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Santa Cruz, California
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Santa Cruz, California

  • Audience and stage at Santa Cruz Shakespeare
    By Kristin Conard 2 days ago

    Santa Cruz's Critically Acclaimed, Independent Theater In The Redwoods Is A Magical Outdoor Venue

    Enjoy a high-caliber Shakespeare production amidst California’s Redwoods this summer at a stunning outdoor theater in Santa Cruz.

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  • Person holding a sandwich from Zoccoli's in Santa Cruz
    By Kristin Conard 8 days ago

    Downtown Santa Cruz's Authentic Italian Deli Is Famous For Tiramisu And Handcrafted Sandwiches

    This Italian deli has been a fixture of downtown Santa Cruz for decades. Here's what to know before you stop by this beloved local establishment.

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  • The wishing-well fountain in Capitola Mall in Santa Cruz County
    By Hillary Louise Johnson 16 days ago

    Santa Cruz County's 'Only Enclosed Shopping Center' Is A Local Favorite Set For Some Major Changes

    Malls around the country are struggling to retain their cultural significance, but one in Southern California has a major overhaul planned to address that.

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  • People holding ice cream cones on the Santa Cruz Wharf
    By Kristin Conard 16 days ago

    The 5 Best Places To Get Ice Cream In Sunny Santa Cruz

    Visiting Santa Cruz? These are some of the city's most memorable ice cream spots that serve artisan scoops, classic favorites, and creative flavor combinations.

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  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk from above
    By Kristin Conard 24 days ago

    Santa Cruz's 5 Most Unique Festivals And Beloved Annual Events

    If you're planning a trip to Santa Cruz, look out for these five annual events for a taste of the city's unique local culture and community spirit.

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  • Stagnaro Bros' white building overlooking the ocean at the end of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf.
    By Eva Johnstone 1 month ago

    Santa Cruz's 5 Best Seafood Restaurants With Ocean Views, According To A Local

    Santa Cruz has lots of great seafood and a bunch of places with stunning ocean views, but our local expert knows where to get the best of both worlds.

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  • View of West Cliff Inn and the coastline in Santa Cruz
    By Kristin Conard 1 month ago

    Santa Cruz's Wildly Charming Victorian Bed And Breakfast Is Just Steps From The Beach And Memorable Eats

    If you feel like staying near the beach in style, you'll want to check out this Santa Cruz bed and breakfast that used to be a California mansion.

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  • The town clock in Downtown Santa Cruz lights up at dusk.
    By Eva Johnstone 1 month ago

    The 5 Most Unusual And Unique Things To Do In Santa Cruz, According To A Local

    From dance classes to bonfires to helping clean a cemetery (trust us), our Santa Cruz expert takes you through some new ways to enjoy the city.

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  • A small lighthouse stands on a cliff overlooking a rocky beach at low tide in Santa Cruz, California.
    By Eva Johnstone 2 months ago

    Santa Cruz's Prettiest Sunset Spot Is A Free-To-Visit Cliffside Lighthouse With Nearby Beaches And Trails

    There are loads of places to see a stunning sunset in Santa Cruz, but trust us, you want to check out the one locals say is best.

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  • A view of the cliffs and the sea at Pyramid Park, CA
    By Bridget Gleeson 2 months ago

    Just Outside Natural Bridges State Beach Is Santa Cruz's Overlooked Park With Unique Coastal Views

    Get your fill of stunning ocean scenery and top-notch sunbathing at this California spot that's not overrun by tourists (yet!).

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  • Lighthouse Field State Beach in Santa Cruz, California
    By Kristin Conard 2 months ago

    California's 5 Best Under-The-Radar Spots To Visit In Santa Cruz, According To Locals

    From natural stone arches to wildlife refuges with floating walkways and local art and marine centers, these San Diego attractions come recommended by locals.

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  • The painted concrete exterior of a neighborhood grocery store in Santa Cruz.
    By Eva Johnstone 2 months ago

    Locals Adore Santa Cruz's Charming Grocery Store With Huge Breakfast Burritos And Ocean Views

    Nothing beats a down-home corner store, and this Santa Cruz community fixture, offering filling food on the go, is one of the best in the area.

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  • A mother sea otter float with a fuzzy baby sea otter on her chest.
    By Eva Johnstone 3 months ago

    Santa Cruz's 5 Best Spots To See Baby Sea Otters In The Spring

    Santa Cruz is a haven for newborn sea otters and their (protective) mamas, and a local expert shares the best places around town to spot them (from a distance).

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  • Aerial view of beach, Santa Cruz Wharf, and Boardwalk in California
    By Jenna Busch 3 months ago

    California's Longest Walkable Pier Is Fully Reopening Soon With Tasty Restaurants, Shops, And Fishing

    This iconic NorCal landmark is set for a comeback, and it's better than ever with tons of unique eats, souvenir spots, and improved wildlife viewing.

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  • A lighthouse on a cliff overlooking the wild ocean on West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California.
    By Eva Johnstone 3 months ago

    The 5 Best Things For Tourists To Do In Santa Cruz

    Santa Cruz is a great destination to explore for foodies and nature lovers alike. Here are the five best things to do in Santa Cruz according to a local.

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  • Shelves and table displays with novels at Bookshop Santa Cruz
    By Kristin Conard 3 months ago

    The Heart Of Downtown Santa Cruz Boasts One Of America's 'Most Celebrated And Innovative Independent Bookstores'

    Whether you're shopping for local reads or national bestsellers, this bookstore in Santa Cruz has been a community staple for bibliophiles since 1966.

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  • Aerial view of the Pajaro River running through farmland in Watsonville, California
    By Rene Bennett 4 months ago

    Santa Cruz, California's Secret Paddler's Paradise Has A Hidden Gem Around Every Lazy River Bend

    If you're seeking a quiet river for paddling with few people to block your views, head to this Santa Cruz-area spot for a peaceful day on the water.

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  • Surfers wait for waves in the ocean at Pleasure Point, California.
    By Eva Johnstone 4 months ago

    'The Jewel Of Santa Cruz' Is A Casual Beach District With Restaurants, Surfing, And Beach Cottages

    When thinking of Santa Cruz, you likely imagine surfers or the boardwalk. If you go a little farther, you'll find a neighborhood with food, cottages, and charm.

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  • Highway through redwood forest in Santa Cruz, California
    By Kristin Conard 4 months ago

    Santa Cruz's Most Mysterious Attraction Is A Bizarre Gravitational Anomaly In A Redwood Forest

    If you're looking for fun activities along the California coast, this strange, kitschy, but very popular attraction might be just what the doctor ordered.

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  • Colorful dishes from Laili Restaurant in Santa Cruz, California
    By Kristin Conard 4 months ago

    The 5 Best Restaurants In Santa Cruz, California, According To Reviews

    These 5 restaurants are the best in Santa Cruz, California, based on social media and magazine reviews, and are also ranked high based on personal experience.

    Read More
  • View of the Santa Cruz Wharf in Califonia
    By Kristin Conard 5 months ago

    Santa Cruz's Iconic Fishing Pier Is Lined With Seafood, Sea Lions, And Monterey Bay Beauty

    Measuring 2,745 feet, this is the longest fishing pier in the U.S. You'll find it in Santa Cruz, California, surrounding by seafood joints and funny sea lions.

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  • Back garden of the Tea House Spa
    By David Jenison 5 months ago

    Hidden In Downtown Santa Cruz Is California's Secret Bamboo Garden Spa And Tea House

    After exploring Santa Cruz’s bustling downtown, travelers can take respite in a peaceful spa, complete with a historic bamboo garden and artisanal teas.

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  • overhead view of santa cruz california from the mountains to the beach
    By Mina Elwell 5 months ago

    5 Santa Cruz Cafes California Locals Can't Stop Talking About

    Santa Cruz is no slouch when it comes to making a cup of joe. Here are five of the best cafes in town, according to those who know the scene best.

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  • Holiday Lights train at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    By Kristin Conard 5 months ago

    California's Holiday Train Near Santa Cruz Traverses Through Giant Redwoods And The Beach

    All aboard some of the most festive holiday trains in California! Hop on this fun-filled ride through Santa Cruz, redwood forests, and along the beach.

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  • People, parked bicycles, and a tent on Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California
    By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 5 months ago

    California's Wealthy Santa Cruz Neighborhood Has A Family-Friendly Beach And Tasty Food

    This affluent yet laid-back section of Santa Cruz boasts a relaxed beach, numerous eateries and cafes, and a family-friendly natural history museum.

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  • Face of La Bahia hotel lords over beach in Santa Cruz
    By Natasha Bernstein 7 months ago

    An Oceanfront Hotel In Santa Cruz Offers Luxe Spas, Rooftop Views, And Surf Culture

    Located on a surf beach in Santa Cruz, this new hotel in a historic building blends a laid-back surfer vibe with high-end luxury and unbeatable views.

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  • Aerial view of Santa Cruz, California
    By Leslie Veliz 8 months ago

    California's Buzzing Beach Town Where Surfing First Came To America Is A Legendary Getaway

    Surfing came to America from Hawaii in 1885, and it all started at this buzzing coastal town in California. Explore its beaches, attractions, and surfing past.

    Read More
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