Santa Cruz with friends

Local tipFirst shop to reopen after the '89 quake, get a pastry and sit by the old turntable

2 min walk to the next stop

Local tipCheck the staff-recommendation cards tucked into the shelves

5 min walk to the next stop

Local tipHit the complimentary salsa bar before you order, it's half the reason people come

8 min walk to the next stop

Local tipClassic no-frills dive, go for the pool table and cheap pitchers, not a scene

17 min walk to the next stop

Local tipTrade in old CDs for store credit, the used vinyl wall rotates weekly

Local tipOrder the pour-over, the Westside location is quieter than Downtown

6 min walk to the next stop

Local tipGet there early for the morning buns, they sell out most Saturdays

5 min drive to the next stop

Local tipBest bench for watching the lineup is just past the surfing museum

6 min drive to the next stop

Local tipLow tide for the tide pools, October through February for the monarchs

25 min walk to the next stop

Local tipTucked in the Swift Street courtyard, ask what's fresh off the tanks