We asked you to share your favorite places to take your kids and places you enjoy as a family. We wanted to know what businesses you consider the Best in Santa Cruz, and man, did you ever respond! Thanks to everyone who answered our survey.
Camps
Day Camps
Kennolyn Day Camps
kennolyncamps.com
Runners up
Henry Cowell Girl Scout Day Camp
Farm Discovery at Live Oak
Residential Camp
Kennolyn
kennolyncamps.com
Runners up
Mount Hermon
Mission Springs
Dining
Bakery
Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria
504 Bay Avenue, Capitola
831.462.1200
gaylesbakery.com/
Runners up
Companion Bakeshop
The Buttery
Coffee Shop
Verve Coffee
Vervecoffee.com
4 Santa Cruz locations
Runners up
Lula Carpenter’s
Cat & Cloud
Breakfast
Zachary’s Restaurant
819 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
831.427.0646
Runners up
Harbor Cafe
Walnut Street Cafe
Deli
Zoccoli’s Delicatessen
831.423.1711
1534 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
zoccolis.com
Runner up
Erik’s DeliCafé
Many locations
order.EriksDeliCafe.com
Thank you for voting Erik’s as Runner up for Best Deli and Best Lunch Place! Our sandwiches, soups, and salads are made with fresh, quality ingredients and are full of “character”. We’re proud to celebrate our 50th anniversary and can’t wait to continue serving you time and time again.
Dinner
Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar
1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
831.469.4400
kiantis.com
Thank you Santa Cruz for Kianti’s Best Of wins: Dinner, Lunch, To Go, Pizza, Kid Friendly, Celebrating Kids Birthdays and Adult Milestones.Order at kiantis.com. Patio, curbside and delivery for our entire menu and drinks including Kianti’s Signature Cocktails, Bottles of Kianti’s Wine and Kianti’s Vodka, Gin, Rum, Whiskey or Tequila.
Runners up
Otoro
Cowboy Bar & Grill
Fine Dining
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola
831.475.1511
shadowbrook-capitola.com
Runners up
Vim
Lali’s
Grocery Store
New Leaf
Locations in Santa Cruz, Capitola and Aptos
newleaf.com
Runners up
Shoppers Corner
Staff of Life
Ice Cream
The Penny Ice Creamery
Locations in Santa Cruz, Aptos
and Scotts Valley
831.204.2523
thepennyicecreamery.com
Runner up
Marianne’s
Lunch
Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar
1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
831.469.4400
kiantis.com
Runners up
Erik’s DeliCafé
Many locations
order.EriksDeliCafe.com
Gayle’s
Pizza
Pizza My Heart
1116 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
831.426.2511
pizzamyheart.com
Runners up
Kianti’s
Boulder Creek Pizza and Pub
Sushi
Akira
Locations in Santa Cruz and Aptos
akirasantacruz.com
akiraaptos.com
Runners up
Mobo Sushi
Otoro Sushi
Taqueria
Taqueria Vallarta
Locations in Santa Cruz and Felton
Enjoytaqueriavallarta.com
Runner up
Los Pericos
Tacos Morenos
To Go
Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar
1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
831.469.4400
kiantis.com
Runner up
Charlie Hong Kong
Poke House
Family Friendly
Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar
1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
831.469.4400
kiantis.com
Runners up
Carpo’s
Dharmas
Extra Curricular
After School Care
Boys and Girls Club
Locations in Santa Cruz and Live Oak
boysandgirlsclub.info
Runners up
Campus Kids Connection
Coastal Community Preschool
Art
Seven Directions
Creative Learning Center
831.713.9392
[email protected]
Sevendirections.org
Seven Directions is Santa Cruz’s premiere creative center for kids and teens! Offering instruction in various arts, sciences and more in a lively studio with over 30 live exotic animals. We are committed to helping to nurture students’ self-esteem, building lasting friendships and empowering them as artists, learners and creative thinkers.
Runners up
Mon Ami
Studio Sprouts
Dance
International Dance Academy (IAD)
320 Encinal Street Santa Cruz
831.466.0458
[email protected]
iadance.com
Dance for JOY! IAD provides professional instruction for all ages in an encouraging atmosphere. Our studio trains students to develop their artistry, technique, balance, strength and flexibility, while honing style, focus, agility and energy… bringing joy to every class and performance! We can’t wait to see you in the studio!
Runners up
The Tannery
Pacific Arts Complex
Gymnastics
June Bug’s Gym
3910 Portola Drive, Suite 2, Santa Cruz
831.464.BUGS (2847)
JuneBugsGym.com
June Bug’s Gym is a place where your child can experience a fun-filled adventure in movement. We have a caring, respectful, and supportive staff that encourages every child in their growth of large motor skills and gymnastics along with social, emotional, and cognitive development. Our goals for our students are to help them feel control and empowerment in their bodies, to build self-esteem through success, to open up their imaginations, and to feel confidence and joy in their exploration of movement.
Runners up
Santa Cruz Gymnastics
Vargas
Music
MusicalMe
MusicalMe, Inc. offering Music Together™ Locations throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County
831.332.9002
[email protected]
musicalme.com
MusicalMe is overjoyed to be voted #1! Now in our 27th year, made possible with the loving support of our incredible community of families and teachers. Thank you for choosing us as your favorite music school!
Runners up
Be Natural
Moe’s Alley
Sport
Santa Cruz County Lacrosse Association
scclax.org
Runners up
SLV Soccer
Santa Cruz Little League
Swimming
Simpkins Family Swim Center
979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz
831.454.7960
scparks.com
Runners up
Adventure Sports Unlimited
303 Potrero St., Suite 15, Santa Cruz
831.458.3648
asudoit.com
Thank you Santa Cruz families, we are so honored! We love teaching the children of this beautiful community how to swim and love the water! Come play with us!
SLV Swim Center
Theatre
All About Theatre
Santa Cruz
831.345.6340
allabouttheatre.org
Runners up
CYT
West Performing Arts
Family Services
Bank
Bay Federal Credit Union
bayfed.com
Runners up
Chase
Santa Cruz County Bank
House of Worship
Twin Lakes Church
2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos
831.465.3300
tlc.org
Runners up
Vintage Faith
Holy Cross
Insurance
AAA
4400 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz
800.922.8228
mwg.aaa.com
Runners up
Farmer’s
State Farm
Photographer
Alicia Telfer
aliciatelfer.com
Realtor
(tie)
Bailey Properties
Four locations in Santa Cruz County
baileyproperties.com
Shannon Shaffer – Coldwell
831.566.3866
coldwellbanker.com
Health
Dentist
Alison Jackson, Children’s Dentistry
7545 Soquel Dr, Aptos
831.662.2900
santacruzkidsdentist.com
Thank you for voting us your favorite dentist for the second year in a row! We will always do everything we can to keep your kids healthy and happy. We are preventive-dentistry oriented and very thorough in our evaluations and consultations. We have a 24-hour emergency service available for all of our patients. Call us and schedule an appointment soon!
Runner ups:
Capitola Kids Dentistry, Seth Reder
SC Children’s Dental Group
Orthodontist
Hedrick Orthodotics
550 Water St, Santa Cruz
831.427.2822
hedrickorthodontics.com
Runner up
Hulme
Fitness
Toadal Fitness
Downtown: 831.423.3764
Live Oak: 831.464.3764
Cabrillo: 831.475.5979
Scotts Valley: 831.430.9200
Westside: 831.466.3764
Watsonville/Freedom:831.337.8623
[email protected]
toadalfitness.com
Runners up
In-Shape
Spenga
Hospital
Dominican Hospital
1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz
877.917.0343
bayarea.dignityhealth.org/dominican-hospital
Runner up
Sutter Health
Pediatrician
Raelene Walker
21507 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz
831.427.3500
schealthcenters.org
Runner up
Casey Schirmer
Reproductive
(tie)
Dana Ramsay
5161 Soquel Drive, Suite C, Soquel
831.515.7078
nurturesantacruz.com
Sienna Titen
1505 Soquel Dr Ste 1, Santa Cruz
831.465.5440
dignityhealth.org
Midwife/Doula
Nora Yerena
559.287.8934
centralcoastdoulaservices.com
Therapist
Therapy Works
Locations in Capitola and Scotts Valley
mytherapyworks.com
Specialist
Santa Cruz Allergy
3035 North Main Street, Soquel
831.423.4111
sutterhealth.org
Outdoors
Beach Park
Seabright State Beach
1305 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
parks.ca.gov
Runners up
Seacliff
Twin Lakes
Park
Leo’s Haven
1975 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz
Runners up
Henry Cowell
Sky Park
Hiking
Nisene Marks
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=666
Runners up
Henry Cowell
Pogonip
Personal Care
Hair Salon
Faust Salon
Locations in Santa Cruz and Soquel
831.420.0701
faustdowntownsc.com
Runners up
Alchemy
The Nook
Spa
Well Within Spa
417 Cedar St, Santa Cruz
831.458.9355
wellwithinspa.com
Runners up
Yoso Wellness
Kalani Day Spa
Message Therapist
Well Within Spa
417 Cedar St, Santa Cruz
831.458.9355
wellwithinspa.com
Nail Salon
Tracy’s Nails
1420 41st Ave. Capitola
831.462-2292
Runner up
Bella Nails
Resources
Landscape/Gardening
K&D Landscape
62c Hangar Way, Watsonville
831.728.4018
kndlandscaping.com
Runner up
San Lorenzo Lumber
Radio Station
KZSC
1156 High Street, Santa Cruz
831.459.2811
KZSC.org
Runner up
KPIG
KAZA
House Cleaning
(tie)
Christie’s Green Cleaning
831.676.1271
Maxima’s Cleaners
520 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.430.8499
Automotive
Pristine Dent Repair
1025 Water St Suite B, Santa Cruz
831.261.7977
pristinedentrepair.com
Home Repair
Travis Martin Plumbing
831.461.4300
santacruzcaplumber.com
Place to celebrate kid’s birthday
(tie)
Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar
1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
831.469.4400
kiantis.com
June Bug’s Gym
3910 Portola Drive, Suite 2, Santa Cruz
831.464.BUGS (2847)
JuneBugsGym.com
Runner up
The Beach Boardwalk
Place to celebrate adult birthday or milestone
Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar
1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
831.469.4400
kiantis.com
Runners up
Shadowbrook
Crow’s Nest
Pets
Kennel
Bed & Biscuits Groomingdales
2625 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz
831.475.1580
[email protected]
bedandbiscuits.com
Runners up
Heritage
Your Furry Godmother
Pet Supplies
Pet Pals
3660 Soquel Dr Ste. A, Soquel
831.464.8775
petpals.net
Runners up
Mountain Feed
Aptos Pet Feed
Veterinarian
Chanticleer Veterinary Hospital
2701 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz
831.475.1479
chanticleervethospital.com
Runner up
South Valley Veterinary Hospital
Retail
Art Supplies
Palace Art & Office Supply
1501 41st Ave K, Capitola
831.464.2700
palaceartsupply.com
Runner up
Lenz Arts
Beverly’s
Baby
Mini Mint
808 41st Ave, Santa Cruz
831.902.1899
minimintstudio.com
Runners up
Hope’s Closet
Bike Shop
(tie)
Another Bike Shop
2361 Mission St, Santa Cruz
831.427.2232
anotherbikeshop.com
Santa Cruz Cycle Sport
914 41st Ave, Santa Cruz
831.475.3883
cyclesport.com
Runner up
Bike Trip
Children’s Clothing
Hope’s Closet
2555-2557 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz
831.462.6700
hopesclosetsc.com
Runners up
Little Trends
Mini Mint
Gift Shop
Zinnia’s Gift Boutique
219 Mt Hermon Rd C, Scotts Valley
831.430.9466
zinniasgiftboutique.com
Runners up
Outside In
Botanic and Luxe
Home Decor
Zinnia’s Gift Boutique
219 Mt Hermon Rd C, Scotts Valley
831.430.9466
zinniasgiftboutique.com
Runner up
The Warmth Company
Dig Garden
Nursery/Garden
Mountain Feed & Farm Supply
9550 CA-9, Ben Lomond
831.336.8876
mountainfeed.com
Runners up
Dig Gardens
San Lorenzo Gardens
Skate/Surf
O’Neill Surf Shop
110 Cooper St #100d
831.469.4377
us.oneill.com
Runner up
Bill’s Wheels
Santa Cruz Boardroom
Teen Clothing
Forever 21
1200 Pacific Ave Suite 100, Santa Cruz
831.824.9811
forever21.com
Toys
Childish Toy Shop
127 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.454.8208
childishsantacruz.com
Runner up
Wonderland Toys
Women’s Clothing
Pacific Trading Co.
Santa Cruz and Capitola
Santa Cruz : 831.423.3349
Capitola: 831.476.6109
[email protected]
pacific-trading-co.com
Schools
Charter School
San Lorenzo Valley Charter School
305 Marion Ave, Ben Lomond
831.335.0932
charter.slvusd.org/
Runners up
Pacific Collegiate School
Nature Academy
Elementary School
San Lorenzo Valley Elementary
slvusd.org
We are proud to have SLVUSD schools recognized as the best schools to attend in Growing Up Santa Cruz. These accolades confirm what we in the Valley already know is the best place for students and staff. We thank everyone for the support they provide in making us SLV STRONG!
Runners up
Delaveaga Elementary
Rio Del Mar
Middle School
San Lorenzo Valley Middle School
slvusd.org
Runner up
Mission Hill
Nature Academy
High School
San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District (SLVUSD)
slvusd.org
Runner up
Pacific Collegiate School
Preschool
Coastal Community Preschool
900 High Street, Santa Cruz
831.462.5437
coastalcommunitypreschool.org
Runners up
Simcha Preschool
Mount Madonna
Lic #440709549
491 Summit Road, Mount Madonna
408.847.2717
MountMadonnaSchool.org
The Montessori-inspired program provides a loving, safe and stimulating learning community where children are encouraged to problem-solve, develop at their own pace and engage in outdoor exploration. We nurture each child’s innate sense of curiosity, trust, goodness and wonder; while developing kindness and respect for self and others.
Private School
Spring Hill School
250 California St, Santa Cruz
831.427.2641
springhillschool.org
Runners up
Santa Cruz Montessori
Ages 18 months – 14 years
Main Campus (Primary and Elementary)
6230 Soquel Drive, Aptos
Winston Campus (Young Children’s Community and Jr. High)
244 Cabrillo College Drive, Soquel
831.476.1646
scms.org
Santa Cruz Montessori serves children 18 months to 14 years. Based on a deep understanding of child through adolescent development, our programs meet the interests and needs of our students, engaging and challenging them to do their best and inspiring a life long love of learning through the Montessori curriculum.
Baymonte
