Best of 2024
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 Camp
Kennolyn Day Camps
Runner up
Redwood Music Kid Camp
(Community Music School)
Redwood Music Kid Camp
Young musicians explore Celtic music at this two-week day camp for ages 7-13. For players of violin, flute, penny whistle, recorder, harp, guitar, ukulele, keyboards, and cello. Students practice in instrument-specific groups, and with the entire ensemble. Camp begins July 22 in Scotts Valley. Information and registration at CommunityMusicSchool.org.
Residential Camp
Camp Kennolyn
Runner up
Redwood Music Teen Camp(Community Music School)
Redwood Music Teen Camp
Teen musicians explore Celtic music at this week-long residential camp in Aptos. Students practice and perform in instrument-specific groups, small bands, and with the entire camp; there’s also dancing, movies, crafts, and more! For players of strings, plucked instruments, woodwinds, and keyboards. Information and registration is online at CommunityMusicSchool.org.
Dining
Bakery
Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria
504 Bay Avenue, Capitola
831.462.1200
Runner up
Companion Bakery
Coffee Shop
Cat & Cloud
Four locations
Runner up
11th Hour
Breakfast
Zachary’s
819 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
831.427.0646
Runner up
Walnut Avenue Cafe
Deli
Zoccoli’s Delicatessen
1534 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
831.423.1711
Runner up
Garden Liquor & Deli
Dinner
Lillian’s Italian Kitchen
1148 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.425.2288
Runner up
Laili Restaurant
Fine Dining
Cafe Cruz Restaurant
2621 41st Ave. Soquel
831.476.3801
Runner up
Shadowbrook
Grocery Store
Shopper’s Corner
622 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.429.1494
Runner up
New Leaf Community Markets
Ice Cream
Marianne’s Ice Cream
Three locations
Runner up
Penny Ice Cream
Pizza
Pizza My Heart
1116 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
831.426.2511
Runner up
Pleasure Point Pizza
Sushi
Otoro Sushi
235 Mt Hermon Rd, Ste G, Scotts Valley
831.440.9040
Runner up
Mobo Sushi
Taqueria
Taqueria Vallarta
Locations in Santa Cruz and Felton
Enjoytaqueriavallarta.com
Runner up
Los Pericos
To Go
Charlie Hong Kong
1141 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.426.5664
Runner up
Pizza My Heart
Family Friendly Restaurant
Otoro Sushi
235 Mt Hermon Rd, Ste G, Scotts Valley
831.440.9040
Runner up
Carpo’s
Extra Curricular
After School Care
Sprouts Aftercare
Runner up
Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County
Art Studio
Studio Sprout
831.325.2785
Runner up
Seven Directions Art and Learning Center
Dance
International Academy of Dance
320 Encinal Street Santa Cruz
831.466.0458
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!
Runner up
Tannery World Dance
Music
Music Together/ Musical Me
MusicalMe, Inc. offering Music Together™
Locations throughout Santa Cruz and
Santa Clara County
831.332.9002
We are overjoyed to be voted #1 AGAIN! Now in our 28th year, made possible with the loving support of our incredible community. Thank you! Come join the fun at our Music Together classes –playful, rich, and engaging for everyone. Summer-only special: Unlimited Bonus Classes!
Runners up
Be Natural Music
Kuumbwa Jazz
Sports
DeLaveaga Golf Course
401 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz,
831.423.7214
Runner up
Scotts Valley Little League
Swimming
Adventure Sports Unlimited
303 Potrero St., Suite 15, Santa Cruz
831.458.3648
Runners up
Jim Booth Swim School
Watsonville
831.722.3500
Be a water wonder! Lessons for all ages! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to our adult beginner class. The whole family can splash together at Jim Booth Swim School. Little Otters is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree indoor pool that will make you confident that you are guiding your infant to a happy water experience. will be offered at our outdoor pool located in Watsonville at Toadal fitness. The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School!
Theater
All About Theatre
325 Washington St, Santa Cruz
831.345.6340
Thank you for voting AAT the best theater program as we celebrate 22 years of theater, and over 165 productions in Santa Cruz County. Offering year round training in the performing arts for children aged (3-6), Youth (6-10), Pre-teen (10-13) & Teens (13-17) and Adults. This summer we offer many themed 1-week camps in storytelling, dramatic play, broadway dance, voice and more. Come be a part of the magic!
Runner up
Rio Theatre
Gymnastics
June Bugs Gym
3910 Portola Drive, Suite 2, Santa Cruz
831.464.BUGS (2847)
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.
Runner up
Santa Cruz Gymnastics
831.462.0655
Beginning June 3, we will be offering Gymnastics Camps for ages 5–12! Come FLIP WITH US at our weekly themed camps. Camps include gymnastics lessons on all Olympic events, supervised open gym time, group games, crafts and time in our foam pit! Full and half day options are available for each weekly camp. Check scgym.com for more information and to register.
Family Services
Bank
Bay Federal Credit Union
Runner up
Santa Cruz County Bank
Place/House of Worship
Twin Lakes Church
2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos
831.465.3300
Runner up
Temple Beth El
Insurance
State Farm
Runner up
Michael Boffy Farmers Insurance
Photographer
Alicia Telfer
Runner up
Good Eye Photography
Realtor
Shemeika Fox
Runner up
Jessica Soto
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
Runner up
MADabolic Scotts Valley
Outdoors
Beach
Natural Bridges State Park
Runner up
Seabright
Park
Henry Cowell State Park
Runner up
Garfield Park
Hiking
Henry Cowell State Park
Runner up
Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Amusement Park
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Personal Care
Hair Salon
The Nook Salon & Spa
920 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.295.6233
Runner up
Hau’s of Hair
Spa
Empowering Hands Massage and Spa
Valley Drive Suite F, Scotts Valley
831.888.7614
empoweringhands.massagetherapy.com
Runner up
Sage Float Spa
Massage Therapist
Empowering Hands Massage and Spa
Valley Drive Suite F, Scotts Valley
831.888.7614
empoweringhands.massagetherapy.com
Nail Salon
Tracy’s Nails
1420 41st Ave, Capitola
831.462.2292
Health
Dentist/Orthodontist
Alison K. Jackson, DDS
Children’s Dentistry
7545 Soquel Dr, Aptos
831.662.2900
Thank you for voting us your favorite pediatric dentist for the third year in a row! We love taking care of your children. New patients are always welcome. Call us and schedule an appointment soon.
Runner up
Heit Family Dentistry
Hospital
Dominican
1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz
877.917.0343
bayarea.dignityhealth.org/dominican-hospital
Runner up
Sutter
Pediatrician
Dr. Wheeler (Dignity Health)
Reproductive
Planned Parenthood
Midwife/Doula
Brie Buxton
Runner up
Dana Ramsey at Nurture
Therapist
TherapyWorks
Locations in Capitola and Scotts Valley
Runner up
Santa Cruz Therapy Collective
Specialist
Golden State Orthopedics & Spine
831.475.4024
Pets
Kennel
Bed and Biscuits
2625 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz
831.475.1580
Pet supplies
Pet Pals
3660 Soquel Dr Ste. A, Soquel
831.464.8775
Runner up
Pet Smart
Veterinarian
West Side Animal Shelter
Runner up
Chanticleer Veterinary Hospital
Resources
Radio Station
KZSC
Retail
Art Supplies
Lenz Arts
142 River Street, Santa Cruz
831.423.1935
Runner up
Art Palace Arts
Baby
Mini Mint
808 41st Ave, Santa Cruz
831.902.1899
Runner up
Hope’s Closet
Bike Shop
Scotts Valley Cyclesport
Three Locations
Runner up
Bike Trip
Children’s Clothing
Mini Mint
808 41st Ave, Santa Cruz
831.902.1899
Runner up
Hope’s Closet
Gift Shop
Zinnia’s
219 Mt Hermon Rd C, Scotts Valley
831.430.9466
Runner up
The Farm
Home Decor
Zinnia’s
219 Mt Hermon Rd C, Scotts Valley
831.430.9466
Runner up
Marshall’s
Nursery/Garden
Dig Gardens
Two locations
Runner up
San Lorenzo Garden Center
Skate/ Surf
Calistyle
222 Mount Hermon Rd Ste G, Scotts Valley
831.440.1088
Runner up
O’Neill’s
Teen Clothing
Calistyle
222 Mount Hermon Rd Ste G, Scotts Valley
831.440.1088
Runner up
Forever 21
Toys
Childish Toy Shop
127 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.454.8208
Runner up
Wonderland Toys & Classroom Resources
19B Rancho Del Mar, Aptos
831.316.7261
Women’s Clothing
Pacific Trading Company
Santa Cruz and Capitola
Santa Cruz : 831.423.3349
Capitola: 831.476.6109
Runner up
Mint Muse
Schools
Charter
Pacific Collegiate School
3004 Mission Street, Santa Cruz
831.479.7785
Runner up
Ocean Grove
Elementary
Gateway School
Gateway School K-8
255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz
831.423.0341
Gateway School is proud to be named the Best Elementary and Best Middle School in Santa Cruz as well as runner up for the Best Private School. From our small class sizes to our extraordinary programs, educators and academics, Gateway is inspiring students to be prepared, be known and belong. Visit us today.
Runner up
Spring Hill School
Middle School
Gateway School
Gateway School K-8
255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz
831.423.0341
Gateway School is proud to be named the Best Elementary and Best Middle School in Santa Cruz as well as runner up for the Best Private School. From our small class sizes to our extraordinary programs, educators and academics, Gateway is inspiring students to be prepared, be known and belong. Visit us today.
Runner up
Pacific Collegiate School
High School
Santa Cruz High
schs.sccs.net
Runner up
Scotts Valley High School
Preschool
Simcha Preschool
831.479.3449
3055 Porter Gulch Rd, Aptos
tbeaptos.org/simcha-preschool.html
Runner up
Natural Bridges Children’s Center
Private School
Spring Hill School
831.427.2641
250 California Street, Santa Cruz
Thank you Santa Cruz area for your votes! We love being a part of this community and look forward to continuing to serve you. Join our teachers on July 27th, 10-11am for a morning of Design Thinking & Science Exploration. Ages 4-10 years old. Fun can be learning!
Runner up
Gateway School
Gateway School K-8
255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz
831.423.0341
Gateway School is proud to be named the Best Elementary and Best Middle School in Santa Cruz as well as runner up for the Best Private School. From our small class sizes to our extraordinary programs, educators and academics, Gateway is inspiring students to be prepared, be known and belong. Visit us today.
Entertainment
Place to celebrate kid’s birthday
Roller Palladium
1606 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz
831.423.0844
Runner up
Boardwalk Bowl
Place For Adults to Celebrate
Shadowbrook
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola
831.475.1511
Runner up
Bruno’s
