Where to eat & what to do in Santa Cruz!!

I’m so lucky to be a Santa Cruz wedding photographer who gets to capture so many beautiful moments!! JP and Deven’s photos in this coastal forest are some of my favorites! They are so dang sweet together and I’m obsessed JP’s rusty red dress against all of the greenery! 

If you’re not from the area but would love to have some forest photos as the backdrop for your engagement photos, Santa Cruz may just be the place for you! Also, it’s such a beautiful location in general, you could easily make a weekend trip or day trip out of it! If you’re doing that, here are some of my recommendations for things to do and places to eat!!!

Restaurants 

11th hour coffee – My absolute favorite coffee shop of all time! 

Cafe Gratitude – Vegan lunch spot that is incredible!!! They have the most hearty and delicious dishes!!!

Beer Thirty – A great outdoor taproom that is also dog friendly!

Home – I haven’t been here actually, but it’s on my Santa Cruz bucket list! It’s described as a garden dining with a focus on sourcing locally! 

Hikes

Henry Cowell State Park – Redwood forest with a river that runs through it! We took our husky and had the best day!

Big Basin Redwoods State Park – There are so many gorgeous hikes in this park!! Two of my favorites are Sempervirens Falls Trail and Sequoia Trail.

West Cliff Drive – Think more of a walk and less of a hike! It’s a 3 mile walking and biking trail along the cliffs overlooking the ocean. This is an easy paved path with stunning views! 

Beaches 

Santa Cruz Main Beach – Located next to the boardwalk and walking distance to beach stores and restaurants

Capitola Beach – Small beach with lots of personality! It’s next to a cute downtown and a line of small brightly colored houses.

Natural Bridges State Park – Beautiful beach with a dramatic rock formation protruding from the ocean!

If you’re looking for a Santa Cruz wedding photographer or Santa Cruz engagement photographer, reach out and let’s plan your day!!

Photos taken by Santa Cruz Wedding Photographer, Rachel Christopherson Photography