santa cruz (CA) quickie
Santa Cruz is a favorite spot of mine for relaxed vibes + summer surf. Spend most of your time lounging on the beach, playing in the surf, riding bikes, etc. but make sure to stop in alluv these spots during your visit as well.
PLANNING ALLUVTHETHINGS.
Verve Coffee. There are multiple locations, although my fav is located at 816 41st Ave. Stop in for a cold brew + a (small) sweet treat from the case.
Walk across the street to Freeline Surf Shop (located at 821 41st Ave) + rent a board/suit for the day/wkend. They will be able to give you some good advice on where to spend your day, although I recommend checking out "The Hook". Depending on your experience level, you may want to check out this guide here to find the best spot for you. Need a new swimmer? Check out Billabong Santa Cruz located at 4105 Portola Ave.
Return your board + grab a slice of pizza at Pleasure Point (located at 4000 Portola Drive). This is a local's fav, and has the so called best pizza in Santa Cruz.
Sweet-tooth? Not to worry. The Penny Ice Creamery (located at 820 41st Ave) makes alluv the most amazing in-house flavs.
Beer Thirty Bottle Shop & Pour House. Located at 2504 S Main Street. Go for their good vibes, beer selection on draft (and in their case), outdoor seating (picnic tables), ping pong, corn hole, etc. NOTE they do not serve food, but you can bring your own in.
(zzz..)
You can't leave Santa Cruz w/o grabbing brunch at Harbor Cafe. This is a local's fav. Expect great food (large plates), dangerous Bloody Mary's, and a long line (you can order your bloody while you wait).
STRIPE located at 107 Walnut Ave is a a fav spot to shop featuring clothing items, gifts, accessories, etc. (STRIPE MEN - the brother to STRIPE is worthy of a pop-in next door)
Recommendation: Find a bike + explore this surfer town + get lost.+ see what you get into.
That's all for now...
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