Make the most of your time in Santa Cruz, California with this simple travel guide based on our adventures.

One of our favorite couple friends planned a quick trip to Santa Cruz, California and since we were working nearby we had to join them. Santa Cruz is a perfect hipster spot with lots to do and beaches to see.

Since our first trip, we have been back several times and we're never disappointed. If we ended up moving to California this would be the city top on our list.

Where to Stay

Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages

Since we were going as two couples, finding a lodging option with two separate rooms was key. The Ocean Echo offers a single bed, a two-bedroom or family-style cottages with rooms and a pull-out couch. This was perfect since we found one with two separate equal size queen beds and separate rooms.

As with other hotels, there is free wifi and continental breakfast but this one also has ping pong, board games, and deck with a great view. There is also a small beach cove with a walkway to and from the hotel.

The best part about Ocean Echo was the laid back feel. It seems very secluded but also an easy drive to fun attractions. You can drink coffee on the deck while watching the ocean or you can go down to the cove and watch the waves.

Santa Cruz "Treehouse"

If you are a fan of nature and want to be more removed from the hustle and bustle the Santa Cruz "treehouse" is for you. It's a rental we found through Airbnb and it was perfect for a Santa Cruz vacation. We use the quotations around treehouse because it's not built up into a tree but instead situated among the trees.

We liked being near Santa Cruz for fun day adventures but then being able to relax and rewind away from everyone. Part of the Santa Cruz vibe is appreciating nature so what better way to drink coffee than watching the sun come up over the trees.

Where to Eat

Bistro One Twelve at The Tannery

Some of the locals consider Bistro112 to be a coffee shop but it is so much more than that. They have a small menu but a good variety.

We went for breakfast where Kelsey ordered avocado toast but Phil opted for a ham and cheese (even though it was 8:30 in the morning).

For the rest of the day, you can choose from plenty of salads, sandwiches and flatbread pizzas. Then enjoy an adult beverage of beer or wine. If you find yourself there on a weekend you get to enjoy a special brunch menu complete with a mimosa bar.

Pearl of the Ocean

This place has the best Sir Lankan cuisine and plenty of vegan options. There are also some great meat dishes too. Their best menu option is to get two or three dishes as a combined meal so you can try a few choices at one time.

Everything is organic and made fresh in the restaurant. You can select varying degrees of spice so don't worry about something being too hot for you. They serve wine and beer in addition to some great tea options.

We like this place so much that every time we are in Santa Cruz we make sure to eat here. Their dinner menu does have more options but the lunch menu still has some yummy choices.

It has a very relaxed environment and at times the food takes some time to come out. Since it's made fresh we never mind.

Pour Taproom

Basically, this place is heaven for beer lovers. As far as food goes this is more of bar food and/or appetizer feel but it still has some delicious choices. It may not be enough for a full meal but the beer choices more than makeup for that. There are also board games to play which really adds to the atmosphere

When you go in you get a bracelet that can be scanned at any of the taps along the wall. There are over 20 options ranging from dark to light, IPA to stouts. There are also some ciders and kombuchas to choose from as well. You can select a sample or a full pour and try as many as you like...just make sure to drink responsibly.

What to Do

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

With the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, you get great views and a fun time. It's an amusement park on a boardwalk right on the beach. Just like any amusement park, there are rides, games and great snacks.

There is a roller coaster called the Giant Dipper that is a must ride and pretty well known to Santa Cruz natives. You do have to buy tickets to ride the attractions but to get in and walk around is free.

There is also an indoor section with a more arcade feel and indoor putt-putt golf. This way even if it's too hot or cold there is still something to do. 

The Mystery Spot

The mystery spot is very hard to explain but it's very enjoyable and definitely worth the money. Tickets are about eight dollars a person and we STRONGLY suggest buying in advance. When you buy the tickets you can pick a time/date and if you go in person you will most likely have to wait for available times.

The mystery spot is a mix of urban legend, illusion, and standup comedy mixed into one 45 minute tour. The tour guides really make the experience but the attraction itself is really cool to see. At the very least, the mystery spot offers a lot of really cool Instagram worthy pictures.

There is a trail on-site as well but we have yet to check it out. Parking is also on-site but costs about five dollars a car. The place is located off the beaten path so there really is no better option for parking.

We hope our travel guide for Santa Cruz, California will give you inspiration and help you plan your next trip. Enjoy the hippie vibe and the love of nature. Happy Adventuring!

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