Mercedes’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Located next to Santa Cruz harbor, you can watch the boats go in and out, book a charter out on the big O’neil catamaran, rent a boogie board or surf board, or join some locals for some beach volleyball. There is a cool little plaza on the beach front, coffee shop, sandwiches, wood fire pizza and ice cream at the Beach Shack and the Crows Nest Restaurant which is amazing!
65 當地人推薦
Twin Lakes Beach
995 Live Oak AvenueLocated next to Santa Cruz harbor, you can watch the boats go in and out, book a charter out on the big O’neil catamaran, rent a boogie board or surf board, or join some locals for some beach volleyball. There is a cool little plaza on the beach front, coffee shop, sandwiches, wood fire pizza and ice cream at the Beach Shack and the Crows Nest Restaurant which is amazing!
Giant, majestic redwood trees, on an easy walking/hiking loop. Sweet little creek/river spots for sunbathing and swimming. Right next to Roaring Camp railways, offering train rides up the mountain and down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
335 當地人推薦
亨利·考維爾紅木州立公園
101 N Big Trees Park RdGiant, majestic redwood trees, on an easy walking/hiking loop. Sweet little creek/river spots for sunbathing and swimming. Right next to Roaring Camp railways, offering train rides up the mountain and down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Another local favorite!! Great little beach surrounded by cool shops and delicious restaurants!! Very chill little spot, love love love it! Perfect for boogie boarding and surfing. Restaurants include Margaritaville, Britannia Arms, Zelda's, Paradise Beach Grille just to name a few.
167 當地人推薦
Capitola Beach Company
131 Monterey AveAnother local favorite!! Great little beach surrounded by cool shops and delicious restaurants!! Very chill little spot, love love love it! Perfect for boogie boarding and surfing. Restaurants include Margaritaville, Britannia Arms, Zelda's, Paradise Beach Grille just to name a few.
Just minutes away, the Glenwood Open Space Preserve is managed by the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, the 166-acre property brims with diverse habitats such as redwood groves, lush wetlands, and evergreen forests.
The preserve packs an abundance of flora and fauna into its compact footprint. Spread throughout its 166 acres, the following seven biotic communities are what make Glenwood Preserve an especially stunning parcel of land: riparian woodland, grassland prairie, freshwater marsh, mixed evergreen forest, chaparral, oak savannah, and redwood forest. Numerous hillside seeps provide the preserve’s water elements including a large creek that runs through the eastside. There’s also a fishing pond, and plans to build an accompanying dock so visitors can cast a line.
13 當地人推薦
Glenwood Preserve
300-414 Glenwood DrJust minutes away, the Glenwood Open Space Preserve is managed by the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, the 166-acre property brims with diverse habitats such as redwood groves, lush wetlands, and evergreen forests.
The preserve packs an abundance of flora and fauna into its compact footprint. Spread throughout its 166 acres, the following seven biotic communities are what make Glenwood Preserve an especially stunning parcel of land: riparian woodland, grassland prairie, freshwater marsh, mixed evergreen forest, chaparral, oak savannah, and redwood forest. Numerous hillside seeps provide the preserve’s water elements including a large creek that runs through the eastside. There’s also a fishing pond, and plans to build an accompanying dock so visitors can cast a line.
This park and beach is an excellent vantage point for viewing shore birds, migrating whales, as well as seals and otters playing offshore. Further along the beach, public access tidepools offer a glimpse of life beneath the sea. Low tides reveal sea stars, shore crabs, sea anemones, and other colorful ocean life. The park also includes a large area of coastal scrub and grasslands, with bright native wildflowers in the spring. Moore Creek flows through the park, forming freshwater wetlands and a salt marsh before it reaches the sea.
The park's Monarch Grove provides a temporary home for thousands of Monarchs. In 2016, 8,000 Monarch Butterflies overwintered at Natural Bridges. From late fall into winter, the Monarchs form a "city in the trees." The area's mild seaside climate and eucalyptus grove provide a safe place for monarchs to roost until spring.
In the spring and summer, the butterflies live in the valley regions west of the Rocky Mountains where the monarch's companion plant, milkweed, is found. For most of the year, where there are monarchs, there are also milkweed plants. Monarchs drink nectar from milkweed flowers, and female monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed leaves. Milkweed contains a toxin that, when ingested by the caterpillar, makes it toxic to other animals. These toxins remain in the butterfly as well, providing protection from predators that would otherwise eat the monarchs.
261 當地人推薦
天然橋樑州立海灘(Natural Bridges State Beach)
2531 W Cliff DrThis park and beach is an excellent vantage point for viewing shore birds, migrating whales, as well as seals and otters playing offshore. Further along the beach, public access tidepools offer a glimpse of life beneath the sea. Low tides reveal sea stars, shore crabs, sea anemones, and other colorful ocean life. The park also includes a large area of coastal scrub and grasslands, with bright native wildflowers in the spring. Moore Creek flows through the park, forming freshwater wetlands and a salt marsh before it reaches the sea.
The park's Monarch Grove provides a temporary home for thousands of Monarchs. In 2016, 8,000 Monarch Butterflies overwintered at Natural Bridges. From late fall into winter, the Monarchs form a "city in the trees." The area's mild seaside climate and eucalyptus grove provide a safe place for monarchs to roost until spring.
In the spring and summer, the butterflies live in the valley regions west of the Rocky Mountains where the monarch's companion plant, milkweed, is found. For most of the year, where there are monarchs, there are also milkweed plants. Monarchs drink nectar from milkweed flowers, and female monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed leaves. Milkweed contains a toxin that, when ingested by the caterpillar, makes it toxic to other animals. These toxins remain in the butterfly as well, providing protection from predators that would otherwise eat the monarchs.
This beach is known for its fishing pier and concrete freighter, the SS Palo Alto. The ship is unsafe and closed to the public and half of the pier remains closed until needed repairs can be made. The beach is a popular swimming spot. There is a long stretch of sand backed by bluffs. There are covered picnic facilities and a visitor center.
There is a $10 vehicle day-use fee for parking.
97 當地人推薦
Seacliff State Beach
State Park DriveThis beach is known for its fishing pier and concrete freighter, the SS Palo Alto. The ship is unsafe and closed to the public and half of the pier remains closed until needed repairs can be made. The beach is a popular swimming spot. There is a long stretch of sand backed by bluffs. There are covered picnic facilities and a visitor center.
There is a $10 vehicle day-use fee for parking.
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 rises from near sea level to steep coastal mountains.
Most visitors come to picnic near Aptos Creek or to hike, jog, or bike on 30 miles of trails in rugged semi-wilderness, rising from sea level to steep coastal mountains of more than 2,600 feet.
The park’s land has a bittersweet beauty. Almost all of today’s redwood forest was clear-cut in a 40-year logging frenzy from 1883 to 1923. When the loggers left the Aptos Canyon, the forest began to heal itself; now, the scars grow fainter with each passing year. The Forest of Nisene Marks is a monument to forest regeneration and the future—it is a forest in a perpetual state of becoming.
The park's name honors Nisene Marks, the nature-loving mother of the Salinas farm family that bought the land in the 1950s. Her children donated approximately 9,700 acres to the state in 1963 with the provision that the land never be developed. Today, the park showcases a forest in recovery, with rugged canyons and remnants of its once-bustling railroad and logging industry. A grove of ancient old-growth redwood trees near the Pourroy picnic area was preserved under private ownership and added to the park in recent years.
272 當地人推薦
尼森馬克斯州立公園
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 rises from near sea level to steep coastal mountains.
Most visitors come to picnic near Aptos Creek or to hike, jog, or bike on 30 miles of trails in rugged semi-wilderness, rising from sea level to steep coastal mountains of more than 2,600 feet.
The park’s land has a bittersweet beauty. Almost all of today’s redwood forest was clear-cut in a 40-year logging frenzy from 1883 to 1923. When the loggers left the Aptos Canyon, the forest began to heal itself; now, the scars grow fainter with each passing year. The Forest of Nisene Marks is a monument to forest regeneration and the future—it is a forest in a perpetual state of becoming.
The park's name honors Nisene Marks, the nature-loving mother of the Salinas farm family that bought the land in the 1950s. Her children donated approximately 9,700 acres to the state in 1963 with the provision that the land never be developed. Today, the park showcases a forest in recovery, with rugged canyons and remnants of its once-bustling railroad and logging industry. A grove of ancient old-growth redwood trees near the Pourroy picnic area was preserved under private ownership and added to the park in recent years.
Food scene
Great restaurant on the beach with amazing views of the lighthouse, harbor and gorgeous sunsets. Downstairs is reservation only full service restaurant, upstairs is low-key, first-come, perfect for families. Also offers live music and comedy shows on weekends.
276 當地人推薦
Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff DrGreat restaurant on the beach with amazing views of the lighthouse, harbor and gorgeous sunsets. Downstairs is reservation only full service restaurant, upstairs is low-key, first-come, perfect for families. Also offers live music and comedy shows on weekends.
Absolutely phenomenal food!! The restaurant is carved into the side of the mountain, you take the stairs or the charming gondola to the entrance of the restaurant or stroll through multi leveled, terraced gardens. Absolutely breathtaking, one of a kind restaurant, you could spend hours here, it’s a little pricey, but 100% worth it!!! I’d recommend calling for reservations. Whether you want a private room seating 18, or are hosting an event with 50 or more, Shadowbrook can fulfill your every need.
205 當地人推薦
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf RdAbsolutely phenomenal food!! The restaurant is carved into the side of the mountain, you take the stairs or the charming gondola to the entrance of the restaurant or stroll through multi leveled, terraced gardens. Absolutely breathtaking, one of a kind restaurant, you could spend hours here, it’s a little pricey, but 100% worth it!!! I’d recommend calling for reservations. Whether you want a private room seating 18, or are hosting an event with 50 or more, Shadowbrook can fulfill your every need.
The restaurant offers the choice to enjoy dinner on the patio fireside or dining in the comfort of the indoors with warm lighting and refreshing plant life. An ode to classic Americana, the retro modern styling runs wild through the bar and lounge area which also brags of a warm fireplace, bright and inviting color schemes, and fun decor, reminding you not to take life so serious.
15 當地人推薦
Malone's Grille
4402 Scotts Valley DrThe restaurant offers the choice to enjoy dinner on the patio fireside or dining in the comfort of the indoors with warm lighting and refreshing plant life. An ode to classic Americana, the retro modern styling runs wild through the bar and lounge area which also brags of a warm fireplace, bright and inviting color schemes, and fun decor, reminding you not to take life so serious.
Otoro Sushi
235 Mt Hermon RdOne of the best sushi in town with a great, dedicated staff
Sushi Garden Scotts Valley
5600 Scotts Valley DrAnother great sushi place
Casa Nostra
219 Mount Hermon RoadGreat authentic Italian food
Casual place with great burgers and BBQ. Large selections of beers and also known for their Bloody Marys.
Bruno's Bar and Grill
230 Mt Hermon RdCasual place with great burgers and BBQ. Large selections of beers and also known for their Bloody Marys.
The Inn at Pasatiempo sits adjacent to one of the top 100 U.S. ranked golf courses in America — the 1929 Alister MacKenzie designed Pasatiempo Golf Club. MacKenzie designed many top courses including Cypress Point and Augusta National. View the second fairway from our restaurant deck, as you soak-in the vistas with a glass of local wine, from the best wineries in our area.
This sprawling ridge atop the rolling foothills was a portion of the historic Mexican Land Grant, Rancho Carbonero. Wealthy heiress and women’s professional golf pioneer Marion Hollins purchased vast tracts of the Rancho in the 1920’s to create the golf course, which she renamed, "Pasatiempo." Pasatiempo means pleasure time which continues to inspire an atmosphere and an attitude emphasizing our guests’ pleasure at all times.
The owners of the Back Nine Grill & Bar were equally inspired by the rich history of local cuisine and food preparation dating back to Rancho Carbonero. In Spanish, Carbonero is a place where charcoal is burned, much like an American BBQ. Our expansive fresh grill menu hopefully creates a pleasurable time for each of our Back Nine Grill & Bar guests, as they view part of the famed course’s front nine.
Back Nine Grill & Bar
555 California 17The Inn at Pasatiempo sits adjacent to one of the top 100 U.S. ranked golf courses in America — the 1929 Alister MacKenzie designed Pasatiempo Golf Club. MacKenzie designed many top courses including Cypress Point and Augusta National. View the second fairway from our restaurant deck, as you soak-in the vistas with a glass of local wine, from the best wineries in our area.
This sprawling ridge atop the rolling foothills was a portion of the historic Mexican Land Grant, Rancho Carbonero. Wealthy heiress and women’s professional golf pioneer Marion Hollins purchased vast tracts of the Rancho in the 1920’s to create the golf course, which she renamed, "Pasatiempo." Pasatiempo means pleasure time which continues to inspire an atmosphere and an attitude emphasizing our guests’ pleasure at all times.
The owners of the Back Nine Grill & Bar were equally inspired by the rich history of local cuisine and food preparation dating back to Rancho Carbonero. In Spanish, Carbonero is a place where charcoal is burned, much like an American BBQ. Our expansive fresh grill menu hopefully creates a pleasurable time for each of our Back Nine Grill & Bar guests, as they view part of the famed course’s front nine.
Lago di Como chef and co-owner Giovanni Spanu comes from Bellagio, Italy, a town on Lake Como; his cooking background includes experience in Italy, Sardinia and England. In the U.S., Giovanni worked as a chef at Il Fornaio in San Jose and assisted in opening A Bellagio and La Pizzeria, his brother Giuseppe Spanu”s restaurants in Campbell. ”Giovanni has been cooking since he was 14,” says his wife, co-owner Mary Ellen Salciccia-Spanu, who runs front-of-house operations and oversees the California/Italian wine list. The two met in Campbell, married in Italy and have two young daughters. They opened Lago di Como on Dec. 12. ”It was nice to open in the winter and make a connection with the community,” comments Mary Ellen. ”We love the location. This side of town is so nice: we have regulars from all the neighborhoods around here.” One of the restaurant”s most popular dishes is the fried calamari appetizer, she says. ”It”s so crispy and light. The osso buco is also really good, my kids love that. And the gnocchi, we make it ourselves.”
22 當地人推薦
Lago di Como
21490 E Cliff DrLago di Como chef and co-owner Giovanni Spanu comes from Bellagio, Italy, a town on Lake Como; his cooking background includes experience in Italy, Sardinia and England. In the U.S., Giovanni worked as a chef at Il Fornaio in San Jose and assisted in opening A Bellagio and La Pizzeria, his brother Giuseppe Spanu”s restaurants in Campbell. ”Giovanni has been cooking since he was 14,” says his wife, co-owner Mary Ellen Salciccia-Spanu, who runs front-of-house operations and oversees the California/Italian wine list. The two met in Campbell, married in Italy and have two young daughters. They opened Lago di Como on Dec. 12. ”It was nice to open in the winter and make a connection with the community,” comments Mary Ellen. ”We love the location. This side of town is so nice: we have regulars from all the neighborhoods around here.” One of the restaurant”s most popular dishes is the fried calamari appetizer, she says. ”It”s so crispy and light. The osso buco is also really good, my kids love that. And the gnocchi, we make it ourselves.”
Auntie Mame's
3103 Scotts Valley DrGreat breakfast and brunch spot, local favorite
Casual dining. Serving old-time favorites with modern additions and some new twists. Our most popular breakfast items include the Crab Cake Benedict, Loaded Potatoes, and the California Scramble. The John Wayne Burger topped with housemade onion rings is also a favorite.
16 當地人推薦
Heavenly Roadside Café
1210 Mt Hermon RdCasual dining. Serving old-time favorites with modern additions and some new twists. Our most popular breakfast items include the Crab Cake Benedict, Loaded Potatoes, and the California Scramble. The John Wayne Burger topped with housemade onion rings is also a favorite.
Sandwiches, steaks & American fare served in a kid-friendly joint with a country-western theme.
25 當地人推薦
Cowboy Bar & Grill
5447 Hwy 9Sandwiches, steaks & American fare served in a kid-friendly joint with a country-western theme.
Thai Heart
218 Mt Hermon RdGreat Thai food
Kaosook Thai Cuisine
Mount Hermon RoadAnother great place for Thai food.
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Always Bring a Sweater
The Bay Area has lovely temperatures nearly all year round. Don’t be caught off guard in the summer and spring months, the evenings can get pretty chilly quickly. I always advise guests to bring a sweater on outings, especially visiting the beaches in Santa Cruz, Monterey or Capitola.