❤️Date Night Guide
Date Night in Santa Cruz
Romantic coastal walks, intimate dining, and sunset views. Your perfect evening awaits.
Evening Overview
⏱️
Duration
2-3 hours
💰
Budget
$60-120
👥
Vibe
Romantic
Option 1: Classic Romantic Evening
Sunset + Dinner + Stroll
5:30 PM - Sunset Walk (30 min)
West Cliff Drive to Lighthouse Point. Watch surfers, see seals, hold hands. Golden hour lighting is *chef's kiss*.
6:30 PM - Dinner (1.5 hours)
Shadowbrook (Capitola)
Arrive by cable car! Creekside dining, dim lighting. $$$$
Arrive by cable car! Creekside dining, dim lighting. $$$$
Crow's Nest
Harbor views, seafood, sunset seating. $$$
Harbor views, seafood, sunset seating. $$$
Laili Restaurant
Afghan, beautiful patio, romantic ambiance. $$
Afghan, beautiful patio, romantic ambiance. $$
8:00 PM - Dessert & Drinks (1 hour)
Penny Ice Creamery (artisan ice cream) or Verve Coffee (cozy, late hours)
Option 2: Adventure Date
Boardwalk + Games + Late Dinner
6:00 PM - Beach Boardwalk (1.5 hours)
Ride the Giant Dipper, play arcade games, walk the beach. Fun & playful vibes.
7:30 PM - Dinner (1 hour)
Downtown, California cuisine, craft cocktails
Oswald
Upscale, seasonal menu, wine bar
Upscale, seasonal menu, wine bar
8:30 PM - Night Walk
Wharf at night (lit up, sea lions), or downtown Pacific Avenue (street performers, vibes)
Option 3: Chill & Cozy
Casual Bites + Brewery + Live Music
6:00 PM - Brewery Dinner (1.5 hours)
Seabright Brewery
Local beers, elevated pub food, outdoor seating
Local beers, elevated pub food, outdoor seating
Sante Adairius Rustic Ales
Warehouse vibe, food trucks, amazing beer
Warehouse vibe, food trucks, amazing beer
7:30 PM - Live Music or Bar Hopping
Kuumbwa Jazz Center (world-class jazz) or Catalyst (live bands) orPacific Avenue bar crawl
💡 Date Night Pro Tips
- 📅Make Reservations: Especially Shadowbrook, Oswald. Book 3-7 days ahead for weekends.
- 🌅Sunset Timing: Check sunset time and start your evening 30 min before for golden hour.
- 🚗Parking: Downtown: Louden Nelson lot. Capitola: Street parking competitive. Arrive early or Uber.
- 🧥Bring Layers: Santa Cruz gets chilly at night, even in summer. Bring a sweater or jacket.
- 🎵Check Events: First Friday (art walk), live music venues, special events can add magic to your night.
Budget Breakdown
Parking$5-10
Dinner for two$50-100
Drinks/dessert$10-25
Activities (optional)$0-30
Total for Two$65-165