While you can expect to enjoy the sun, surf and sand when you visit Santa Cruz, you shouldn’t overlook all the flavors that the city has to offer. 

With international cuisines all conveniently located in one place, you can dine around the world without ever leaving this coastal community.

Keep reading to find out more about some local hot spots – your taste buds will be sure to thank you!

Mexican

Los Gallos Taqueria

For tasty tacos, bold burritos and other authentic Mexican food bursting with flavor, Los Gallos Taqueria is your spot. Their savory meals will surely have you coming back for more. 

Copal Restaurant

If you’re looking for outstanding Oaxacan cuisine, look no further than Copal’s. Combining the beauty of authentic Oaxacan…

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A stunning sandy shore and rolling waves alone are enough to bring people to any given area. Add to the mix roller coaster rides, fun arcade games and delicious treats and you’re certainly in for an adventure!

These are just a few of the reasons that the Santa Cruz Boardwalk has become such an iconic destination. If you’re ready to make a trip of your own, here are some popular ways to pass your time at the wharf. 

Wander The Wharf

Perhaps the best way to soak in your surroundings is by taking a stroll along the length of the boardwalk.

By doing so, you’ll have a good idea of everything the area has to offer, in turn helping make it easier for you to decide which activities you’d like to try and which one you’re okay to save for another…

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One of California's best hidden gem communities, Rio del Mar is one of several beautiful villages that make up Aptos. Central to the area, Rio del Mar is mainly a resort style community that's full of plenty of scenic parks and golf courses. Homes in Rio del Mar are noteworthy for their beautiful streets, lined with cypress trees to welcome residents home. 

To celebrate this incredible beachfront area, we're dedicating this blog post to the many things Rio del Mar has to offer. Read on to learn more about what life is like in this scenic California community!

View of pier typical of Rio del Mar real estate

Real Estate In Rio del Mar

Rio del Mar homes for sale are great options for those looking to live in one of the finest spots in the Aptos area. Many of these homes have the unique charm…

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Santa Cruz seems to draw people from all walks of life. Surfers, artists, tourists and restaurateurs are just a few of the many and diverse types of people that are called to the gorgeous beaches here to relax in the sun.

And although all these reasons are more than enough to spend time in this paradisiacal place, the city of Santa Cruz is nuanced enough to keep homeowners happy and visitors and snowbirds returning year after year. 

In this article, we’re taking a look at the 4 best hidden gems in Santa Cruz for you to check out.

Garden of Eden

Located in the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near the University of California at Santa Cruz, this beautiful area named after the biblical paradise is aptly named! 

This idyllic swimming hole is…

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Santa Cruz family friendly parks


While hitting the beaches in Santa Cruz may seem like the obvious way to pass time, the area boasts some wonderfully vibrant parks that shouldn’t be overlooked.

To discover six fantastic family-friendly options, keep reading – your little ones will be sure to thank you!

Neary Lagoon Park

For a park featuring abundant wildlife, Neary Lagoon Park is an easy choice.

Located in the Lower Westside neighborhood of Santa Cruz, the park serves as a wildlife refuge for migratory birds, so you may spot some ducks, geese and herons, among many other birds! In the western turtle pond, race to see who can find the most turtles,

With one mile of gravel trails to explore, you’ll have no problem pushing a stroller as you wander around the lagoon.…

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Surfers prepare to jump into the ocean at Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz California


Are you having a hard time imagining what your life could look like if you call Santa Cruz home?

While you may be daydreaming of sandy beaches, sun soaked days and breathing in the salty sea air, the fun only begins at the beach!

So, let’s discover what it’s really like to live in this quintessential beach town.

A Day In The Life Of A Santa Cruz Local

To prepare for the day ahead of you, it’s important to start it off right, and there’s no better place to start than with a tasty breakfast.

Take your pick from the following three restaurants, but just beware, each boasts an equally as delicious menu as the last – it’s no wonder locals frequent these spots!

  • Firefly Coffee House: swing by this funky little hangout spot, where…

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With so many beautiful beaches in the Santa Cruz area, you might be having a hard time deciding just which one to visit!

To help make it easier, keep reading to discover the best beach for any occasion – from watching sunrises & sunsets, to surfing, and even the most kid friendly spots.

Surfing

So gear up in your wetsuit and get ready to dive into the waters of Santa Cruz County that are a surfers paradise

In fact, back in the summer of 1885, Hawaiian princes Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole, David Kawananakoa and Edward Keli'iahonui introduced surfing to the area by riding those Santa Cruz waves. So, after all these years, you can expect to find some extremely talented surfers. Whether you want to kick back, relax and watch as they “shred the…

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Santa Cruz Hiking Trails That Are Yours To Discover

As Santa Cruz is popular for its sunshine and sandy shores, it can be easy to overlook some of the other amazing attractions the area has to offer.

Whether on two feet or two wheels, hitting the trails of Santa Cruz is a great way to get your heart pumping while enjoying some of the city's stunning scenery.

Keep reading to discover some amazing hikes for any level of outdoor enthusiast, from beginner to expert, and any level in between! There’s truly a trail fit for all.

DeLaveaga Park

Featuring oak woodlands, mixed forests, redwood groves and grasslands, DeLaveaga Park is home to a network of trails and boasts an array of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.

From…

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Best Surfing Spots in the Santa Cruz Area

One of the best aspects of living in Santa Cruz are the sandy shores and clear waters of Monterey Bay. World renowned for its beauty, the countless beaches here are truly something to behold. More than just a visual wonder, the ocean also provides exciting adventures and activities.

One of the most popular things to do in Santa Cruz is surfing. Nicknamed Surf City, it stands to reason that the area offers some of the best surfing in the country.

For anyone moving here, or who does live here, secret surfing spots are constantly being discovered. Everyone has their favorite surfing spot, but with so many available options, there’s waves for everyone.

Whether you’re just starting out, or ready for the…

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California has a whole lot to offer, especially when it comes to stunning communities. And, the picturesque town of Watsonville is no exception!

This hidden gem is nestled in the Pajaro Valley, located south of Santa Cruz and north of Monterey. Whether you’re looking to spend a day at the beach, sip on some savoury wines, or tackle some wild terrains – Watsonville has it all.

A city rich in culture, you’ll find yourself minutes from magnificent mountains, redwood forests and so much more. Keep reading to discover Watsonville California yourself.

An Outdoor Oasis

Watsonville is home to over two dozen parks, making it the perfect place for exploring wild landscapes. You can travel along levee trails that surround the Pajaro River to join…

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