Perfect Sunday in Santa Cruz
Slow mornings, sunny afternoons, and stunning sunsets. Here's your ideal Santa Cruz Sunday.
Sunday Vibes
Morning: Brunch (10am - 12pm)
Start slow with the best brunch in town
Top Brunch Spots
Zachary's Restaurant
Pacific Avenue, Downtown
Classic American brunch, famous for their eggs benedict and bloody marys. Expect a wait on Sundays!
💰 $$ | ⏱️ Usually 20-30 min wait
The Picnic Basket
Seabright
Healthy, fresh options. Great for vegetarians. Beautiful patio seating.
💰 $$ | ✅ Less crowded
Walnut Avenue Cafe
Westside
Cozy neighborhood spot with creative breakfast dishes and excellent coffee.
💰 $$ | 🌿 Vegan options
Betty Burgers & Concrete Co.
Beach Street
Casual breakfast sandwiches and milkshakes. Great for families.
💰 $ | 👨👩👧 Kid-friendly
☕ Coffee First?
Verve Coffee Roasters (41st Ave) - Best coffee in town, grab a pour-over before brunch
Lulu Carpenter's (Downtown) - Cozy atmosphere, great for reading the paper
Midday Option A: Farmers Market (12pm - 3pm)
Open Sundays at Aptos Village Park
Every Sunday, the Aptos Farmers Market offers fresh produce, local honey, artisan bread, and live music. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.
What to Buy:
- 🍓 Fresh strawberries (seasonal)
- 🍯 Local honey from Santa Cruz mountains
- 🥖 Artisan sourdough from Gayle's Bakery
- 🌻 Fresh flowers
- 🎵 Enjoy live acoustic music while you browse
📍 Location: 7960 Soquel Dr, Aptos
🕐 Time: 10am - 2:30pm every Sunday
🅿️ Parking: Free in lot
Midday Option B: Beach Time (12pm - 5pm)
Soak up the sun and relax
Best Sunday Beaches
Main Beach
Classic Santa Cruz beach. Walk to the Wharf, ice cream at Marini's, people watching.
✅ Volleyball courts, boardwalk nearby, lifeguards on duty
🅿️ Nearby street parking or beach lots
Natural Bridges State Beach
Quieter, great for tide pooling, stunning rock formations.
🌅 Best for sunset
🐕 Dog-friendly (certain areas)
💰 $10 parking fee
Capitola Beach
Charming village vibe, calmer water, colorful houses, esplanade for walking.
🍦 Gayle's Bakery nearby for treats
🅿️ Free street parking (can be challenging)
🏖️ What to Bring:
Sunscreen, towel, book, water bottle, snacks, light jacket (for later), beach chairs or blanket, umbrella for shade
Afternoon: West Cliff Drive Walk (3pm - 5pm)
Scenic coastal trail with ocean views
The West Cliff Drive walking/biking path is quintessential Santa Cruz. Walk from Natural Bridges to the Wharf (2 miles) for stunning coastal views.
What You'll See:
- 🏄 Steamer Lane: Watch surfers ride the waves
- 🦭 Seal Rock: Harbor seals basking in the sun
- 🗿 Lighthouse: Historic Santa Cruz Lighthouse & Surfing Museum
- 🌊 The Hook: Popular surf spot, beautiful cove
- 🎨 Dream Inn: Stop for a drink with ocean views
Pro tip: Park at Natural Bridges and walk one direction, or do an out-and-back. Sunset views are incredible from here.
Evening: Sunset Dinner (5:30pm - 7:30pm)
End your Sunday with a beautiful meal
Restaurants with Sunset Views
Crow's Nest
Santa Cruz Harbor
Direct harbor views, seafood-focused, casual upscale. Their patio is perfect for sunset.
💰 $$$ | 🦞 Seafood specialty | 📅 Reservations recommended for window seats
Aldo's Harbor Restaurant
Santa Cruz Harbor
Italian seafood, outdoor deck overlooking boats. Romantic atmosphere.
💰 $$$ | 🍝 Italian-American | 🌅 Best sunset deck
The Dream Inn
Cowell Beach
Aquarius restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows facing the ocean. Modern California cuisine.
💰 $$$$ | 🍷 Wine bar downstairs | ✨ Upscale
Zelda's on the Beach
Main Beach
Right on the sand, casual atmosphere, great for families. Beachfront patio.
💰 $$ | 👨👩👧 Kid-friendly | 🌊 Beach access
🌅 Sunset Timing:
Sunset in Santa Cruz ranges from 5:30pm (winter) to 8:30pm (summer). Arrive 30 minutes before for best light. Check today's sunset time before making reservations!
💰 Sunday Budget
Relaxed Sunday ($60-120 per person)
- ☕ Coffee: $5
- 🥐 Brunch: $20-35
- 🌊 Beach: FREE
- 🚶 West Cliff Walk: FREE
- 🍽️ Sunset Dinner: $35-80
Budget Sunday ($30-50 per person)
- 🥐 Brunch at home or cafe: $10-15
- 🥕 Farmers Market: $15-20
- 🌊 Beach picnic: $5-10
- 🚶 West Cliff Walk: FREE
- 🍕 Casual dinner (Pizza My Heart, etc.): $10-20
✨ Sunday Pro Tips
⏰ Timing
Brunch spots get busy 11am-1pm. Arrive by 10:30am or go after 1:30pm to avoid waits.
🅿️ Parking
Downtown parking is free on Sundays! Take advantage for brunch and walking around Pacific Avenue.
🌤️ Weather
Sundays can be foggy in the morning. It usually burns off by noon. Bring layers!
📅 Reservations
For sunset dinners with views, book ahead (especially Crow's Nest and Dream Inn).
🎯 Alternative Sunday Themes
Active Sunday
Kayak at the harbor → Bike West Cliff Drive → Yoga at sunset
Cultural Sunday
MAH Museum → Farmers Market → Live music downtown → Art galleries
Nature Sunday
Henry Cowell hike → Picnic lunch → Natural Bridges tide pools → Sunset at Lighthouse Point
Cozy Sunday
Bookshop Santa Cruz browsing → Cafe reading → Matinee movie → Comfort food dinner