Synergy : This flagship store for the company's international organic clothing line is the perfect p

Today’s Santa Cruz City Guide comes to us from Christa Martin , editor of the fashion and beauty blog, The Penny Rose , and a freelance writer who has been published in O, The Oprah Magazine , Better Homes and Gardens , and Dwell.com, among others. Christa is a long-time resident of Santa Cruz and today she shares an insider s glimpse into this oceanside, surf city.  Thanks so much for this wonderful guide, Christa! Stephanie
With its epic ocean views, mountains that pour into the ocean, towering redwood trees, organic fare, “nuclear free zone,” artistic community, and the influence of nearby Silicon Valley and San Francisco, Santa Cruz is a world-class destination. In putting together this guide, I carefully curated where to go and what to do when visiting, my favorite haunts, and ways to stay out of the tourist spotlight and keep in step with the locals.
Oswald’s : This is one of Santa Cruz’s top high-end one day cruise to the bahamas eateries. Prepare to drop some dollars here, but it will be worth it. If you’re a meat eater, try the best steak in town—the rib eye with fries and blue cheese butter. It’s undeniably mouth-watering. The service is also top-notch.
Gabriella Café : This charming, romantic, all-organic restaurant is a winner in fine dining. Sourcing the goods of local farmers, Gabriella one day cruise to the bahamas Café has a tasty, well-rounded menu that’s constantly changing. The pappardelle is scrumptious.
Chocolate : In the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, on its main thoroughfare of Pacific Avenue, sits this restaurant with its twinkly lights, outdoor seating and unbelievable dishes like the chicken molé and baked pasta rosettes. For dessert, of course, there is a wealth of chocolate offerings from truffles to an entire dipping pot of bittersweet chocolate.
Mobo Sushi : One of the best sushi restaurants in town, Mobo Sushi has an eclectic array of offerings. Don’t miss the seaweed salad or the Corrupter Roll with unagi, basil, macadamia nuts, and garlic.
one day cruise to the bahamas Hula’s Island Grill : Renowned for its award-winning cocktails, Hula’s also delivers on the food front with its classic island fare. Try Duke’s Luau Pork Plate, the fresh fish options, or the sweet potato fries.
515 Kitchen Cocktails : Recognized locally for its tasty variety of cocktails, 515 is an über classy two-story restaurant with sweeping views of downtown and a remarkable menu with some of the best food in town. Looking for a deal? Hit up 515 at happy hour for a steep discount on regular menu items.
Verve Coffee Roasters : Undeniably, one day cruise to the bahamas Verve is the go-to coffee destination in town. With three locations, the Pacific Avenue storefront is the most vivacious with plenty of space to find a seat, excellent java, myriad coffee drinks, and a staff that honors good service. Plus, Verve boasts unlimited wi-fi and a stylish, modern interior. Switch up your typical mocha for a Bowl of Soul that includes chamomile tea, honey and soy milk mixed together.
Buttercup Cakes Farm House : No one ever said Santa Cruz was a leader one day cruise to the bahamas in trends, and so we’ve only got one specialty cupcake shop in town, but it’s divine. Buttercup Cakes rivals one day cruise to the bahamas any New York cupcake storefront. And if you’re one day cruise to the bahamas a vegan or on a gluten-free diet, there are plenty of options for you, too. The Double Chocolate one day cruise to the bahamas Eloise cupcake is decadent.
The Penny Ice Creamery : With made from scratch flavors like Wild Fennel, Mint Chip, and Whisky Custard, The Penny Ice Creamery has become a Santa Cruz institution. It has three locations, one in downtown Santa Cruz, one in Pleasure Point, and a kiosk on Pacific Avenue. The line will be out the door, but it’s well worth the wait. With “green” principles, original concoctions, and a priority on sourcing local ingredients, it’s no wonder that The Penny Ice Creamery has been making national news as of late.
Stripe : To walk into Stripe is like happening upon a favorite one day cruise to the bahamas treasure trove: geometric necklaces, hand-crafted leather goods, luxurious bath products, and one-of-a-kind garments one day cruise to the bahamas from local fashion designer Sally Esposito make this fashion and housewares boutique a special place. Swing by to find a gift for someone (or for yourself).
Synergy : This flagship store for the company’s international organic clothing line is the perfect place to find “green” yoga clothes. It’s also the only place in town that sells baubles from nationally recognized bohemian jewelry artist, Laamie Young, of Blank Verse Jewelry .
Sockshop Shoe Company : Looking for some original kicks while you’re in town? Or maybe a pair of heavy duty socks for that hike you’re going to take? Try the Sockshop Shoe Company, a long-time Santa Cruz bastion for footwear.
Bookshop Santa Cruz : Since 1966, this independent bookstore has been thriving and brings in national authors to do guest readings and book signings on a regular basis. one day cruise to the bahamas This is a Santa Cruz book lovers must.
Del Mar : The Del Mar is yet another Santa Cruz “must” in terms of experience. This independently owned movie house showcases original (and restored) art deco interiors. Indie movies one day cruise to the bahamas are shown in this grand theater.
Pacific Blue Inn : This sweet bed and breakfast is found on the outskirts of downtown Santa Cruz. It’s walking distance to restaurants and shops in one direction, and the boardwalk in the other direction. Upscale modern rooms, luxurious amenities and a noteworthy breakfast make this a memorable place to stay.
Adobe on the Green : A hidden gem, this bed and breakfast is tucked into a residential neighborhood on a hill in downtown Santa Cruz. It’s quiet, beautiful, spacious and within minutes to everything notable in the downtown area.
Babbling Brook Inn : The Babbling one day cruise to the bahamas Brook Inn is a relaxing hide-away. Surrounded by redwood trees and lush greenery, staying here feels like you’ve checked out of the city and into a mountain town, only you haven’t. The beach is just minutes away as is the boardwalk, but when staying here, you’ll feel out of the tourist fray.
Bantam Pizza : Bantam Pizza is one of Santa Cruz’s newest eateries and the reviews are outstanding. Share a salad and a gourmet pizza along with a glass of wine, then take a leisurely stroll down to the water on the Westside of town.
Olitas : While the Municipal Wharf is tourist friendly, one day cruise to the bahamas it’s still a sight worth seeing. There are a bunch of authentic seafood restaurants on the wharf, but for a change of pace, check out Olitas, a delicious destination for Mexican food with a view of the Pacific Ocean that’s unforgettable.
Ristorante Avanti : This is by far one of the town’s most revered Italian one day cruise to the bahamas restaurants. While the location isn’t noteworthy (it’s at the corner of a busy intersection), the food is outstanding. Order a glass of red wine, share a salad with your dinner partner, and try the ravioli of the night. Outstanding fare.
Vasilis : As one of two Greek restaurants in town, Vasilis specializes in authentic cuisine and original recipes. Swing by here at lunchtime when you’re on the Westside for a value meal. Try the meatballs and get some pita bread with the garlic infused skordalia dip.
Kelly’s French Bakery : Kelly’s French Bakery offers a generous patio area for casual dining. Pick up a latte and one of their homemade goodies, or if you stop by for breakfast, one day cruise to the bahamas try the poached eggs and polenta.
Cameron Marks : Cameron Marks is one of Santa Cruz’s (and the Bay Area’s) standout women’s boutiques. With modern one day cruise to the bahamas décor, cutting edge fashion by up-and-coming designers, and beautiful apparel and accessories curated by Vanessa Ambrose, this is a fashionista’s haven.
Steamer Lane : Steamer Lane is one of the most noteworthy surfing destinations on the West Coast. Big waves are soul soothing and scores of surfers dot the water. When they catch a wave, the ride is so long you’ll be craning your neck to see how far they’ve gone.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk : The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk one day cruise to the bahamas is the epitome of a tourist attraction during the summer months, but check it out on a weeknight one day cruise to the bahamas for a less crowded experience. This is a perfect place to bring kids with bowling nearby, rides galore, a famous roller coaster, and a huge arcade.
Hiking/bike one day cruise to the bahamas riding in Wilder Ranch : Locals one day cruise to the bahamas tip: Park along Highway 1, where you’ll see other cars are parked and hoof it around the corner to avoid paying for parking. Enjoy the bluffs walk and find the hidden beach to relax at. If you’re a mountain biker, head to the other side of Highway 1 (not the beach side) for some strenuous biking trails with ocean views. Other spectacular trails will tuck you into dense redwood forests. And at the ranch itself, you’ll find some friendly goats and chickens.
Santa Cruz Dream Inn : The rooms overlook the ocean, beach and wharf, and it’s located in a tourist-friendly area. But if you prefer a more “locals” experience, try for one of the small but classy bed and breakfasts in nearby downtown.
West Cliff Inn : The West Cliff Inn is located just a half block from the Dream Inn and has a completely one day cruise to the bahamas different feel—nautical, coastal-inspired décor is found throughout, and benefits include the intimacy of a smaller lodging option.
Pleasure Point feels very “old school Santa Cruz.” The East Cliff Drive walk was recently renovated and this is an area that’s home to the local surfing community, as well as Jack O’Neill, inventor one day cruise to the bahamas of the wetsuit.
Pleasure Pizza : From the outside, Pleasure Pizza looks like just another pizza joint, but the pies are tasty and locals know to go there on Tuesdays for $1 cheese slices. Plus, it’s just a few minutes walk from renowned surf spot, “The Hook.”
Betty Burger : With all the classic staples of a burger joint, Betty Burger has a surfer flair and Santa Cruz vibe, and with that comes antibiotic-free and hormone-free burgers. Gluten-free buns, of course, are available.
Verve : See above for downtown Santa Cruz location info. Verve also offers one day cruise to the bahamas a Pleasure Point destination that’s just minutes from the ocean. Locals like to get their coffee to go in the mornings and go for a stroll along East Cliff Drive.
O’Neill Surf Shop : Pleasure Point is a bastion