Things To Do
La Burrita Food Truck
One of our favorite taco trucks, located in Campbell(SJ side). Check out their carnitas tacos, quesabirria, and birria ramen! In the parking lot of a gas station so don't be confused when you drive up.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
An adorable tourist hotspot in Santa Cruz. Ride the roller coaster, play black light mini-golf, walk to the wharf and see the sea lions!
A Slice of New York
Best New York style pizza we've found since we moved here. They order their cheesecake and tiramisu from LI, so....yea. In case you're missing home.
Marianne's Ice Cream
Our favorite local ice cream shop! So many flavors and all of them are amazing. Order online and pickup if you want to beat the lines.
Castle Rock State Park
One of the best parks for hiking with a view. You can see both the bay and the ocean from different points in this skyline state park. Parking is $10/day, come early for a spot or late enough to catch a second wave
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
One of our favorite parks in the mountains with redwoods. You can enter at multiple points but the main entrance in Felton has an easily accessible, paved old growth groves for those who are looking for awe inspiring trees without the hike (paid parking). For those who don't mind the hike, there are also miles of trails that can be entered by parking alongside the road on either side of the park and walking in on foot (free parking).
Abbott Square Market
A ritzy food court connected to the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. Right on the main drag of downtown Santa Cruz, you can get food and drinks with live music on the weekends.
Yakini Q SJ
AYCE Korean bbq with no frills
Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company
Coffee shop in LG
Icing on the Cake
Delectable deserts at this bakery in Los Gatos. Cupcakes, cookies, you name it!
Summit Store Inc.
Mountain grocery store well stocked with basics, beer and local wine selection, hot food, sandwiches and sushi. Super helpful you are staying in an AirBnb near us, or if you need something last second on the day of the wedding. About 5 minutes away, only convenience store nearby.
Taqueria Jalapenos Y Pupuseria
Good burritos, even better pupusas. We especially love the Revuelta and Loroco!
Thrifting in Santa Cruz!
Come check out one of Santa Cruz's many thrift shops along Pacific Ave and pick up something funky. Fun store are Moon Zoom, Cat's Meow, Cognito, and Love me Two times.
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
This little ramen spot is in the foodcourt of a japenese supermarket but its one of our favs. Check out the cute bookstore next door if you have time!
La Costenita ( Food Truck)
More taco trucks. Try one of their many Agua Fresca flavors!
Hapa's Brewing Company
Local brewery in Los Gatos
Capitola
A fun beach town with plenty of shopping and surfing (but not a ton of parking).
Winchester Mystery House
We visited here on our first trip to San Jose. A fun tour for history and architecture buffs and fans of intriguing ghost stories. This is also the 100th anniversary!
Mount Umunhum
The tallest peak near us in the mountains, named for the hummingbirds native to the area. You can drive pretty close to the peak and see the entire Bay Area from the south. Also has a sacred ceremonial space of the Amah Mutsun at the top!