There’s nothing quite like a summer day in Santa Cruz. After a long gloomy winter, the weather is finally warming up, and we’re ready to make the most of the beautiful summer months ahead. There are so many fun things to do in Santa Cruz, but when you’re traveling, it’s hard to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite local businesses. We could write a book on all our favorite things to do in Santa Cruz, so while this list isn’t exhaustive, it is a great jumping off point to begin planning your next vacation.
Being a business in this little seaside community is truly special. With two locations, our KindPeoples team has had the honor of providing enriching cannabis experiences to Santa Cruz locals and visitors for over a decade now. It’s no exaggeration to say we’re standing amongst giants; this community is home to so many incredible local businesses. This is our way to show love to some of the businesses we personally love and frequent, and of course, to help you have the best vacation in Santa Cruz.
BEST DISPENSARY IN SANTA CRUZ
KINDPEOPLES DISPENSARY
Ok, maybe we’re biased, but visiting KindPeoples is a non-negotiable on any Santa Cruz vacation. The perfect vacation would be incomplete without first stocking up on all the best cannabis goodies. We have two locations. One on Soquel Avenue and another on Ocean Street, so no matter what you’re staying, you’re never far from a KindPeoples Dispensary. Whether you’re shopping for cannabis gummies, pre rolls, flower, weed pens or all of the above, stop by KindPeoples to fuel your entire vacation.
BEST LOCAL COFFEE SHOPS
After you’re done shopping at KindPeoples, the next activity on the agenda obviously has to be coffee! Luckily, Santa Cruz is home to so many amazing local coffee shops.
COFFEE CONSPIRACY CO.
There’s no shortage of amazing coffee shops here in Santa Cruz. If you’re an early riser and want to get your day going early, there’s nothing like walking the pier before the crowds arrive with a hot coffee in hand. Stop by Coffee Conspiracy Co. and then take a stroll down the pier for the best view of the boardwalk. Say hi to the Sea Lions, breathe in the ocean air and enjoy the serenity.
COFFEETOPIA
If you’re specifically looking for the best dirty chai lattes, head on over to one of the many Coffeetopia locations in town.
BEST BREAKFAST SPOTS
After your coffee, it’s time for breakfast, and there’s no shortage of amazing options. If you’re looking for something quick and easy or somewhere you can sit down and laze about, these are our picks for the best breakfast spots. You know what makes breakfast taste even better? Camino gummies, particularly the CBG Freshly Squeezed flavor or their new 1:1 THC:CBD Mango Serenity flavor. Can you say, “good morning”?!?
Shop Camino Gummies at KindPeoples Ocean Street and KindPeoples Soquel Avenue.
THE BAGELRY
If you’re in the mood for a bagel, there’s no better place to visit than one of The Bagelry locations around town. Take your bagel to go and head to the beach for picnic in the sand!
THE POINT MARKET
Come for the breakfast burritos, stay for the view. This spot is unsuspecting and has easily some of the best breakfast burritos in town. After you get your food at Point Market, sit and enjoy your meal while looking out the ocean from this viewpoint.
ZACHARY’S RESTAURANT
Zachary’s Restaurant has been operating in downtown Santa Cruz since 1985, making them a pillar in our community! When you taste their house-made bread and sourdough pancakes, you’ll understand how they’ve managed such a feat!
BEST DAY TIME ACTIVITIES IN SANTA CRUZ
After you’ve fueled up at breakfast, it’s time to see all the beauty that our community has to offer. If you love Camino Gummies, we recommend you try the Lost Farm Chews for a day of adventure. Each chew is individually wrapped, making them great to throw in your bag for a day of adventure. The ideal travel companions!
Shop Lost Farm fruit chews at KindPeoples Ocean Street and KindPeoples Soquel Avenue.
UC SANTA CRUZ ARBORETUM & BOTANIC GARDEN
Find your inner Zen at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden. One hundred and thirty-five acres of rare and unique plants. This is the perfect activity to enjoy with a mid-morning buzz compliments of all the goodies you picked up from KindPeoples. Just be sure to consume beforehand as this is a no smoking facility.
SURFING AT DOG BEACH
Surfing is such a major part of the culture in Santa Cruz so even if you’re not ready to get on a board yourself, head over to Dog Beach formally known as Lighthouse State Beach, and spend the morning in the sun watching the surfers.
GARDEN OF EDEN
Looking to swim? Head over to the Garden of Eden on the San Lorenzo River. An idyllic swimming hole where you can enjoy the water and sunbathe on the shore. This is also a popular area for mountain biking!
SANTA CRUZ BOARDWALK
We’d be remiss not to suggest spending the day at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk! An iconic landmark, at least once in your life, you need to enjoy the food, beer and rides while looking out at the ocean.
BEST LUNCH SPOTS IN SANTA CRUZ
After all that exploring, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Santa Cruz has a variety of delicious options to choose from. These lunch destinations capture the flavor and charm of our coastal city.
THE CREPE PLACE
The Crepe Place serves an array of both savory and sweet crepes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Laze about on their garden patio or in their cozy indoor seating. Located inside a 120-year old building, The Crepe Place has been in business for over 50 years. Come enjoy the delicious food and check out their calendar to experience some live music or comedy in this unique venue.
THE GROVE
At The Grove, the menu features farm-to-table dishes crafted from organic, locally sourced ingredients. With its serene ambiance and lush garden setting, The Grove is the ideal lunch spot to recharge from all your morning adventures.
SALSA’S TACO BAR
If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, you need to stop by Salsa’s Taco Bar. They have amazing burritos and tacos, and a huge vegan menu, so everyone in your group is sure to find something they like!
ZOCCOLI’S DELICATESSEN
The Italian deli, Zoccoli’s Delicatessen, is a must-try. Get a sandwich to go and then head to Wilder Ranch State Park for some hiking or mountain biking.
BEST DINNER RESTAURANTS
Wondering where to eat for dinner? These downtown Santa Cruz restaurants will make the perfect addition to your vacation itinerary. Pair dinner with a pack of pre rolls from KindPeoples, the the ideal appetizer.
Shop pre rolls at Ocean Street and Soquel Avenue.
BAD ANIMAL
Located in downtown Santa Cruz, Bad Animal is not only a culinary adventure, it’s a full blown experience that shouldn’t be missed. Especially if you’re a book lover! Bad Animal is a natural wine bar and farm to table restaurant, located inside of an independent used bookshop. Enjoy their innovative dishes, find your next favorite book, and sip on delicious natural wine all in this one-stop shop. It’s a truly dreamy experience.
FULL STEAM DUMPLING
If you’re a fan of ramen and dumplings, you have to visit our friends over at Full Steam Dumpling. Their menu changes with the seasons to incorporate the freshest, in season local produce, which promises their handmade dumplings and ramen are bursting with flavor. Located at the historic Santa Cruz Art Center. They’re only open Wednesday-Saturday from 5-9 pm, so make sure you plan accordingly!
DINNER WITH A VIEW
If you’re coming to Santa Cruz, dinner with a view is non-negotiable. Santa Cruz has a variety of restaurants where you can dine while enjoying breathtaking views of the ocean for a memorable evening out. Pick up a pack of Cann from KindPeoples and enjoy a drink in the sand before heading inside for your meal.
Shop cannabis infused beverages at KindPeoples Ocean Street and Soquel Avenue.
JACK O’NEILL RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
Seafood at sea, now that is the definition of vacation bliss. The view at Jack O’Neill’s is about as good as it gets. If you like crab cakes, scallops, and clam chowder, it somehow gets even better! If you’re looking for a more elevated dinner spot during your vacation, you should definitely make a point of dining here.
MAKAI ISLAND KITCHEN & GROGGERY
Dine at Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery for a unique fusion of Hawaiian-inspired cuisine and stunning ocean views. With its vibrant tiki-themed decor and mouthwatering dishes, it’s the perfect vacation spot right on the Santa Cruz Wharf.
LIVE MUSIC VENUES
Name a better duo than live music and cannabis… Enjoy some Wyld Gummies, then head over to these local music venues to experience the live music scene in Santa Cruz.
Shop Wyld Gummies at KindPeoples Ocean Street Dispensary and Soquel Avenue Dispensary.
ABBOTT SQUARE
Nestled in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, locals and visitors alike gather in Abbott Square to enjoy live music in this vibrant space. Abbott Square offers a range of activities, from live music and art events to delicious dining options.
MOE’S ALLEY
Located in downtown Santa Cruz, Moe’s Alley offers a laid-back environment where patrons can enjoy live performances by local and touring artists. Their outdoor patio is a great space to kick back after a long day of adventures.
BEST BARS IN SANTA CRUZ
If you’re looking for some great drinks to pair with your cannabis products from KindPeoples, these bars are great additions to your itinerary.
HUMBLE SEA BEER GARDEN ON THE WHARF
Perched on the Santa Cruz Wharf, the Humble Sea Beer Garden offers stunning ocean views and delicious brews. Enjoy what’s on draft with an unbeatable view of the Pacific.
SANTE ADAIRIUS BREWERY
If you’re looking to spend the afternoon or evening sipping on beers, look no further than our favorite local brewery, Sante Adairius. Their location on Water Street, The Portal, also serves Detroit-style pizza from Bookies Pizza.
As a local business, it’s always fun to meet all the visitors passing through our neck of the woods. We hope you come into KindPeoples on your next trip through town and pay our friends a visit at all these wonderful businesses on our list.