Downtown Santa Cruz: Strolling along Pacific Avenue
When you’re ready for something more substantial (and healthy) than the hot dogs, nachos, and burgers for sale on the Boardwalk, there’s some excellent seafood by the pier, or for even more options, there’s downtown Santa Cruz. Shopping here is preferable as well if you’d rather avoid the t-shirts covered with tourist lingo.
If you’re still donning beach clothes, there are a range of casual dining spots to choose from on or around Pacific Avenue, the heart of downtown. Grab some food on the go at Alfresco, a green business serving healthy fast food, from wraps and salads to hot dishes. Order a vegetarian or special sandwich from family-owned Zoccoli’s Delicatessen, or chow down on some award-winning specialty pizza from Pizza My Heart.
Restaurant options include El Palomar, serving authentic family recipes from the Michoacan region in Mexico, Clouds Downtown, a fine dining establishment famous for their beef tenderloin wrapped with proscuitto, and Hula’s Island Grill and Tiki Room, where Hula Bowls include Mongolian Beef, Spicy Thai Chicken, and Jungle Tofu.
While the food choices alone could easily dominate a conversation about these parts, there’s more to see and do Downtown. Window shopping here is always fun, with a myriad of street performers providing a soundtrack as you explore books, vintage clothing, hobby shops, jewelry, and music. The sidewalks widen into plazas along the way and outdoor café seating is plentiful if you want to sip your coffee and watch an array of people go by.
Entertainment here is certainly not lacking, with a handful of theaters in the area, including two right on Pacific Avenue: the Del Mar Theater showing art house movies and independent flicks and the Santa Cruz Regal Cinema showing new releases. Live performances are shown at the Palomar Ballroom, Civic Auditorium, and Santa Cruz Actors Theater. And for drinks after the show, try Rosie McCann’s Irish Pub, The Avenue Bar, Vida, or Blue Lagoon.
HelloSanFrancisco Tip: Regular events in downtown Santa Cruz include a Wednesday afternoon Farmers Market, First Friday Art Tours, 2nd Sunday Antique Fairs, and weekly specials on "Downtown Tuesdays."
Posted by Renee Rutledge
