I came here on a Thursday afternoon. First time here from the bay. Parking was easy to find, it's…read moresomewhat on street parking, and then there's a small little section near the beach for parking too. It is usually a paid parking, but I think this month of December for Christmas, one of the store staff told me that it was free this month. Because I was looking for the pay station and he said for Thanksgiving and Christmas, this month is free. That's super nice of the city to do that. I also saw that there was a banner in town that this month is free for parking. Also, very surprisingly it was a very warm day today. It was like 70° for December! I'm like freezing back at home in San Francisco with 55° at 10 AM. Beach was very empty. Maybe like two groups that went surfing. Definitely recommend coming here to see the village, I've still has its colors. I was told that it faded a little bit, but still beautiful to visit.

Quality/Quantity - Not 100% sure where the village starts and/or ends. But we enjoyed all of…read moreCapitola (Village). My wife and I walked our first day here, but then ran out of time as it quickly became happy hour, lol. I hit two breweries on the first day. On our 3rd day, we took our daughter. A much more leisurely walk, no happy hour today. Well not true, we will hit a HH when we get back home. See all my pictures here and posted on "City of Capitola." Atmosphere - On my 3rd day, I finally found a "brewery"/tap room; too bad I will not be drinking until we get home. Service - Depends on what you do, eat, or drink. Price - Depends on what you do, eat, or drink. Owner Comment - So much history. Congrats on your success from over 2000 years ago. See website for more information.

I visited this museum, in December of 2025. And it is almost Valentine's Day, 2026 so I am late to…read morerecord my experience, I understand that. But I rather take down the Christmas on Super Bowl weekend than wait to take the lights down near the 4th of July. I went to this place on my first trip to Santa Cruz. And I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of this place, and its focus on Santa Cruz Culture. Thorough out my life, I have heard that Santa Cruz is known for crystals, and forest green. But on my trip here, I learned that Santa Cruz is also famous for surfer culture, As some of the pictures, demonstrate surf boards, like cups, hair styles, and volcanoes, come in a variety of lengths, shapes, colors and purpose. I also learned that surfing has its origins from Hawaii, and even though I did not know that, it totally makes sense. I will never be on a surf board, catching a big wave, while the breeze hits my face, and pelicans fly above, but by visiting this museum I learned the historical value of the surf movement that waved hello, initially, in Santa Cruz by way of Hawaii. My favorite room was that one that reflected the beach and ocean vibe of Santa Cruz in place. The room was colored in a deep blue that did not resemble clear waters, more like the deep blue that is found when the ocean seems to be infinite. I am not sure the exact shade of blue that the room was painted in, but I will call it calming serenity blue, which is a close cousin to royal blue. If popcorn yellow and burnt cocoa brown are colors than mine can be colored too, I do not need Crayola level authority to christen colors. The pictures in the room continued my trance into serenity. The paintings showed these peaceful seascapes, where sky and sea became partners in a waltz, not interwoven as one, but paired into slow movement that induces stillness upon the viewer. Other pictures showed a calm beach, where the shore water had white froth as it met the sand. In the background, there was a rock formation and behind the rock formation was a tranquil sky brighten by subtle hues of a descending sun. Even as I reviewed the pictures for this yelp, I found the paintings to be, in a phrase: rest in ocean and pastel candy colored strokes. The room also had a speaker that played the sounds of the ocean, quietly about a chair. I allowed myself to transport myself to a beach shore, to experience the colors of the sea breeze. The museum also tried to educate others on its place in USA farm produce history. One of the pictures discusses the migration pattern by stating, "Today Mexican men, women and children cross the border voluntarily- but at great risk of violence and rape." This is just my opinion, but this sentence, is too broad yet to specific at the same time to accurately paint a picture of the migration experience of many Mexicans and by extension other people who seek to come to America to fulfill their version of the American dream. The way it is written, again from my interpretation, implies that the choice to come to America is one that is a "voluntary" decision like skipping or going to the gym, or using a credit card for a jacket when it does not fit your means. Meaning, that the word voluntary may ignore the vast conditions that push others to migrate, other than personal choice. But this is just one Yelper's opinion, if that makes sense. In another, poster, which I clipped, explains how Santa Cruz goes alternative. The poster explains that "Santa Cruz became a cauldron of cultural experimentation, neighborhood activism, intellectual exploration and environmental protection in the 1960s and 1970s." I think that the word cauldron here is not the right choice because a cauldron most often then not, holds a witches brew. And, most witches brews that are mixed in a cauldron, are meant to produce a potion that results in some type of calamity or curse. I know I may be nitpicking, but if a museum is going to report history, they should be prepared for a response, as history should be reported with objective caution, not editorial perspective. A better word, again in my opinion, would be site, like Santa Cruz became a site of.... this gives objective reporting, as a posed to imagery that a word like cauldron produces. I think, and thus I write. Angela Davis, said, according to a poster, I also clipped, " I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change, I am changing the things I cannot accept." I also really enjoyed playing with Christmas train models for about 10 to 15 minutes. I was not transported into the Polar Express, but, it was fun to turn on cabooses and view their speed and stops through the tracks. It was a zen kind of moment. The museum also had a sculpture garden and a picture of a man in front of a giant redwood that made me want to find a giant tree and walk inside its tunnel. I guess, what I am trying to say is that this museum has a lot to see and ponder about. I was stirred, and calmed, by it.

What a great find while visiting downtown Santa Cruz with my girlfriend! Such a relaxing experience…read morevisiting this museum, it wasn't busy and the exhibits are very simple. You really get to learn about the history of Santa Cruz and the surrounding cities. It was three floors and wasn't a crazy big museum. I enjoyed it a lot and it was affordable to enjoy. Definitely can be a cool add to your itinerary for Santa Cruz. Bathrooms are a bit spooky though haha, they are super dim and is very ominous! Could barely go anymore once I walked in.

This hidden shopping center is a favorite of santa cruz locals. kelly's bakery, santa cruz yoga,…read morescmb and numerous wine tasting opportunities abound here. there's a hair salon and lighting shop to boot. West end tap and brew provides food options. It's just short walk to Habitat for Humanity restore. Street and Humble Sea brewing is just behind the shopping center as well. Parking ample.

I love this little courtyard!! It's full of small local shops/businesses (there's a boutique, a…read moreyoga studio, a lighting store, a bakery, a brewery....and not importantly, a whole bunch of wineries). There's plenty of parking both in the lot itself (which extends out behind Bonny Doon so don't give up) as well as along Swift and Ingalls Streets. When my husband and I end up in Santa Cruz, we usually find ourselves here for a couple hours or so. It's great for some leisurely browsing and wine sipping! Out of everything, my favorite stops are the Vine Hill Barrel Room (incredible Chard & Pinot) and Kelly's French Bakery (macarons, /drool). Check it out if you haven't already!

This bridge was made famous in the 1987 movie, The Lost boys…read more Fantastic old railroad bridge. There is a clean, smooth, safe pedestrian walkway right next to the bridge if you want an easy crossing. But walking across on the bridge is definitely better. Don't bring little kids, because they might die. You could fall through the wooden beams if you were small. From the bridge you have a fantastic view of Santa Cruz beach and the river. Here's a YouTube video I made that might help. https://youtu.be/dnkCGaeHHDU

Great spot to watch the sea and surf. ‍…read more The statue is so Santa Cruz. It captures a bit of it surfing soul. The beauty is that it overlooks a super popular spot for flesh and blood surfers. ‍ ‍ Great views to the left where you can see a bit of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Pelicans can be spotted on occasion flying in formation or skimming the top of waves and sometimes surfers heads. A peaceful unique spot. Take a walk along the peaceful cliffs from the spot. Note: Parking is limited, so grab a place if you see it. Otherwise, park just an easy block inland and mosey on over for the views.

Located adjacent to Lighthouse Field State Beach, on West Cliff Drive, stands the bronze statue,…read more"To Honor Surfing". It was created by Thomas Marsh and Brian Curtis. The statue has a beautiful backdrop of expansive views of Monterey Bay. There is a plaque that notes the statue is "dedicated to all surfers, past present and future".

Davenport Jail, Cabrillo Hwy CA Sat 8/28/21…read more By virtue of curiosity I ventured around the Davenport Roadhouse and discovered this old Davenport Jail near The Slow Coast Wine Bar by Beauregard. This tiny facility holding two cells was built in the year 1914, I'm truly surprised. Obviously it saw little use in this peaceful community. I can hardly wait to tell you how cute this little jailhouse is! As local tails say it, the jail once held two boys from San Mateo, overnight, for stealing horses. It also held local drunks on occasion, till they sobered up. In 1936 new Front Street jail had opened in Santa Cruz, so naturally there wasn't much use for the Davenport Jail any more. There's a Davenport Cement plant nearby. The building is made out of Santa Cruz Portland Cement produced at the plant. In its present use, the jail became a museum of history of Davenport and the north coast region. It has been dedicated as historic landmark on June 21, 2014 by the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus Credo Quia Absurdum El Viceroy Marques De Branciforte Chapter 1797. When you're driving down Hwy 1, you might want to stop by and take a look. It's a few steps down from the Davenport Roadhouse. Great food and drinks if you so choose! Cheers, enjoy! Review with photos posted Sat 8/28/21 There's a sign on the wall But she wants to be sure 'Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings In a tree by the brook There's a songbird who sings Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven

We stopped by to go to the antique street fair. It seems…read morelike it got even bigger this year. Prices seemed to go up as well. I didn't bring my dogs because the announcement said no dogs allowed. It said it would be enforced. Yet it seems like I saw a lot of people with dog's. Still had a good time looking at all the antiques.

This is a neat spot to camp for a night on your way up or down the superfantastic coast of…read moreCalifornia! There is a KOA campground right at the entrance to the harbor. It's super clean and you can go 30 or 50 amp with the full hookup! You walk a short distance, 5 minutes on level, paved road and your there! Seals, bird and other things. SJSU studies marine biology at the end of nearby road which is also the gateway to the center of Monterey Bay. Almost a dozen start beaches and parks nearby. Large sample size on this review and this city has never disappointed. Headed back to the Pacific for more adventures!

Radically inclusive. Warm & welcoming. Efficient & skilled. Director Sharon & rest of the team…read morehelped me & my partner find an LBGTQ resource when we were in a pinch. So tha kful for this amazing mission driven part of our community(ies)! Thank you & Cheers!

I went here for the first time back in August this year for their full moon ritual and despite not…read morebeing extremely spiritually practiced I felt pretty comfortable and even met some nice people my age. Now here in November I decided to invite my friends to their New Moon event in hopes for a similar experience. We were a little late only due to all the freeway entrances being closed from Watsonville aka something out of our control and not intentional. Last time in August a group of 5 were late and they didn't seem to mind at all! So we were about 15 minutes late, and while I'm not actually upset about this too much, I do wish in the description for the event they would tell you more of what you will do. In the description of the event they don't tell you that you will be pushed to be close with others and touch them after walking around to music and doing protective poses. They don't actually describe most of what you will do, just what the things you will be talking about are. These activities are definitely for more extroverted people who also don't mind touching others or being close, so for my friends and I who just aren't very comfortable doing that, it felt like we were a little scrutinized for not doing the same thing everyone else was doing even though we were trying, we were just a bit shy about it. So if you are more introverted or perhaps anxious around others like me, this place might be hard for you. They did make a comment about how some of us weren't doing the same as others, if they had said you would be doing something like that during the event we would not have gone as to respect the people who do want to do that. We made the decision that the event wasn't for us after staying for about 40 min which anyone should be allowed to do in my opinion, for an event based on being true to yourself and respecting your community simultaneously along w other things, you'd think they'd respect if you decide it's just not your cup of tea, especially after how the energy in there wasn't as positive as you'd think it would be. We decided on the right time to get up and leave and said thank you but that we were leaving, and my friend added on what she enjoyed about the event before we walked to leave. We were all respectful and tried to leave quietly. The event runner had passive aggressively told us that maybe next time we should show up on time and stay through the whole thing, and once we got out of there we decided we weren't comfortable with coming back. I think they talk a lot about their community being accommodating and also paying attention to yourself and what you enjoy and don't enjoy and listening to that, but they don't seem to actually want to put that into practice themselves. I also feel like if you're not advanced in spiritual practices and don't have a ton to say because you're not as knowledgeable you're also kindof looked down on as I felt that a little last time. We had RSVPd, but simply decided it wasn't for us. In our opinions that should be allowed and unfortunately I won't be coming back just as I don't feel like I can actually be my own person in there in a space that is meant to be for that. Once we left and went somewhere else the general attitude felt so much more positive. I don't feel like I can come here and be my true queer self like I should. Update: I've now been told by a few people I know that they had similar experiences after coming here, where they felt judged and could not be themselves while in this space that seems to talk a lot about caring for others and being understanding and kind.