Dayna and Miguel’s Guidebook
Food scene
These restaurants are local favorites that we love.
Great Acai bowls and a good spot for a quick bite to eat.
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Samba Rock Acai Cafe
291 Water StGreat Acai bowls and a good spot for a quick bite to eat.
Some of our favorite Italian food in town! Definitely make a reservation.
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Lillian's Italian Kitchen
1148 Soquel AveSome of our favorite Italian food in town! Definitely make a reservation.
Akira Sushi
1222 Soquel AveBest Sushi in town!
One of our favorite spots for authentic Mexican food. They have different Mole options and each one is amazing. Ask for a taster of each before ordering.
They also have great Mezcal and Tequila drinks.
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Copal Restaurant
1203 Mission StreetOne of our favorite spots for authentic Mexican food. They have different Mole options and each one is amazing. Ask for a taster of each before ordering.
They also have great Mezcal and Tequila drinks.
Great breakfast/lunch spot. Local favorite for weekend brunch. Get there early to snag a table. No reservations, but the food, drinks and ambiance makes it worth the wait.
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Harbor Café
535 7th AveGreat breakfast/lunch spot. Local favorite for weekend brunch. Get there early to snag a table. No reservations, but the food, drinks and ambiance makes it worth the wait.
Eatery with rustic-industrial looks offers a gastropub menu with Californian leanings & craft beer.
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West End Tap and Kitchen
334 Ingalls StEatery with rustic-industrial looks offers a gastropub menu with Californian leanings & craft beer.
Amazing wood-fired pizzas and Mediterranean food. make a reservation in advance, this restaurant is very popular with the local crowd.
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Bantam
1010 Fair AveAmazing wood-fired pizzas and Mediterranean food. make a reservation in advance, this restaurant is very popular with the local crowd.
Our go-to Thai takeout spot. The fresh spring rolls are amazing!
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Real Thai Kitchen
1632 Seabright AveOur go-to Thai takeout spot. The fresh spring rolls are amazing!
One block away. Our go-to spot for quick tacos and burritos. The salsa is amazing! Cash Only.
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Tacos Moreno
1053 Water StOne block away. Our go-to spot for quick tacos and burritos. The salsa is amazing! Cash Only.
A local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Come hungry and order Mike's Mess.
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Zachary's Restaurant
819 Pacific AveA local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Come hungry and order Mike's Mess.
Excellent Mediterranean and Afghan Cuisine. Dine-in for a fancy night out or do take out/delivery to enjoy in comfort.
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Laili
101 Cooper StExcellent Mediterranean and Afghan Cuisine. Dine-in for a fancy night out or do take out/delivery to enjoy in comfort.
Great for breakfast and lunch. Go early, or you'll be waiting for 30-45 minutes. Still worth it
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Linda's Seabreeze Café
542 Seabright AveGreat for breakfast and lunch. Go early, or you'll be waiting for 30-45 minutes. Still worth it
Extremely popular, and for a good reason. Excellent food, outdoor drinks and dining in good weather, and great view of the harbor and ocean.
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Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff DrExtremely popular, and for a good reason. Excellent food, outdoor drinks and dining in good weather, and great view of the harbor and ocean.
Fish restaurant with a commanding view of the yacht harbor. Sandwiches and fresh fish, cooked several ways. Full bar.
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Johnny's Harborside
493 Lake AveFish restaurant with a commanding view of the yacht harbor. Sandwiches and fresh fish, cooked several ways. Full bar.
Organic Asian food that is delicious and very reasonably priced. A favorite of students and those who love healthy food.
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Charlie Hong Kong
1141 Soquel AveOrganic Asian food that is delicious and very reasonably priced. A favorite of students and those who love healthy food.
A very nice, mature place to have a cocktail or a tasty select of unique dishes. We like the bar menu, but a complete menu is available. Quiet, convenient, with nearby parking. Limited but delicious menu.
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Oswald Restaurant
121 Soquel AveA very nice, mature place to have a cocktail or a tasty select of unique dishes. We like the bar menu, but a complete menu is available. Quiet, convenient, with nearby parking. Limited but delicious menu.
Nice, family-owned restaurant with excellent food and some reasonably priced wine. A family favorite, and also a UCSC hangout.
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Sabieng
1218 Mission StNice, family-owned restaurant with excellent food and some reasonably priced wine. A family favorite, and also a UCSC hangout.
Our own local coffee roasting company. Very strong, locally roasted coffee and pastries. You can smell the coffee roasting in the morning.
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Verve Coffee Roasters
816 41st AveOur own local coffee roasting company. Very strong, locally roasted coffee and pastries. You can smell the coffee roasting in the morning.
Reasonably good food and it's right on the Twin Lakes Beach. Watch the surf and volleyball, and enjoy a broad menu of breakfast and lunch/dinner entrees.
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Cafe El Palomar
2222 E Cliff DrReasonably good food and it's right on the Twin Lakes Beach. Watch the surf and volleyball, and enjoy a broad menu of breakfast and lunch/dinner entrees.
Excellent food and drinks, comfortable, and not at all a "chain" restaurant. Call for reservations most nights. Snapper Special on Friday is muy bueno! 831-688-4848
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Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
261 Center AveExcellent food and drinks, comfortable, and not at all a "chain" restaurant. Call for reservations most nights. Snapper Special on Friday is muy bueno! 831-688-4848
Abbott Square Market is a culinary and entertainment venue in the heart of Santa Cruz. Enjoy a cocktail from Front & Cooper and a slice from Pizzeria La Bufala.
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Abbott Square
118 Cooper StAbbott Square Market is a culinary and entertainment venue in the heart of Santa Cruz. Enjoy a cocktail from Front & Cooper and a slice from Pizzeria La Bufala.
The best place for pastries and pies and cakes. They also have delicious breakfast and lunch plates to enjoy in the cafe or patio or to go.
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The Buttery
702 Soquel AveThe best place for pastries and pies and cakes. They also have delicious breakfast and lunch plates to enjoy in the cafe or patio or to go.
Special occasion? This iconic restaurant has been a fixture in Santa Cruz for over 60 years. Built on a hillside you can take the gondola down from the street or descend the meandering stairs through gardens and waterfalls to get to the restaurant. Pricey but worth a visit, try happy hour at the bar where they serve wood-fired pizza and other food.
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Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf RdSpecial occasion? This iconic restaurant has been a fixture in Santa Cruz for over 60 years. Built on a hillside you can take the gondola down from the street or descend the meandering stairs through gardens and waterfalls to get to the restaurant. Pricey but worth a visit, try happy hour at the bar where they serve wood-fired pizza and other food.
One of the best bars in town. The iconic Crepe place has been in business since the 1970s. They specialize in savory and sweet crepes, have a lovely garden seating area in the back, and feature local bands with a cover charge some evenings.
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The Crêpe Place
1134 Soquel AveOne of the best bars in town. The iconic Crepe place has been in business since the 1970s. They specialize in savory and sweet crepes, have a lovely garden seating area in the back, and feature local bands with a cover charge some evenings.
Great taco night special on Tuesday/Thursday. Get a taco and it comes with a beer or house margarita. Awesome views of West Cliff and Cowell's Beach.
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Olitas Cantina & Grille
49 Municipal WharfGreat taco night special on Tuesday/Thursday. Get a taco and it comes with a beer or house margarita. Awesome views of West Cliff and Cowell's Beach.
The local distillery opened an excellent restaurant. Make a reservation beforehand to secure a table.
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Venus Spirits
200 High RdThe local distillery opened an excellent restaurant. Make a reservation beforehand to secure a table.
This is our neighborhood coffee shop. Its a quick walk away, in the same shopping center as Wholefoods. Try the veggie breakfast sandwich, the romenesco sauce is amazing.
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Lulus Midtown
925 Soquel AveThis is our neighborhood coffee shop. Its a quick walk away, in the same shopping center as Wholefoods. Try the veggie breakfast sandwich, the romenesco sauce is amazing.
Sightseeing
Visit Santa Cruz's historic beach boardwalk.
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StVisit Santa Cruz's historic beach boardwalk.
You can take in beautiful views while taking a walk down the historic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. There are lots of shops, restaurants, and the original Marini's Candies, a local favorite known for their Salt Water Taffy. Don't forget to go to the very end of the wharf and check out the sea lions and seals!
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Santa Cruz Wharf
21 Municipal WharfYou can take in beautiful views while taking a walk down the historic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. There are lots of shops, restaurants, and the original Marini's Candies, a local favorite known for their Salt Water Taffy. Don't forget to go to the very end of the wharf and check out the sea lions and seals!
This is a great place to go for a walk along the cliffs and take in beautiful views of the Monterey Bay, and watch surfers enjoy the waves that Pleasure Point has to offer.
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Pleasure Point County Park
East Cliff DriveThis is a great place to go for a walk along the cliffs and take in beautiful views of the Monterey Bay, and watch surfers enjoy the waves that Pleasure Point has to offer.
We like to walk around the harbor in the evenings. There are restaurants and a few shops near the beach.
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Santa Cruz Harbor
135 5th AveWe like to walk around the harbor in the evenings. There are restaurants and a few shops near the beach.
West Cliff Drive is a scenic, 3-mile walking and biking path along the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz with epic views of the Monterey Bay. Beginning at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, It is here you will find locals mixing effortlessly with visitors strolling, biking, running, walking their dogs, and pushing babies in strollers as surfers head toward Steamer Lane for the surf break.
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West Cliff Drive
West Cliff DriveWest Cliff Drive is a scenic, 3-mile walking and biking path along the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz with epic views of the Monterey Bay. Beginning at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, It is here you will find locals mixing effortlessly with visitors strolling, biking, running, walking their dogs, and pushing babies in strollers as surfers head toward Steamer Lane for the surf break.
World-famous for a good reason: it totally rocks for kids, adults, anyone! A gorgeous facility on the bay with the most amazing exhibits. Allow three hours
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Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery RowWorld-famous for a good reason: it totally rocks for kids, adults, anyone! A gorgeous facility on the bay with the most amazing exhibits. Allow three hours
One of the premier surf spots in California. Bring your camera and telephoto lens. You are perched 25' on a cliff with a panoramic view of the waves and surfers. Surfing Museum is adjacent. Excellent
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Steamer Lane
700 W Cliff DrOne of the premier surf spots in California. Bring your camera and telephoto lens. You are perched 25' on a cliff with a panoramic view of the waves and surfers. Surfing Museum is adjacent. Excellent
Davenport Pier
9812 Cabrillo HwyTake a stunning Instagram picture on the Davenport Pier swing.
Ride the passenger train through the redwoods from the small town of Felton to the Beach Boardwalk and back. The camp in Felton also has cool shops and learning activities for kids and adults.
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Roaring Camp
5401 Graham Hill RdRide the passenger train through the redwoods from the small town of Felton to the Beach Boardwalk and back. The camp in Felton also has cool shops and learning activities for kids and adults.
Beaches
Some of our favorite local beaches
Beautiful cove beach protected from the wind. Excellent place for boogie and body boarding during the right conditions.
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Sunny Cove
Beautiful cove beach protected from the wind. Excellent place for boogie and body boarding during the right conditions.
Excellent beach for sun bathing and having fun in the water. Parking can be difficult, so park at the East Cliff Village Shopping Center and walk down 14th Avenue.
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Blacks Beach
180 14th AveExcellent beach for sun bathing and having fun in the water. Parking can be difficult, so park at the East Cliff Village Shopping Center and walk down 14th Avenue.
Our neighborhood beach is a quick bike ride away. Great beach for sunbathing and getting your feet wet. There is a set of stairs at the end of 3rd Ave or use the main entrance at the end of Mott Ave.
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Seabright Beach
Our neighborhood beach is a quick bike ride away. Great beach for sunbathing and getting your feet wet. There is a set of stairs at the end of 3rd Ave or use the main entrance at the end of Mott Ave.
Great beach to stroll around in. Natural arch rock formations make for great views.
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Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 W Cliff DrGreat beach to stroll around in. Natural arch rock formations make for great views.
Nice little beach with shops & restaurants. Good beginning surfing spot with easy access in & out
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Capitola Beach Company
131 Monterey AveNice little beach with shops & restaurants. Good beginning surfing spot with easy access in & out
Scott Creek
Good kiteboarding spot for the very experienced. Great to watch from the shore too!
Breweries & Tap Rooms
So many great breweries in Santa Cruz. These are a few of our favorites.
This is our neighborhood taproom. It's two blocks away!
Snug brewery featuring old-world-style ales with a twist & a comfy tasting room with a relaxed vibe.
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Sante Adairius Santa Cruz Portal
1315 Water StThis is our neighborhood taproom. It's two blocks away!
Snug brewery featuring old-world-style ales with a twist & a comfy tasting room with a relaxed vibe.
Our personal favorite. Humble Sea is world-renowned for their coastal "Foggy IPAs," decadent pastry and barrel-aged stouts, traditionally brewed pilsners and lagers, and barrel-aged saisons.
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Humble Sea Brewing Co.
820 Swift StOur personal favorite. Humble Sea is world-renowned for their coastal "Foggy IPAs," decadent pastry and barrel-aged stouts, traditionally brewed pilsners and lagers, and barrel-aged saisons.
Low-key, dog-friendly beer garden & eatery serving an array of pub grub, bottles & local brews.
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Beer 30
2504 S Main StLow-key, dog-friendly beer garden & eatery serving an array of pub grub, bottles & local brews.
This microbrewery makes organic beers & serves them in a dog-friendly taproom with eats & a garden.
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Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard
334 Ingalls StThis microbrewery makes organic beers & serves them in a dog-friendly taproom with eats & a garden.
Good local brew pub with a pub menu. Outdoor dining in the summer.
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Seabright Social
519 Seabright AveGood local brew pub with a pub menu. Outdoor dining in the summer.
Cute locally-owned brewery with some interesting menu items. Out of the way, but worth the trip.
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Discretion Brewing
2703 41st AveCute locally-owned brewery with some interesting menu items. Out of the way, but worth the trip.
Local microbrewery with excellent beer choices.
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New Bohemia Brewing Co.
1030 41st AveLocal microbrewery with excellent beer choices.
Hiking
We love to hike and the Santa Cruz Mountains and coastline are perfect for it.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and is most famous for the 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees. Hike the Cowells Highlights Loop, this hike has everything: redwoods, views, and water.
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Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 N Big Trees Park RdHenry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and is most famous for the 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees. Hike the Cowells Highlights Loop, this hike has everything: redwoods, views, and water.
With more than 35 miles of trail, you can adventure into the Santa Cruz Mountains or walk along the coastal bluffs. Head half a mile down Old Cove Landing Trail to the scenic overlook above Wilder Beach, a snowy plover preserve. Just beyond, you’ll find Old Cove Landing, where schooners anchored in the 1800s. Continue along the coast on the Ohlone Bluff Trail to post 8, where there’s a spur trail leading to Fern Grotto Beach.
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Wilder Ranch State Park
1401 Coast RdWith more than 35 miles of trail, you can adventure into the Santa Cruz Mountains or walk along the coastal bluffs. Head half a mile down Old Cove Landing Trail to the scenic overlook above Wilder Beach, a snowy plover preserve. Just beyond, you’ll find Old Cove Landing, where schooners anchored in the 1800s. Continue along the coast on the Ohlone Bluff Trail to post 8, where there’s a spur trail leading to Fern Grotto Beach.
Off the beaten path, The Forest of Nisene Marks is a refreshing retreat from the busy towns and beaches along Highway 1 near Santa Cruz. Its dense second- and third-growth redwood forest rise from near sea level to steep coastal mountains. You can hike to the epicenter of the '89 Loma Prieta Earthquake.
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The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos Creek RoadOff the beaten path, The Forest of Nisene Marks is a refreshing retreat from the busy towns and beaches along Highway 1 near Santa Cruz. Its dense second- and third-growth redwood forest rise from near sea level to steep coastal mountains. You can hike to the epicenter of the '89 Loma Prieta Earthquake.
The Land of Medicine Buddha (LMB) has an air of serenity that begins in the parking lot and only gets stronger as you amble deeper into the surrounding woods. The presence of the Buddhist retreat, made visible through colorful prayer flags and gentle reminders to keep voices low, gives a feeling of safety and community to this trail.
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Land of Medicine Buddha
5800 Prescott RdThe Land of Medicine Buddha (LMB) has an air of serenity that begins in the parking lot and only gets stronger as you amble deeper into the surrounding woods. The presence of the Buddhist retreat, made visible through colorful prayer flags and gentle reminders to keep voices low, gives a feeling of safety and community to this trail.
Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods is California’s oldest state park. In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, its biggest attractions—literally—are its ancient coast redwoods. If you have a full day, head to Berry Creek Falls, a 10.5-mile roundtrip hike. Along the way, you’ll see huge coast redwoods and four spectacular waterfalls. Be prepared for a workout, too, with an elevation change of 2,150 feet.
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Big Basin Redwoods State Park
21600 Big Basin WayEstablished in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods is California’s oldest state park. In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, its biggest attractions—literally—are its ancient coast redwoods. If you have a full day, head to Berry Creek Falls, a 10.5-mile roundtrip hike. Along the way, you’ll see huge coast redwoods and four spectacular waterfalls. Be prepared for a workout, too, with an elevation change of 2,150 feet.
Nice hiking area north of the harbor. Enter by Santa Cruz Bible Church bridge, at the end of Broadway. Great 3-mile loop from our home.
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Arana Gulch Park
101 Mentel AveNice hiking area north of the harbor. Enter by Santa Cruz Bible Church bridge, at the end of Broadway. Great 3-mile loop from our home.
Large city park with golf, hiking, little league, biking, disc golf, archery range, and picnics.
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Delaveaga Park
855 Branciforte DriveLarge city park with golf, hiking, little league, biking, disc golf, archery range, and picnics.
Essentials
Hey, just another Costco, but we love Costco and this is our local location. They also have a gas station a block away
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Costco Wholesale
220 Sylvania AveHey, just another Costco, but we love Costco and this is our local location. They also have a gas station a block away
Yes, we have a Whole Foods. Great produce and other organic products. Bring your checkbook...
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Whole Foods Market
911 Soquel AveYes, we have a Whole Foods. Great produce and other organic products. Bring your checkbook...
One of Santa Cruz's oldest health food markets with a wonderful selection of fresh foods, including a hot selection to take home. Loved by the community
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Staff of Life
1266 Soquel AveOne of Santa Cruz's oldest health food markets with a wonderful selection of fresh foods, including a hot selection to take home. Loved by the community
A well-respected boutique grocery store that's been there for 80 years. Extensive wine and cheese selection, with full butcher shop, excellent produce. Friendly service and good parking.
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Shopper's Corner
622 Soquel AveA well-respected boutique grocery store that's been there for 80 years. Extensive wine and cheese selection, with full butcher shop, excellent produce. Friendly service and good parking.
Trader Joe's
700 Front StGroceries are cheap, healthy & convenient location.
Safeway
117 Morrissey BlvdClosest grocery store, four blocks away.
Work out studios
DiviniTree Yoga and Art Studio
1043 Water StYoga studio one block away.