
This is Santa Cruz, so vegetarians and vegans can opt for The Tofu Mess!Īfter you’ve had your fill, walk it off with a stroll down the tree-lined Pacific Avenue. But the restaurant is most famous for its signature scramble Mike’s Mess.Įxpect addictive home fries piled high with bacon, eggs, cheese, sour cream, and so much more. From overstuffed breakfast sandwiches to make-your-own omelets, Zachary’s serves up some excellent (and huge) brunch dishes. And on the weekends, it has the line to prove it! Set right on Pacific Avenue, the casual cafe has been a favorite brunch spot since it opened its doors in 1985. Start your day off as the locals do by brunching at local favorite Zachary’s. Plus, most of the best hotels in Santa Cruz are just a short drive, bike ride, or stroll away. Pacific Avenue is located right in the heart of town and is the beating heart of Santa Cruz. No weekend trip to Santa Cruz is complete without spending some time exploring all of the shops, eateries, and entertainment venues on Pacific Avenue.

Luckily, you can always rent a car from one of the many car rental agencies in Santa Cruz in case you decide to take a day trip during your 3-day Santa Cruz vacation. And, of course, you can also use Uber to get around town.īut if you want to be able to access the area’s more far-flung attractions and state parks, it’s best to have your own car. Bus rides cost $2, or you can purchase a day pass if you think you’ll be riding the bus frequently. To reach the rest of the city, you can use the local buses to get around town and access different parts of the UCSC campus. Plus, most hotels offer complimentary beach cruisers, which means getting around downtown Santa Cruz is a cinch! If you plan on spending most of your time exploring Pacific Avenue, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and Main and Cowell beaches, it’s possible to walk from the heart of Pacific Avenue to the beach in less than 20 minutes. If you don’t want to rent a car, don’t worry because downtown Santa Cruz is easily walkable. You can also take a taxi, which will cost roughly $110. You can easily rent a car at the airport, or if you prefer not to drive, you can book a spot on the Santa Cruz Airport Flyer shuttle, which will take you to downtown Santa Cruz for a fee of $40 (one way). The closest airport to Santa Cruz is the San Jose International Airport, which is a 1-hour drive away on the twisting Highway 17.

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How to Spend a Weekend in Santa Cruz, California Getting Around Santa Cruz If you’re planning a weekend in Santa Cruz, read on for our ultimate itinerary – it will make planning your trip a breeze!ĭon’t forget to check out our web story: 3 Days in Santa Cruz While you could easily spend a week or more in this hip California town, 3 days in Santa Cruz is enough time to hit the highlights. With so many outdoor activities, excellent restaurants, and unique attractions in Santa Cruz, it can be difficult to decide where to even begin. Plus, with all sorts of swanky bars, casual pubs, live music venues, and pop-up events, Pacific Avenue is the place to be when night falls. From vegan-friendly farm-to-table eateries to trendy wine tasting rooms, downtown Santa Cruz boasts a wide range of options.

When it comes to food and drink, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The main drag, Pacific Avenue, is lined with vintage shops, artsy boutiques, and all sorts of hip cafes. With so many incredible outdoor activities, it’s well worth spending at least a few days exploring everything this unique city has to offer!Įven if outdoor activities aren’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in this buzzing college town. And in the summer months, visitors head here to hike in nearby Wilder Ranch State Park, soak up the sun at Main Beach, and ride roller coasters at the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. In the winter, visitors descend upon this hippie hamlet to surf giant waves at Steamer Lane and spot migrating gray whales frolicking in the ocean. With oceanfront hiking trails, redwood studded state parks, and 29 miles of sandy beaches, it’s no wonder why nature lovers flock to this quintessential California beach town all year long.
