Islands - Expert Travel Info & Tips: From Islands, to Mountains, & Everything In Between

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

staff@islands.com (Kristin Conard) — Sun, 03 May 2026 22:45:00 +0000

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

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

staff@islands.com (Kristin Conard) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0000

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.

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

staff@islands.com (Hillary Louise Johnson) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

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

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

staff@islands.com (Kristin Conard) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0000

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.

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

staff@islands.com (Kristin Conard) — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

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.

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

staff@islands.com (Eva Johnstone) — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000

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.

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

staff@islands.com (Kristin Conard) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000

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.

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

staff@islands.com (Eva Johnstone) — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 21:00:00 +0000

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.

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

staff@islands.com (Eva Johnstone) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000

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.

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

staff@islands.com (Bridget Gleeson) — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000

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

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

staff@islands.com (Kristin Conard) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 03:00:00 +0000

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

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

staff@islands.com (Eva Johnstone) — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:00:00 +0000

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.

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

staff@islands.com (Eva Johnstone) — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000

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).

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

staff@islands.com (Jenna Busch) — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

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.

The 5 Best Things For Tourists To Do In Santa Cruz

staff@islands.com (Eva Johnstone) — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 03:00:00 +0000

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.

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

staff@islands.com (Kristin Conard) — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 22:00:00 +0000

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

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

staff@islands.com (Rene Bennett) — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000

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.

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

staff@islands.com (Eva Johnstone) — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

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.

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

staff@islands.com (Kristin Conard) — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 22:00:00 +0000

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.

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

staff@islands.com (Kristin Conard) — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

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.