While revisiting the Santa Cruz Wharf and Pier, my daughter, our friend, and I decided we needed a little sweet treat to keep us going, so we stopped at Marini's. My daughter and I both went with the cookie dough ice cream, and it was SO good. It wasn't just little pieces of cookie dough either--it had big chunks of chocolate mixed in, which made it even better. Our friend got the almond mocha and loved it as well. We both got the fun cones that were dipped in different chocolates, which looked as good as they tasted. I went with the basic plain cone, and honestly, it was perfect too. It was such a nice little treat to sit in the sunshine, enjoy our ice cream, and watch the sea lions barking and playing in the water. The shop is cute and has plenty of other things you can purchase, but we were mainly there for the ice cream. One thing I will mention is that there wasn't anywhere inside to wash your hands. After walking around the pier and touching everything, we definitely could have used a sink! There is a bathroom nearby, but we didn't think about using it until after we'd already ordered. The staff was kind enough to give us a cup of water, so we went outside and did our best to clean our hands that way. The service was great, the ice cream was delicious, and we were told that everything is made locally, which I always love supporting. Overall, it was the perfect little sweet stop while enjoying the wharf and watching the sea lions. Definitely worth grabbing a scoop if you're in the area! read more

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Customer service was a 5 it was great :) they have a huge variety on candy ! However the fudge on the ice cream was heavy & the ice cream quality was alright ! read more

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Went to the one by the wharf/ pier & usually enjoy our trip to this store. but last week, this older brunette lady was the one helping most of the customers & she's bit aggressive & unfriendly. She loudly telling a customer in a rude tone that she's going to help them when she's done w wtf she's doing. she's the one who helped me too unfortunately & she's very short & rude to me too saying" if i don't buy the prepackaged taffy then she'll charge me 25c per candy. & she did. their weighing scales are not showing the weight & prices of the other candy i bought & she was punching numbers & felt she overpriced my purchases. she's ick & giving Karen vibe. we visit santa cruz every 2 & m not visiting this store anymore. read more

Towards the end of the Santa Cruz pier is Marini's. They offer a candy shop, ice cream, smoothies and a host of other treats. My friend indulged in a milk shake and I tried the chocolate cinnamon ice cream. They hand dip their cones so of course I had to get a waffle cone, which is one of my favorite things. The pier is a fun place to walk. Please come and create your own adventure. read more

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A classic candy/ice cream shop on the wharf with impeccable service always with a smile. Candies and trinkets arranged nicely in a clean cozy shop. If you have a craving for taffy this is your place. read more

Marini's Candies - Taffy - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

We love it! Bought salt water taffy. Kept going back to buy some more. Wish the bags were bigger.

This place is pretty big on the inside and well organized. A lot of people were there for ice cream. I was looking for my favorite chocolate covered gummi bears. I ended up buying 1 pound because I hardly see them anywhere anymore. I also bought a variety of other chocolates. When it came time to pay I was caught off guard $36 /lb for each bag. I took a breath and handed my card lol.. where else can I get it? read more

I went to the wharf for the first time today. I was feeling more like a hot drink on a cool autumn's day. This is the only coffee / cafe type place on the wharf. I went for the hot white mocha. It was very delicious. I liked the selection of sweets and some touristy gifts. It had an old world vibe and and it's pretty cramped. This is more of a place where you pick up a hot drink to walk around the wharf with. Service was pretty good given that I was around tourist families too. read more

Marini's Candies - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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We were craving a sweet treat and saw this on our way to the pier. They have bunch of different stuff from candies, to fudge, to ice cream and everything in between. They have little souvenirs and stuffed animals. My husband got the chocolate dipped Oreos and was pleasantly surprised because it also had a Reese's peanut cut in the middle as well. He loved it. We go the strawberry banana smoothie and the squeeze play smoothie and my daughter go ice cream. It was all good and hit the spot. read more

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Review #870 Posted on 3.17.25 We came here for some salt water taffy and other treats on Thursday the 13th. This place is world famous for their taffy, and they've got tons of other stuff there too, including other candy, ice cream, etc. This location is on the actual wharf on the ocean, they've got another famous location on the actual Santa Cruz beach boardwalk too. One thing I've learned with salt water taffy over the years is, I stay away from the mint & sour flavors, but that's just me. If you stop by Santa Cruz, you have to experience some salt water taffy from Marini's. read more

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A kids dream! There is so much candy and chocolate I dare you not to find something. The ice cream is diverse and huge scoops. The staff are very helpful. It's bigger than it looks and you could get lost. Feels like Willy wonkas in the beach. read more

I've generally liked to come here the last 15 years for random coffee and snacks. Today I came in and it looked dead the the two girls working were just talking so I asked if they were open and she just looked at me and ignored me. I said whatever I went to the bar where I usually order my coffee and they are legit still talking and gossiping for the next 5 minutes while I'm waiting to order their coffee and just ignoring me. Weird customer service skinny small dark skinned girl and the bigger white girl. read more

Marini's candies is such a Santa Cruz classic with locations at the Boardwalk and then this one on the wharf. The wharf location is at the very end of the shops on the wharf. There is a lot of parking out there. As soon as we got out of our car, we could get the sea lions. We stopped to watch them for a little before heading into Marini's for some taffy and other treats. The girl working was super awesome and got me a bunch of bags of taffy. They give you a little card and you can circle which flavors you want. Then they let you keep the card so you know what is in the bag. Whenever I visit, I try to stop in to get some taffy for myself and to bring back to my friends and family. My personal favorite flavors are the peanut butter and watermelon, but I would recommend trying different flavors! We also got some chocolates and fudge that were delicious. They have a fridge with a different beverages including cans of Diet Cokes. They also have a cafe menu for coffee. They also had a bunch of other things for sale like plushies and Christmas ornaments. It's super adorable inside and feels very nostalgic. I would highly recommend visiting and getting some treats. read more

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Overpriced big time. The candy is ok , they have some interesting candies but cost alot.

Dropped in at the end of the day in Santa Cruz. My wife and I wanted something sweet. She opted for a hot chocolate, I opted for a milkshake and we both picked up some homemade chocolates. This place is small but they have different areas that you can pay so you don't have to wait in a long line. The staff was friendly and I loved my chocolate covered bacon. Yum! read more

Marini's Candies - Menu - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

The best thing about this delightful candy shop/Ice cream polar/ non-alcoholic bar, is that there is a smaller, but just as great if not greater location on the West side. Yummmmy and always has been. I am 34, and since I was a kid I go to this spot for a good happiness boost. Life has kinda been stressful, I'm gonna go check it out get myself a jawbreaker. Quality, clean, and legendary. read more

Oh, how disappointing. We were in Santa Cruz this past week and stopped in to the store on the wharf. Everything looked so good. Bought a pound of the saltwater taffy and brought home to Texas. My wife is from Boston and we've made many trips to the east coast, Rockport, etc. great taffy there. The Marini's taffy while not bad tasting, it's packaging is disappointing. Pieces half the size what we're used to in much larger wrappers. Makes you think you're getting more than you are. read more

Marini's Candies - Saltwater taffy - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Went to the Marini's to get some real old fashioned salt water taffy while in Santa Cruz for a business retreat. What a complete waste of time and money. Made me miss the wonderful taffy from Monterey. The candies are small, about half the size of a regular salt water taffy, and flavorless. I tried 4 different colors (flavors) and they all pretty much tasted the same - a bit like how shampoo smells. And each piece cost 25 cents? Yowz. The chocolates were okay, but I really couldn't find the caramel in the caramel ones - sort of like getting popcorn chicken where all it is, is the breading with no chicken. Save your money and go to a place that still cares about the product and not the touristy vibe. Was extremely disappointed. read more

Cozy chocolate and ice cream shop right on the pier. I was impressed with how generous a double scoop was and appreciated that their selection was Santa Cruz made. My kiddos enjoyed their ice cream listening to the seals hoot and haw! I would do it again. read more

Food Always leave with a big happy heart Service Always helpful and patient Ambiance Layed back if I lived in the 50's this would be a blast from the past Candy for all and cute keepsakes for kiddos and older kids ;) Must try the peanut butter smoothie it's like a peanut butter cup but oh so much :)) Must come if you missed it at the other two locations definitely make a pit stop here read more

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Great coffee bar and the staff was very friendly and helpful. However,We bought two bags of taffy, one regular and one sour to share with family and friends when we got back home. There have been a few comments on here about the taffy tasting off. We agree and everyone who tried it back home said the same. The taffy was hard and tasted old. There are no "best buy" or "enjoy by" dates on the bags so it's hard to tell how long they have been in there. The ice cream looked great and again, the cappuccino had was delicious. It's just a shame to get home 500+ miles away to taste old taffy. read more

Marini's Candies - The sour bag of the two bags we purchased. - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Couldn't help but stop into this candy store on the pier. I bought some salt water taffy and I couldn't help but eat the whole bag on our way home. read more

Marini's Candies - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Only kind worker that treated me professionally was Kaylee. The rest of the staff either dismissed me while I was asking to buy something being on their phones or taking other customers that just came in while I was waiting to be serviced. She worked with a white male with glasses and another white female. read more

Felt like a mom and dad shop at first...but really what makes t hi s place unique is the set up. Felt like was walking in a maze. If you're looking for truffles head to the very left of the store. Also be warmed: it's at the end of the dock and it's quite a long walk from beginning of the pier. read more

Marini's Candies - Truffles! - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I was born and raised in San Jose, and have very good memories of this candy store out in Santa Cruz. I live in Washington now I still will never forget this amazing candy. I ordered a big basket for my neighbor, for Christmas because I wanted him to experience the best candies. It was a huge hit! The basket that I ordered was jampacked with so many beautifully crafted goodies. I now want some for myself read more

Marini's Candies - This picture really doesn't do it justice. I received it in a huge carefully packed box and it was so absolutely beautiful. - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

The dude and I came to Marini's Candies in Santa Cruz during Fathers Day Weekend 2021. We decided to come here as me being a princess I wanted ice cream (I can't go more than 24 hours without a Frozen Treat). There are two entrances which we entered through where all the cars are parked kinda slanted to the side. We couldn't tell they were open or not but Gee Golly Whiz! They were was it was so busy inside! We toured the store looking at their edible and non edible treats and knit knacks. They have taffy, chocolates, ice cream, milk shakes any and every treat you desire. The staff was very friendly and the line moved pretty quick. I ended up getting a Brownie Banana Ice Cream scoop. The dude ended up getting two scoops of ice cream as well. He also bought a unique Oakland A's bottle opener which was nice. After we paid for our frozen treats we romanticly walked the Pier and enjoyed ourselves watching the ocean and eating our delicious frozen treat. I think the dude ended up finishing my cone as I was so Princess Full. I absolutely fell in love with this place. I love Candy and Treat Stores totally awesome! It's so princess and fun to explore the places. Although I don't eat a lot of candy. I sure do eat a lot of frozen treats! I highly recommend to come out this cute shop with all their high end treats! You won't be disappointed at all!! read more

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If there is a candy shop on a beach anywhere, odds are, I'm going to go inside and buy something for my family! Today though, it was my sweet daughter who treated us to some truffles! Everything looked really nice, and it smelled good. I will come back and try more things next time too. read more

Taffy tasted odd. Staff was attentive and location is fun toward far end of pier. Plenty of candy and ice cream options. read more

Even though I've been going to the wharf for many many years, this was my first time getting ice cream from Marini's on the wharf. (We usually go to Marianne's.) We we're very impressed with the flavors (They're unique & delicious). All the ice cream was from 2 different local creameries, which is important to us. I was also impressed that they were reasonably priced too! read more

Marini's Candies - Dirty Paws + Vanilla Bean on a waffle cone - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

This was located on the Santa Cruz boardwalk and say many different flavors of salt water taffy. Also had to dig into some caramel and cinnamon candied apples. It was fun after checking out the beach and seeing some colorful displays of sugar. Nice welcoming place and would for sure return. read more

Marini's Candies - My goodies - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I love this place! I will always come here for a sweet treat! Just went there this past weekend and purchased the peanut butter chocolate fudge as well as the sea salt taffy, some truffles, and sour strips. I am never disappointed when I come here. I'm waiting for the cold season- so I can order a cup of the heir hot chocolate. It is the best. read more

We haven't had saltwater taffy from Marini's for several years. It was by far the best. Since we were in the Bay Area we made a special trip to Santa Cruz yesterday to Marini's. We bought over $50 of their Taffy and were very disappointed, the pieces were about half the size and the flavors were hard to distinguish expect cinnamon. Don't waste your money nothing from what it used to be. read more

Born and raised Santa Cruz - I will always love this place & the family behind it. I love small business This place is an institution. As an adult, I now bring my kids when we are back in town visiting. This morning was another time. The candy was amazing and the service was pretty good. My only complaint is I had to ask to be helped while the 3 employees all talked ignoring me & the kids. The store was dead. But once I asked for the help the lady was very friendly and kind. Like candy ? Like ice cream ? Chocolate ? Fudge ? Taffy ? I would stop by and pay this pose a visit read more

Marini's Candies - a woman in a bakery - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Overpriced and low quality. The quality of the salt water taffy used to be fine years ago. We just bought some today and discovered the pieces to be half the size as before and they feel a lot more airy than before. You're are better off getting taffy from Trader Joe's or Safeway. read more

Really solid ice cream! Maybe some of the best I've ever had. We had Mocha fudge almond and Green (something)... it was like mint chip and sooooo gooood. Kids also enjoyed the wide assortment of sour gummies. read more

Convenient to have a candy, chocolate and ice cream shop on the wharf as well as next to the arcade. Chocolate and candy is very overpriced, for very basic candy you can find at the grocery store. Not sure if they make their chocolates in house. Chocolate is better quality then the candy, but still very overpriced. I ordered a piece of chocolate that measured maybe 2in long and maybe 1/2 wide, it cost $0.99 read more

Marini's Candies - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Last time I was here was 1999. The taffy was flavorful and delicious. Contrast that with my experience today to find the pieces are smaller than I remember and had no flavor. Not even the vanilla. I've had nougat with more flavor. After raving to my hubby how this would stack up against his Wildwood, NJ taffy, I was completely disappointed. The taffy he brought home from NJ was definitely better and more substantial. Not only that, but it was overpriced. Thirty-one dollars ($31) for a pound of taffy and 1/2 pound of fudge. Won't be going back. read more

Went there tonight for family hot chocolate The door was locked & young lady said they were closed @ 7:09! Website says many different hours of operation, but not 7pm! Confusing read more

Such an adorable little place, with everything from candies to caramel apples to fudge and coffee and ice cream to little stuffed toys and touristy stuff and gifts ... you'd be hard pressed to not find something here. We got their peanut apple and mint chocolate fudge as well as their walnut chocolate fudge.Warm customer service with a cool welcoming vibe, the sort of shop you could get lost in for a while, discovering little treasures and trinkets. The fudge, as it's wont to be, is dense and slightly chewy, both varieties we got were milk chocolate based. Why is that? I've never come across fudge that's dark chocolate. Their caramel apple was better in theory, but maybe that's because I'm hardly an expert.The prices are good and the place is centrally located, with a bunch of other restaurants and shops. Parking is on a lot on the premises, unless you luck out and find it on the street, but most of the streets are by residential permit only. read more

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BUYER BEWARE!! I ordered $40 of licorice mix and got 90% licorice jelly bellies and different pastilles than the picture on their website and different than the ones I purchased in store last November. I have written four times and called three times and no one has called me worst customer service I've ever seen in my life and I will never order from them again.!!!!! they have promised to call me back for a week now and still no one has called me. This is ridiculous. Change their product and they don't stand behind their changes. Terrible company.!!!!!! read more