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.
DAY CAMP
International Academy of Dance
320 Encinal St, Santa Cruz
831.466.0458
iadance.com
International Academy of Dance, home of Santa Cruz City Ballet, provides world class instruction in Classical Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz and Musical Theater. The studio is an encouraging and supportive community from ages two to eighty-two. It is our mission to inspire students of all ages to develop a lifelong love of dance. Through choreography, balance, agility, strength and flexibility, we work with each dancer to hone artistry, technique, focus and musicality. We aspire to bring joy and generate growth in every class. We can’t wait to see you in the studio!
RESIDENTIAL CAMP
Redwood Music Teen Camp (Community Music School of Santa Cruz)
P. O. Box 531 Santa Cruz, CA 95061
831.471.5184
CommunityMusicSchool.org
BAKERY
Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria
504 Bay Ave, Capitola
831.462.1200
gaylesbakery.com
COFFEE SHOP
11th Hour Coffee
1001 Center St #1, Santa Cruz
831.322.4599
eleventhhourcoffee.com
BREAKFAST
Walnut Avenue Café
106 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz
831.457.2307
walnutavenuecafe.com
DELI
Garden Liquors & Deli
1815 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz
831.475.9191
scgardendeli.com
DINNER
Bantam
1010 Fair Ave Ste J, Santa Cruz
831.420.0101
bantam1010.com
FINE DINING
Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen
200 High Rd, Santa Cruz
831.600.7376
venusspirits.com
GROCERY STORE
New Leaf Community Markets
6240 Highway 9, Felton
831.426.1306
newleaf.com
ICE CREAM
The Penny Ice Creamery
1520 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
831.204.2523
thepennyicecreamery.com
LUNCH
Pretty Good Advice
3258 Mission Dr, Santa Cruz
831.372.7131
prettygoodadvice.com
PIZZA
Woodstock’s Pizza
1575 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.427.4444
woodstockspizza.com
SUSHI
415 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz
831.462.1877
Mobo Sushi
1315 41st Ave, Capitola
831.475.6626
mobosushisantacruz.com
TAQUERIA
Taqueria Vallarta
893 41st Ave, Santa Cruz
831.464.7022
41st.enjoytaqueriavallarta.com
TO GO
Pretty Good Advice
3258 Mission Dr, Santa Cruz
831.372.7131
prettygoodadvice.com
FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar
1100 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
831.469.4400
kiantis.com
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz County
1515 Capitola Rd, Capitola
831.464.6396
bgcscc.org
ART
19C Rancho Del Mar, Aptos
831.661.5652
drawn2artclasses.com
We offer a high quality, fine art drawing and painting program that goes far beyond cut and paste, and arts -&- crafts. Inspirational teachers help students build skills and confidence. Curriculum is varied to include still-life, landscape, animals, portraiture, Anime and more. Students, ages 4-12, teens and adults, begin using drawing mediums, moving onto painting. Join Us for a Trial Art Class. Classes scheduled ahead of time, based on availability. New Students ONLY Pay Registration Fee ($30.00 Savings). Each Summer Camp is themed and Come Join Us for a Fun-Filled Day!Studio Sprout
831.325.2785
studiosprout.com
DANCE
320 Encinal St, Santa Cruz
831.466.0458
iadance.com
International Academy of Dance, home of Santa Cruz City Ballet, provides world class instruction in Classical Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz and Musical Theater. The studio is an encouraging and supportive community from ages two to eighty-two. It is our mission to inspire students of all ages to develop a lifelong love of dance. Through choreography, balance, agility, strength and flexibility, we work with each dancer to hone artistry, technique, focus and musicality. We aspire to bring joy and generate growth in every class. We can’t wait to see you in the studio!Dancenter
115 Upper Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz
831.426.0867
dancentersantacruz.com
MUSIC
Locations throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara CountyCall/Text: 831-332-9002
[email protected]
musicalme.com
We are overjoyed to be voted #1 AGAIN! Now in our 29th 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!
Be Natural Music
740 Water St, Santa Cruz
831.515.8369
benaturalmusic.live
SPORT
320 Encinal St, Santa Cruz
831.466.0458
iadance.com
International Academy of Dance, home of Santa Cruz City Ballet, provides world class instruction in Classical Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz and Musical Theater. The studio is an encouraging and supportive community from ages two to eighty-two. It is our mission to inspire students of all ages to develop a lifelong love of dance. Through choreography, balance, agility, strength and flexibility, we work with each dancer to hone artistry, technique, focus and musicality. We aspire to bring joy and generate growth in every class. We can’t wait to see you in the studio!SWIMMING
979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz
831.454.7960
scparks.com/simpkins_home.html
Adventure Sports Unlimited
686 41st Ave, Capitola
831.688.0440
asportsu.com
THEATER
1010 River Street, Santa Cruz
831.345.6340
[email protected]
www.allabouttheatre.org
Thank you for voting All About Theatre the best theater program as we celebrate 23 years of theater, and over 175 productions in Santa Cruz County. This year has brought many new and exciting changes. First and foremost our move into the Colligan Theater at the Tannery Arts Center. We are elated to offer year round training in the performing arts (technical training & performance) for children aged (3-6), Youth (6-10), Pre-teen (10-13) & Teens (13-17) and Adults. Join us this summer for 42nd Street, Dare to Dream, Spring Awakening and more… Our Fall Season will be announced shortly. Visit us at www.allabouttheatre.orgCYT Santa Cruz
115 S Morrissey Ave, Santa Cruz
831.428.8995
cytsantacruz.org
GYMNASTICS
3910 Portola Dr Ste 2 & 3, Santa Cruz
831.464.2847
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.Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center
4745 Soquel Dr, Aptos
831.462.5650
scgymcenter.com
We offer 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
BANK
West Coast Community Bank
1124 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.429.1500
westccu.com
PLACE OF WORSHIP
Twin Lakes Church
2701 Cabrillo College Dr, Aptos
831.688.7990
twinlakeschurch.com
INSURANCE
State Farm Insurance – Mark Hole
2428 Chanticleer Ave, Capitola
831.476.2700
markhole.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
Shmuel Thaler Photography
shmuelthaler.com
REALTOR
Eli Karon, Karon Properties
1103 Mission St, Santa Cruz
831.426.6696
karonproperties.com
DENTIST/ORTHODONTIST
Children’s Dentistry
7545 Soquel Dr, Aptos
831.662.2900
www.santacruzkidsdentist.com
Thank you for choosing Dr. Jackson as your favorite pediatric dentist again! We are proud to be your choice for the fourth year in a row. We love taking care of your children. New patients are always welcome. Call us and schedule an appointment soon.Nannette Benedict, DDS & Associates
5015 Scotts Valley Dr Ste A, Scotts Valley
831.440.9214
scottsvalleydentist.com
FITNESS
Enterprise Sports Club
100 Enterprise Way Ste G100, Scotts Valley
831.920.0912
enterprisesportsclub.com
HOSPITAL
Sutter Health – Santa Cruz Center
2025 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
sutterhealth.org
PEDIATRICIAN
Bruce Block, MD – PAMF
1101 Fair Ave Ste 101, Santa Cruz
831.462.4787
sutterhealth.org/find-doctor/bruce-block
REPRODUCTIVE CARE
703 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
831.427.9313
plannedparenthood.org
Dr. Paul Oderman, MD – Reproductive Endocrinologist
868 Cedar St Ste 404, Santa Cruz
831.600.8079
MIDWIFE / DOULA
britpatersonmidwifery.com
Nora Yerena, LM
noreyerenamlmc.com
THERAPIST
CCAMH
Center for Child & Adolescent Mental Health
4630 Soquel Drive #10, Soquel
831.222.0052
[email protected]
ccamh.org
Caring for a child or teen struggling with their mental health can be a terrifying and isolating experience. As parents, we face unprecedented challenges navigating social media, political unrest, COVID-19, and influences beyond our control. Finding therapy can be frustrating with long waitlists and difficulty accessing affordable care tailored to your child’s unique needs. You are not alone. Affordable, evidence-based youth mental healthcare is now available at the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health in the Soquel Village. We offer family-centered, individual, family, and group support as well as free Parent Drop-In sessions with a youth mental health expert.
“CCAMH’s free Parent Drop-In sessions have given me the tools I need to get my 12-year-old off her @%# phone! It’s been a lifesaver for my family.”
BEACH
Rio Del Mar State Beach
PARK
2165 17th Ave, Santa Cruz
831.454.7900
Ocean View Park
Ocean View Park, Santa Cruz
831.420.5270
HIKING
Aptos Creek Rd, Aptos
831.763.7063
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
2591 Graham Hill Rd, Felton
831.438.2396
AMUSEMENT PARK
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach St, Santa Cruz
831.423.5590
beachboardwalk.com
HAIR SALON
The Nook Salon & Spa
920 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.295.6233
thenook.us
SPA
Well Within Spa
417 Cedar St, Santa Cruz
831.458.9355
wellwithinspa.com
NAIL SALON
1675 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.462.6245
Diva Nails
132 Encinal St, Santa Cruz
831.423.6400
divanailssantacruz.com
CHILDREN’S SERVICES
Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery
1855 41st Ave Ste C-10, Capitola Mall, Capitola
831.600.4423
santacruzkids.org
KENNEL
The Velvet Coat Grooming Salon & Spa
501 River St #12, Santa Cruz
831.423.0505
velvetcoatgrooming.com
PET SUPPLIES
820 Bay Ave, Capitola
831.464.2444
Westside Farm & Feed
817 Almar Ave, Santa Cruz
831.423.7227
VETERINARIAN
Mobile service, Santa Cruz County
831.423.0078
gustinvaneverymobilevet.com
920 41st Ave, Santa Cruz
831.462.4554
LANDSCAPE / GARDENING
Dig Gardens
420 Water St, Santa Cruz
831.466.3444
digsantacruz
RADIO STATION
KAZU 90.3 FM
California State University Monterey Bay, Seaside
831.582.5298
kazu.org
HOUSE CLEANING
Dynamic Cleaning Service
Santa Cruz (mobile service)
831.818.1826
HOME REPAIR
All Around Home Solutions
Santa Cruz (mobile service)
415.645.6658
ART SUPPLIES
1501-K 41st Ave, Capitola
831.464.2700
Lenz Arts
142 River St, Santa Cruz
831.423.1935
lenzarts.com
BABY (GOODS)
1551 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
831.423.1234
MiniMint Co.
Mobile/Online store
(Online only)
BIKE SHOP
2361 Mission St, Santa Cruz
831.427.2232
Sooke’s Man Shop & Cycle
221 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
831.425.2895
sookesmanicycle.com
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING
Shop Lively Kids
1368 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
831.466.2219
shoplivelykids.com
GIFT SHOP
Zinnia’s Gift Boutique
219 Capitola Ave, Capitola
831.476.0313
zinniasgiftboutique.com
HOME DECOR
Dig Gardens
420 Water St, Santa Cruz
831.466.3444
digsantacruz.com
NURSERY / GARDEN
San Lorenzo Garden Center
235 River St, Santa Cruz
831.423.0223
SKATE / SURF
Pacific Wave Surf Shop
1501 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
831.423.0722
pacificwavesurf.com
TOYS
19-B Rancho Del Mar, Aptos (next to Safeway)
831-316-7261
[email protected]
www.wonderlandsantacruz.com
Wonderland is your small, locally owned, one-stop shop for all the children and teens in your life. At Wonderland you’ll find toys, games, puzzles, books, arts & crafts, science kits, outdoor/active play items, stuffed animals, and so much more. Thank you for shopping local at our women-owned, small family business.Childish
1129 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.421.9223
WOMEN’S CLOTHING
Closet Shopper
1203 41st Ave, Capitola
831.476.1565
CHARTER SCHOOL
Ocean Grove Charter School
Pajaro Valley area
831.753.7071
oceangrovecharterschool.org
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Gateway School
126 Eucalyptus Ave, Santa Cruz
831.423.0341
[email protected]
gateways.org
Thank you for voting for Gateway 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. gateways.org
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mission Hill Middle School
425 King St, Santa Cruz
831.429.3860
missionhill.sccs.net
HIGH SCHOOL
Kirby School
425 Encinal St, Santa Cruz
831.423.0658
kirby.org
PRESCHOOL
Mount Madonna School
491 Summit Rd, Watsonville
408.847.2717
mountmadonnaschool.org
PRIVATE SCHOOL
Chrysostom Classical Academy
315 Encinal St, Santa Cruz
831.713.2148
chrysostom.org
One Comment
Krystal Black
Glad to know my business made the best of list. Would be great if it had the accurate address and phone #.
The Closet Shopper is located at 1203 41st Ave, Capitola and phone # 831-476-1565