inn is a cute boutique hotel with great ocean views on the west side of town. Hotel Paradox is a funky place closer to downtown with a very loungeable lobby and a great full breakfast to get the day started. For the ultimate surf experience, stay at the Dream Inn which is located right at Cowells, a great spot for beginners and long boarders. Their Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge overlooks the Pacific and you can get your morning report while having breakfast. And on the high-end, Chaminade Resort & Spa is as scenic as it comes, situated on 300 wooded acres in the mountains. Also opening this summer is the beachfront La Bahia Hotel & Spa, a welcome addition to the scene.
EAT
Monica Multer/SantaCruz.org
Located just around the corner from our Traveler Surf Club on the Eastside, Suda has a new chef who has elevated the gastropub-style fare and cocktails, making it a great post-surf treat. Bantam has amazing wood-fired pizza and an easy-to-enjoy wine list. The bookstore-wine-bar-restaurant mash-up at Bad Animal comes complete with amazing Thai food from chef Lalita Kaewsawang. Naka Sushi has the freshest fish on the Eastside. The chirashi bowl is a work of art.
DRINK
Apéro Club is a natural wine bar with casual outside seating that’s a great place to meet up with friends. Izakaya West End has great cocktails, food, and tasty riffs on margaritas on Tuesdays in the summertime.
DO
Michaela Rabinov
Rent a fiberglass board made by local shapers or book a lesson or guided session at Traveler Surf Club, where your booking includes access to hot showers, changing rooms, heated furniture, surfboard storage, and beach cruisers. Hike through the redwoods on the Fall Creek to Lime Kilns Trail within Henry Cowell State Park. Or visit Dig Gardens to peruse the gorgeous plants and homegoods.
