Neighborhood Guide

Discover the Best Things to Do in Santa Cruz with Surf City Rentals’ Neighborhood Guide!

Pleasure Point

Capitola

Pleasure Point’s commercial center is just a short walk from the Pleasure Point beach – at 41st Avenue and Portola Drive. Browse the quirky local shops, high-end boutiques, and numerous art galleries in the downtown corridor. You’ll find an eclectic mix of vintage shops, surf stores, home goods and coastal decor boutiques, and more.

Head to the Beach

You’re visiting Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz County, California, so you know the beach has to be on your to-do list. Fortunately, the area has several excellent options to choose from. One of the most notable is, of course, Pleasure Point Beach. A popular Santa Cruz surf spot, Pleasure Point Beach offers a view of the beautiful coast and plenty of space to enjoy a picnic with the family. 

Insider Tip: Pleasure Point is the setting for the cult-famous surf movie Chasing Mavericks. To see where the movie was filmed, visit Pleasure Point Beach, Pleasure Point Park, and East Cliff Drive.

Grab a Bite to Eat

Once you’ve had your share of surf and sun, hit the shade and grab something delicious to eat. Pleasure Point offers an eclectic assortment of Mexican food, burrito joints, and ethnic cuisine. There is something to satisfy all taste buds!

Local favorites include The Penny Ice Creamery, Pleasure Pizza, and the food trucks at the weekly Live Oak Farmers Market.

Hit the Stores

There’s a reason why Capitola-by-the-Sea has been recognized for being the ultimate oceanside getaway. Literally within minutes, you’ll have sand between your toes as you try to choose which ocean-front restaurant you should try first. 

Shopping, beach activity rentals, wine tasting, and award-winning events can be accessed within just a couple blocks of your new headquarters, where driving isn’t necessary and resort living is right outside your front door.

Seabright

Located on the shores of the stunning Monterey Bay, Pleasure Point stands as a jewel in Santa Cruz County. Renowned as a surfer's haven, it hosts over a dozen famous surf breaks that attract enthusiasts globally, and is notably the residence of Jack O'Neill, the wetsuit innovator and founder of O'Neill Clothing.


This neighborhood boasts a walkability score of 100%, offering convenient access to coffee shops, surf stores, craft breweries, and boutiques, enticing visitors to prolong their stay. Whether you're exploring East Cliff Drive on a beach cruiser or by foot in flip-flops, this emblematic area offers everything you could want. It's clear to see why Silicon Valley's elite choose to locate their beach house 'offices' here, where the refreshing sea breeze and views of Monterey Bay are just a step away.

Whether visiting Pleasure Point for leisure or business, you'll discover numerous exciting attractions in this charming coastal village. Make sure to explore these attractions during your stay at Pleasure Point.

Westside

The Westside neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most iconic attractions, including the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a classic amusement park featuring thrilling rides, delicious food, and live entertainment. Other highlights of the Westside include the Natural Bridges State Beach, famous for its natural rock formations and abundant wildlife. 


For the science lovers, why not visit the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, an educational marine science museum. Who said vacations can’t be educational?


Craft breweries and wine tasting are very popular here, and make for the perfect date night or night out with friends. Lest we forget the iconic West Cliff Drive walking path, all of which should be on your places to explore list when visiting this northern portion of Santa Cruz. 

While farm-to-table-style restaurants and surf shops are tucked into this unique commercial/residential neighborhood, you can also hike and bike the trails that extend from the sea to mountain tops that overlook the great Pacific.

Seabright is a laid-back neighborhood with a small beach vibe. Here, you can relax on the Seabright State Beach, a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. Why not explore Santa Cruz Harbor, a picturesque marina with a variety of restaurants and shops. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is also accessible from Seabright, just a short walk away.

When we say the sand is literally steps away, we mean it. All our Seabright area homes let you live like a local, as they’re located in the heart of this coveted neighborhood. Seabright has its own craft brewery, farm-to-table restaurant district and popular beach-side restaurants and recreation.

While being located seconds from the sand is what these homes are all about, you’ll also be just minutes from the Santa Cruz Warriors arena and downtown Santa Cruz’s Pacific Avenue, where you can dine and shop to your heart’s desire

Downtown Santa Cruz is a vibrant area filled with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. Take a stroll down Pacific Avenue, the main street of downtown, and discover all the unique shops with eclectic souvenirs. Curb your cravings at one of the many restaurants with local flavors, all within a few blocks bursting with amazing finds!

If you are interested in family-friendly activities, you can also visit the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, an interactive museum showcasing the region’s diverse wildlife and ecology.

Aptos

Are you looking for a quiet beachfront community where you can relax, unwind, and recharge? Aptos is calling your name. Located in beautiful Santa Cruz County, Aptos includes the Rio Del Mar, Seacliff, historic Aptos Village, and Seascape areas. 

Aptos is also the gateway to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. This is where hikers, bikers, and recreationists of all kinds take advantage of the 10,000 acres of trails, redwood groves, and panoramic views of Monterey Bay. 

Whether you’re visiting Aptos for business or enjoying a family getaway, you’ll soon find that this seaside escape offers a truly unique experience.

Downtown Santa Cruz

Top 5 Questions

What are some must-see attractions in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz is known for its iconic attractions, such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Natural Bridges State Beach, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. These attractions offer something for everyone and are a great way to experience the culture and natural beauty of the city.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz is a nature lover’s paradise, offering numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Some popular options include hiking through the redwood forests, surfing or swimming at the beaches, kayaking or paddle boarding in the Monterey Bay, and biking along the coastal trails.

What are the best neighborhoods to stay in when visiting Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a variety of neighborhoods to choose from, each offering its own unique charm. Some popular neighborhoods for visitors include the Westside, which is close to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and other attractions; the Eastside, which is home to a variety of shops and restaurants; and Seabright, which offers a relaxed beach town vibe.

What is the best time of year to visit Santa Cruz?

The best time to visit Santa Cruz is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and sunny, and the beaches are bustling with activity. However, the spring and fall months (April-May and September-October) also offer mild weather and fewer crowds.

What are some family-friendly activities to do in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities for kids of all ages. Some popular family-friendly attractions include the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Mystery Spot, and the Roaring Camp Railroads. Additionally, the beaches and parks offer plenty of space for kids to play and explore.