Natasha's Guidebook
Local Awesomeness
Really awesome places!!
All time favorite Santa Cruz beach!! Locals hang out here, so it’s not crazy busy with tourists. Located next to Santa Cruz harbor, you can watch the boats go in and out, book a charter out on the big O’neil catamaran, rent a boogie board or surf board, or join some locals for some beach volleyball. There is a cool little plaza on the beach front, coffee shop, sandwiches, and the Crows Nest Restaurant which is amazing!
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Twin Lakes Beach
995 Live Oak AvenueAll time favorite Santa Cruz beach!! Locals hang out here, so it’s not crazy busy with tourists. Located next to Santa Cruz harbor, you can watch the boats go in and out, book a charter out on the big O’neil catamaran, rent a boogie board or surf board, or join some locals for some beach volleyball. There is a cool little plaza on the beach front, coffee shop, sandwiches, and the Crows Nest Restaurant which is amazing!
More local awesomeness!! Giant, majestic redwood trees, on an easy walking/hiking loop. Sweet little creek/river spots for sunbathing and swimming. Right next to Roaring Camp railways, train rides up the mountain and down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
More local awesomeness!! Giant, majestic redwood trees, on an easy walking/hiking loop. Sweet little creek/river spots for sunbathing and swimming. Right next to Roaring Camp railways, train rides up the mountain and down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Absolutely phenomenal food!! The restaurant is carved into the side of the mountain, you take a tiny elevator to the entrance of the restaurant or stroll through multi leveled, terraced gardens. Absolutely breathtaking, one of a kind restaurant, you could spend hours here, it’s a little pricey, but 100% worth it!!! I’d recommend calling for reservations.
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Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf RdAbsolutely phenomenal food!! The restaurant is carved into the side of the mountain, you take a tiny elevator to the entrance of the restaurant or stroll through multi leveled, terraced gardens. Absolutely breathtaking, one of a kind restaurant, you could spend hours here, it’s a little pricey, but 100% worth it!!! I’d recommend calling for reservations.
Absolutely stunning, you truly feel like a dwarf standing next to these beautiful trees, well worth the drive deep into the forest. The road to Big Basin is a little rough, lots and lots of switch-backs and eventually a one lane road. If you gat car sick, bring dramamine and a bucket.
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Taman Negeri Big Basin Redwoods
21600 Big Basin WayAbsolutely stunning, you truly feel like a dwarf standing next to these beautiful trees, well worth the drive deep into the forest. The road to Big Basin is a little rough, lots and lots of switch-backs and eventually a one lane road. If you gat car sick, bring dramamine and a bucket.
Another local favorite!! Great little beach surrounded by cool shops and delicious restaurants!! Very chill little spot, love love love it!
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Capitola Beach Company
131 Monterey AveAnother local favorite!! Great little beach surrounded by cool shops and delicious restaurants!! Very chill little spot, love love love it!
It’s the bomb.com!!! Delicious food, amazing views!! I frequent this spot after a long day at Twin Lakes Beach in Santa Cruz. Live bands Friday and Saturday nights upstairs in the bar. 100% recommended, prices are middle of the road.
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Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff DrIt’s the bomb.com!!! Delicious food, amazing views!! I frequent this spot after a long day at Twin Lakes Beach in Santa Cruz. Live bands Friday and Saturday nights upstairs in the bar. 100% recommended, prices are middle of the road.
Food Scene San Jose
Everywhere I love to go in San Jose, I’m a total foodie, I won’t lead you astray :)
Best sushi in town!! Super fresh, all you can eat option if you wish. A local favorite within walking distance from our home, 3 blocks. This spot is always busy, best times to go are right when they open and early dinner if possible, sometimes the wait is crazy, but if you love sushi, his is the place for you :)
Kenzo Sushi
5465 Snell AveBest sushi in town!! Super fresh, all you can eat option if you wish. A local favorite within walking distance from our home, 3 blocks. This spot is always busy, best times to go are right when they open and early dinner if possible, sometimes the wait is crazy, but if you love sushi, his is the place for you :)
Cool little spot within 1 mile from our place. The menu is Mexicali, tasty and very reasonably priced. Aqui is known for their killer alcoholic drinks called Swirls. They will sample you any and all of their fruity flavors. I can only handle one, lol, guests beware, Swirls are delicious and dangerous!!
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Aqui Blossom Valley
5679 Snell AveCool little spot within 1 mile from our place. The menu is Mexicali, tasty and very reasonably priced. Aqui is known for their killer alcoholic drinks called Swirls. They will sample you any and all of their fruity flavors. I can only handle one, lol, guests beware, Swirls are delicious and dangerous!!
It’s yummy Greek food!! Fast, affordable, delicious!! Lemon soup and warm pork & spinach salad, OMG YES!
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Nick the Greek
5019 Almaden ExpyIt’s yummy Greek food!! Fast, affordable, delicious!! Lemon soup and warm pork & spinach salad, OMG YES!
Great breakfast spot!! Delicious food, great service, and a VW bus to dine in!
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Scrambl'z
5055 Almaden ExpyGreat breakfast spot!! Delicious food, great service, and a VW bus to dine in!
Everything is absolutely delicious!! Great prices, large portions, lovely restaurant, totally winning!! My favorite Vietnamese spot!!
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House of Pho
5353 Almaden ExpyEverything is absolutely delicious!! Great prices, large portions, lovely restaurant, totally winning!! My favorite Vietnamese spot!!
Legit taqueria!! Best burritos and quesadillas in town!! Family owned, authentic Mexican taqueria. My favorite dish of all time, the Al Pastor Super Flour Quesadilla, so large you might even have leftovers tomorrow. Great prices too!!
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La Victoria Taqueria
140 East San Carlos StreetLegit taqueria!! Best burritos and quesadillas in town!! Family owned, authentic Mexican taqueria. My favorite dish of all time, the Al Pastor Super Flour Quesadilla, so large you might even have leftovers tomorrow. Great prices too!!
Really awesome breakfast spot!! I’m never disappointed, their mimosas are spectacular as are their Almond Joy Pancakes, yes chocolate, almonds and coconut yummy!!!
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Bill's Cafe-Cottle
5631 Cottle RoadReally awesome breakfast spot!! I’m never disappointed, their mimosas are spectacular as are their Almond Joy Pancakes, yes chocolate, almonds and coconut yummy!!!
Seriously one of my all time favorite spots!! Super close to our house, it is inside the Oakridge Mall shopping center which can be a pain to park in, but I promise you, the food is delicious, the craft beers are spectacular, prices are reasonable, and if you don’t mind cruising to the bar, you can snag a table without waiting!! Lots of TVs with sports on as well, great spot to watch a game, especially at happy hour. Favorite menus items; The Burger cooked to your liking (I’m a rare girl), Prime Rib on Friday & Saturday is outstanding, Seared Ahi Tuna Salad, Calamari, Shrimp Scampi, any Chicken dish is awesome, Strawberry Martin, and of course the classic Puzukie Cookie with a scoop of Ice Cream, sheer heaven!!
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BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
925 Blossom Hill RdSeriously one of my all time favorite spots!! Super close to our house, it is inside the Oakridge Mall shopping center which can be a pain to park in, but I promise you, the food is delicious, the craft beers are spectacular, prices are reasonable, and if you don’t mind cruising to the bar, you can snag a table without waiting!! Lots of TVs with sports on as well, great spot to watch a game, especially at happy hour. Favorite menus items; The Burger cooked to your liking (I’m a rare girl), Prime Rib on Friday & Saturday is outstanding, Seared Ahi Tuna Salad, Calamari, Shrimp Scampi, any Chicken dish is awesome, Strawberry Martin, and of course the classic Puzukie Cookie with a scoop of Ice Cream, sheer heaven!!
Most delicious fancy Greek food in the area!! I love, love, love this place!! Amazing Lamb Shank dinner, divine Sangria, killer salads. All day long, yes!
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Opa! Campbell
276 E Campbell AveMost delicious fancy Greek food in the area!! I love, love, love this place!! Amazing Lamb Shank dinner, divine Sangria, killer salads. All day long, yes!
It’s one of the best steaks in town!! Made to order! Everything is positively delicious, highly recommended. Reservations are strongly recommended. Very pricey, but well worth it.
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Morton's The Steakhouse
170 S Market StIt’s one of the best steaks in town!! Made to order! Everything is positively delicious, highly recommended. Reservations are strongly recommended. Very pricey, but well worth it.
If you LOVE Ramen, this is the place for you!! Absolutely delicious, authentic, casual dinning at reasonable prices. I love this place!!
Masa Ramen and Sake Bar
864 Blossom Hill RdIf you LOVE Ramen, this is the place for you!! Absolutely delicious, authentic, casual dinning at reasonable prices. I love this place!!
OMG!! Best burgers in town!! Made to order your way, fry’s to die for!! Casual, fun, delicious and reasonable :) A must for burger lovers!!
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Super Duper Burgers
2855 Stevens Creek BlvdOMG!! Best burgers in town!! Made to order your way, fry’s to die for!! Casual, fun, delicious and reasonable :) A must for burger lovers!!
Best Pizza in Town!! Get it by the slice or an entire pie, absolutely amazing!! Home grown local Pizza joint, you won’t be disappointed :)
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Pizza My Heart
209 EsplanadeBest Pizza in Town!! Get it by the slice or an entire pie, absolutely amazing!! Home grown local Pizza joint, you won’t be disappointed :)
Outstanding Vietnamese food!! Quick, casual, reasonable, and everything on the menu is fabulous :)
Mint & Basil
5130 Cherry AveOutstanding Vietnamese food!! Quick, casual, reasonable, and everything on the menu is fabulous :)
The pizza here is fantastic!! Prices are acceptable, cool sports bar ambiance. Local favorite, just down the street from our house.
High Five Pizza
171 Branham LnThe pizza here is fantastic!! Prices are acceptable, cool sports bar ambiance. Local favorite, just down the street from our house.
Sightseeing
Nothing beats a scenic trip of the Monterey Bay on a giant Catamaran!! Absolutely spectacular experience, I’d highly recommend this adventure! Definitely call or book online in advance.
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O'Neill Yacht Charters
275 Lake AveNothing beats a scenic trip of the Monterey Bay on a giant Catamaran!! Absolutely spectacular experience, I’d highly recommend this adventure! Definitely call or book online in advance.
Fantastic aquarium, one of the best I’ve ever seen! Lots of cool shops and spots to visit around the aquarium, as well as beaches.
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Akuarium Monterey Bay
886 Cannery RowFantastic aquarium, one of the best I’ve ever seen! Lots of cool shops and spots to visit around the aquarium, as well as beaches.
Historical
We are literally down the street from the Hayes Mansion, just 1.5 miles away. This is a super cool Historical Building as well as a hotel and conference center with delicious 3 restaurants and bars.
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Hayes Mansion
200 Edenvale AveWe are literally down the street from the Hayes Mansion, just 1.5 miles away. This is a super cool Historical Building as well as a hotel and conference center with delicious 3 restaurants and bars.
San Francisco
Everything I loved as a former San Franciscan.
What can I say, it’s The Rock!! It’s pretty impressive, I’ve enjoyed the tours, very educational and interesting. All my touristy friends and family members love visiting this spot.
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Pulau Alcatraz
What can I say, it’s The Rock!! It’s pretty impressive, I’ve enjoyed the tours, very educational and interesting. All my touristy friends and family members love visiting this spot.
Stunning San Francisco beach!! As a former San Franciscan, I used to live within walking distance of this spot. It’s a little piece of home for me.
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Ocean Beach
La Playa StStunning San Francisco beach!! As a former San Franciscan, I used to live within walking distance of this spot. It’s a little piece of home for me.
If you love art, you’ll love SF MOMA.
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Muzium Seni Moden San Francisco
151 3rd StIf you love art, you’ll love SF MOMA.
Amazing art installations, from Kilmet to Monet, check their website and see what’s currently on display.
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Muzium de Young
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden DrAmazing art installations, from Kilmet to Monet, check their website and see what’s currently on display.
Of course I’m a San Francisco Giants fan!! The stadium is awesome, the concession are great, watching a baseball game here is pretty amazing!! Stub Hub is great for finding last minute tickets.
Giants Promenade
24 Willie Mays PlazaOf course I’m a San Francisco Giants fan!! The stadium is awesome, the concession are great, watching a baseball game here is pretty amazing!! Stub Hub is great for finding last minute tickets.
Positively stunning, gardens, architecture, lovely spot to stroll.
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Istana Kesenian
3601 Lyon StPositively stunning, gardens, architecture, lovely spot to stroll.
Amazing Shopping
Legit awesomeness, places I love to shop.
If you need a little retail therapy at a deeply discounted price, this is the place to go!! The outlets are approximately 30 mins south from our house, down HWY 101 going towards Monterey.
Home to Coach, Kate Spade, Lululemon, North Face, the list is endless!!
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Gilroy Premium Outlets
681 Leavesley RdIf you need a little retail therapy at a deeply discounted price, this is the place to go!! The outlets are approximately 30 mins south from our house, down HWY 101 going towards Monterey.
Home to Coach, Kate Spade, Lululemon, North Face, the list is endless!!
Epic outdoor shopping mall with phenomenal restaurants!! Lululemon, Gucci, Amazon, Kate Spade, H&M, Donald Pilsner, Burke Williams, the list is extensive and slightly expensive, but well worth a visit if your in the mood for some high end shopping and dinning.
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Santana Row
Santana RowEpic outdoor shopping mall with phenomenal restaurants!! Lululemon, Gucci, Amazon, Kate Spade, H&M, Donald Pilsner, Burke Williams, the list is extensive and slightly expensive, but well worth a visit if your in the mood for some high end shopping and dinning.
Wineries
It’s yummy and fun!! Highly recommended :)
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Picchetti Brothers Winery
13100 Montebello RdIt’s yummy and fun!! Highly recommended :)
Testarossa Winery
300 College AveClassic wines, great ambiance :)
I love, love, love the wine from MJA!! I’m actually a wine club member too :) The pours are substantial, no sulfates in the wine, the reserve flights are exceptional all day long!! This location is secluded in the forest, absolutely stunning and romantic ambiance! MJA also has another tasting room in Santa Cruz, on the West Side.
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MJA Vineyards--Summit Tasting Room
24900 Highland WayI love, love, love the wine from MJA!! I’m actually a wine club member too :) The pours are substantial, no sulfates in the wine, the reserve flights are exceptional all day long!! This location is secluded in the forest, absolutely stunning and romantic ambiance! MJA also has another tasting room in Santa Cruz, on the West Side.
Absolutely fabulous wine!! I’m a wine club member too :) Cool location near Natural Bridges State Park. Highly recommended :)
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MJA Vineyards
328 Ingalls StAbsolutely fabulous wine!! I’m a wine club member too :) Cool location near Natural Bridges State Park. Highly recommended :)