NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES

santa cruz, scotts valley, aptos

Nestled amidst the redwood-studded hills of Santa Cruz County, Scotts Valley, with its small-town charm, is a picturesque retreat offering a serene escape.

Just a scenic drive away lies the Westside of Santa Cruz, near Swift Street, a dynamic neighborhood that seamlessly blends artistic vibrancy with historical allure. Swift Street itself is a canvas adorned with artisanal boutiques, galleries, and craft breweries, creating a haven for local artists and craft enthusiasts.

Meanwhile, Aptos, with its coastal beauty, adds another layer to the region's cultural mosaic. The historic Aptos Village showcases charming landmarks, including the iconic Aptos Village Park and the Bayview Hotel, embodying the area's rich past.

Together, Scotts Valley, the Westside of Santa Cruz, and Aptos form a triad of communities that not only embrace their natural beauty but also weave a narrative of artistic expression and historical resonance, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the multifaceted tapestry of this enchanting coastal region.

LoCAL SHOPS

Santa Cruz’s local shops embody a bohemian spirit, offering eclectic finds from surf boutiques to artsy markets, creating a vibrant and eclectic shopping experience.

local recommendations

Botanic and Luxe

A lifestyle boutique for dreamers, lovers and seekers. Roxy loves the B+L Gift Box. No pressure, they do all the work and it is perfect, everytime.

110 Cooper St Suite 100F, Santa Cruz
@botanicandluxe

COFFEE & Tea shops

Blend beachside vibes with artisanal brews, providing a relaxed atmosphere for residents and visitors to savor delightful coffee experiences.

local recommendations

Cat & Cloud (Aptos)

Opening in 2016, at 3600 Portola Ave in Santa Cruz Cat & Cloud started with eight team members and big dreams. Today, they have grown into four cafes, a stand alone roastery, and thriving wholesale partners around the world, all who share a passion for creating amazing experiences. Made famous with their steeped coffee bags, they offer a quick coffee option at home without the environmental footprint other brands have.

10 Parade ST STE A, Aptos
@catcloudcoffee

LoCAL Restaurants

Embrace coastal flavors, with seaside charm and diverse cuisines, creating a laid-back culinary scene that captures the city's unique and vibrant spirit.

local recommendations

West End Tap & Kitchen

For bites between wineries. Surrounded by shopping and wineries in the warehouse district. It is a fun day destination.

334D Ingalls St, Santa Cruz
@WestEndTap

The Pizza Series (Scotts Valley)

New Detroit Style Pizza place - Voted Best Of Scotts Valley 2023. Matt Driscoll’s work history reads more like a directory of Santa Cruz County pizzerias. The owner of The Pizza Series, the soon-to-open Scotts Valley restaurant he runs with his fiancée and business partner Maddy Quesada, started both his culinary and pizzaiolo career at the Aptos Domino’s in 1997.

226 Mt. Hermon Rd, Scotts Valley
@The_Pizza_Series

Laughing Monk - Faultline Brewing

Roxy loves this place as a stop over the hill en route to Santa Cruz. A recently opened brewery with food from Food trucks. Faultline Brewing Company just announced they are growing and combining forces with Laughing Monk Brewing. All locations - Scotts Valley - Sunnyvale - San Francisco will be united under the Laughing Monk Brewing and Gastropub banner. Although the Faultline name will retire, they will still have all our favorite beers (and even more), the same amazing staff, and our full menu.

262 Mt. Hermon Rd Unit 103, Scotts Valley
@faultlinescottsvalley

LoCAL wineries

Santa Cruz’s local wineries showcase boutique vineyards, scenic settings, and unique varietals, providing a delightful wine-tasting experience in the coastal beauty of the region.

local recommendations

Madson

As a standard, all of the vineyards Madson works with have been converted to 100% organic practices. They use only ecologically based pest controls and biological fertilizers including animal waste and nitrogen fixing cover crops to help regulate and maintain the health of soil microbes. Regenerative agriculture is a holistic farm system that enriches and sequesters carbon dioxide in soils, increases biodiversity, and improves watersheds.

328 Ingalls St Suite G, Santa Cruz
@MadsonWines

Equinox

Visit the tasting room in Santa Cruz to try an assortment of hand crafted still red and white wines, in addition to their specialty, which is handcrafted Sparkling Wines made in the Champagne traditional method.

334 Ingalls St, Santa Cruz
@EquinoxWinery

Silver Mountain Vineyards

Start at Silver Mountain, then enjoy an afternoon wine tasting at several other boutique wineries within walking distance.

328D Ingalls Street, Santa Cruz
@silvermountainvineyards

Sones Cellars

Known for Petite Sarah

334-B Ingalls St, Santa Cruz
@sones.cellars

Rexford Winery

Rexford Winery handcrafts wines in small lots using grapes from select local vineyards. They focus on single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, and other premium varieties. Their wines accurately reflect the varietal characteristics of the grapes and the unique microclimates and soils of the vineyards from which they come.

328 Ingalls St, Santa Cruz
@RexfordWinery