Santa Cruz Wharf - Santa Cruz, California

Shannon T.

Chilly, but beautiful afternoon in November. Huge full moon came up behind the boardwalk park. Mostly restaurants on the pier, but a few gift shops with various shirts, trinkets, stickers, etc., for sale. You have to pay for parking. Check out the seal lions on the far end of the wharf. A great afternoon.

j P.

There's a lot to take in. Admittedly Santa Cruz isn't my favorite area, but the wharf certainly offers nice views. Most of the best views are from the good tables in the handful of restaurants lining the wharf. The mix of gifts shops are all pretty typical / worth walking through if you have the time.

Michael H.

If you’re looking for a perfect spot to take a romantic date, something I will never do since I'm solo for life now that I'm married to Jesus—or just aimlessly wander while contemplating life—this is it. The views are absolutely stunning, probably the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

One of the best things about the wharf? The ridiculous amount of restaurants nearby. I haven’t even eaten at one on the wharf yet, because by the time I get there, I’ve already been lured into one of the amazing spots downtown. Santa Cruz is like that—it tempts you with delicious food at every turn. If you leave this town hungry, that’s on you.

Now, let’s talk about the people. Santa Cruz has hands down the best coastal community in the country. Doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, or what cool hobbies you have—come here, and you’re into this, you could easily make a friend.

The vibes? Absolutely unmatched. This is a beach town inside a forest, which is something I’ve only ever seen in Oregon and Washington—but then again, I don't get out much. Santa Cruz winter? I’m still waiting for it. It’s been 60 degrees and sunny, and I was ready to bust out my snowboard but its's surf season all year around here.

Even the law enforcement here is chill. The sheriffs are so hip, they once held two guys I knew at gunpoint, and when I walked by on the sidewalk and casually said hi to the with all due respect, beautiful sheriff who could have passed for a model, she smiled, ran a hand through her hair, while still holding the gun on them and the whole situation just de-escalated at least for me lol. That’s Santa Cruz energy right there. Their composure and professionalism can make intense serious moments somehow feel… laid-back.

So if you’re debating which beach town to visit, do yourself a favor—pick this one. Amazing scenery, great food, the friendliest people on the coast, (a few bad apples, but what town doesn't) and a whole lot of good times waiting to happen.

Five stars. Would get arrested here again.

P.S. it was just a warrant for missing court.

Walter G.

Great stop. Parking was right on the pier. Up to four hours one dollar. Four nice restaurants, and lots of viewing.
Seals etc

Serhii M.

It’s became better during last couple years because of sporty and family atmosphere and cleanliness.

Mark J.

Beautiful spot, look out for the sea lions lounging on parts under the wharf. Shops on the wharf too and plenty of food options

kimba B.

Well, I took my life in my own hands (jk) and took a drive out. The first 4 hours the parking is $1/hr (I seem to recall that in the past the first 20 minutes were free, but that seems to be something of the past). You can still drive out almost to the end, where parking always stopped, but there is now a large construction fence, so you cannot walk out to where the cutouts were to see the sea lions. (I have it on good authority that the sea lion population is still there, they have just moved around a bit and/or are rafting). The restaurants all still seemed to be open for business as usual, aside from the Dolphin, of course. Lots of parking on a weekday. Enjoyed a nap and a view of the birds from inside the car.

Eric H.

One of the most iconic and perfect places along the California Coast for ocean views, seafood, and even sea lions hanging around the pier. There is a mix of restaurants, shops, fishing spots, and the famous Boardwalk just down the beach from the wharf. The sunsets are priceless here.