Good Times Santa Cruz

We asked readers to nominate the best of various things in a host of categories, and thousands of responded, giving us a reference guidebook to everything you need to know about our county of some 300,000 people. I had a ball putting this together and despite years of experience here, I learned a lot about […]

Explore the Santa Cruz County Editors’ Picks for 2026, highlighting the places, people and experiences that make the region unforgettable. From pizza and fine dining to hidden trails, live music, beaches and local treasures, these are the editors’ favorite discoveries.

Shop the Best of Santa Cruz County 2026 Shopping winners as voted by readers. Explore the county's favorite boutiques, specialty stores, auto dealers, thrift shops, gift shops, home retailers and unique local shopping destinations.

Explore the Best of Santa Cruz County 2026 Services winners as voted by readers. Find the county's top-rated businesses and professionals in home services, finance, automotive, real estate, photography, health services and more.

Find the Best of Santa Cruz County 2026 restaurant winners as voted by readers. Explore the county's favorite places for breakfast, brunch, burgers, pizza, tacos, seafood, sushi, fine dining, desserts and every craving in between.

Discover the Best of Santa Cruz County 2026 Health & Beauty winners as voted by readers. Explore the county's favorite doctors, dentists, gyms, spas, salons, yoga studios, wellness practitioners, fitness experts and health care providers.

Savor the Best of Santa Cruz County 2026 Food & Drink winners as voted by readers. Explore the county's favorite restaurants, bakeries, coffee houses, breweries, wineries, markets, bars, dessert shops and other local culinary favorites.

Explore the Best of Santa Cruz County 2026 Family & Pets winners as voted by readers. Find the county's favorite schools, preschools, family restaurants, summer camps, pet groomers, veterinarians, toy stores and trusted pet care providers.

Celebrate the Best of Santa Cruz County 2026 Arts & Culture winners as voted by readers. Discover the county's favorite artists, bookstores, museums, live music venues, festivals, theater companies, dance studios and other standout cultural destinations.

What did you do, or dream of doing, on July 4?

Readers weigh in on a revived Westside restaurant favorite, the new director of the 418 Project, Santa Cruz Guitar’s 50th anniversary and Rio del Mar public access.

Ozarks singer and multi-instrumentalist Anna Moss brings her soulful blend of jazz, Southern R&B, guitar, woodwinds and horns to Moe’s Alley, Thursday July 9.

Rob Brezsny’s Free Will Astrology explores beauty and illusion, evolving rituals, muses, daily devotion and the search for deeper wisdom.

Santa Cruz musician and animal activist Jesse Williams brings hardcore energy, community spirit and cat-saving compassion to Purrrrrrfest.

For most of my sixty years with cannabis, there was one delivery system: Fire. Roll a joint, light it, inhale, hold until you cough, and after several of these you suddenly realize Meat Loaf is a genius. Back then our big question was, “Anyone bring a lighter?” Now it’s, “Anybody got a degree in heavy […]

Kevin Keelan’s Seabright garden venue hosts Saturday performances featuring storytelling, music, comedy, cabaret, live looping and local Santa Cruz talent.

Santa Cruz County has California’s fastest-growing senior population, raising questions about housing, affordability, youth culture and the city’s changing identity.

Santa Cruz County senior and social centers offer dances, tech help, fitness classes, gardens, meals, day trips and community for adults 50 and older.

Santa Cruz County is aging fast, while young people and families struggle to stay. What can be done to keep Santa Cruz weird, vibrant and young?

Elite Meal Service brings restaurant-inspired, chef-prepared meals to Santa Cruz County homes, with local sourcing, custom menus and global flavors.