The Perfect Active Day

7:30 AM

Verve Coffee Roasters

Santa Cruz's homegrown specialty coffee brand that actually lives up to the hype.

Fuel up fast. You need the calories. Get an oat milk latte and one of their pastries — you're going to burn it off in about an hour.

Or try: cat-and-cloud

8:30 AM

Wilder Ranch State Park

Coastal bluffs, mountain biking trails, and wide open space just minutes from town.

Hit the Old Cove Landing trail for coastal views, or go deeper on the Enchanted Loop for a real leg-burner through the backcountry. Either way, give it at least two hours.

Or try: henry-cowell

11:30 AM

betty-burgers

You just earned this. Their burger and fries are exactly what your body is asking for right now. Don't overthink it.

Or try: tacos-moreno

1:30 PM

west-cliff-drive

Walk, bike, or just post up and watch the surfers at Steamer Lane. If you're a surfer, this is your window — the afternoon glass-off can be magic.

4:30 PM

humble-sea

You did the thing. Now sit down, order a hazy IPA, and let your legs remind you that you're alive. The taproom on Ingalls is the move.

Or try: santa-cruz-mountain-brewing