Santa Cruz Wharf

Nice wooden wharf. Largest on the west coast. Over a century old. Recently took a wave beating, so parts of the wharf are closed due to safety reasons.

There were many people fishing from the pier all ages, but on this day the fish were not biting.

Again, this is a touristy area and attraction, so food is priced accordingly. So be aware.

I'll post some menus and prices here, but the food is good.

One of the must go to’s if visiting Santa Cruz . The wharf has everything from beach area to great food . If your looking to go kayaking or fishing those are available as well . Recommend the MaKia tiki bar, great drinks. Majority of the food on the wharf isn’t the best and would recommend the Jack O’Neil restaurant if you want something good kinda on the wharf . Humble sea has a pop up spot for great bear in the spring/summer time . All around a great time for the family and only a few steps away from the boardwalk area .

Walk on the wharf is so good to smell the ocean air and look at these incredible views. There are seals too and they are fun to watch. Nice shops and little seafood restaurants.

Hadn't heard anything about this wharf when we stopped by for a stroll. Imagine the fun when I saw the sea lions. They were so loud! Echoing off the underside of the wharf, they really demand your attention. Which was fine, because they were so fun to watch. The battles for perches and their playful way of swimming around the piers were entertaining to watch from the special viewing hatches at the end of the wharf.

Neat strip of tourist traps on the warf. Great candy and chocolate store, a couple nice surf shops.... well tshirt shops, no surf gear.... and the absolute best clam chowder I have ever had.

This place is amazing! They have the best restaurant on the wharf which is blue dolphin! However they’re temporarily closed and they have such an amazing candy shop on here! Parking is great and the employee at the booth was so amazing! He was a great older gentleman and he made my night! If you ever read thank you so much and you’re the best! The only downside is there is paid parking now and it used to be free! However that changed a while ago! So many cute shops to check out as well!

Boasting the title of longest pier on the west coast of the US, the Santa Cruz wharf is a great spot to take in scenic views of the water and the boardwalk, pick up some souvenirs, and catch the sea lions doing all sorts of fun sea lion stuff.

Santa Cruz Wharf is a beloved landmark and popular tourist destination located in Santa Cruz, California.

Scenic Beauty: Santa Cruz Wharf boasts breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Cruz coastline. The sight of the expansive blue ocean, crashing waves, and coastal cliffs is truly mesmerizing. Visitors can stroll along the wharf and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze while taking in the stunning vistas.

Attractions and Activities: The wharf offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. From unique shops and boutiques to delicious dining options, there is something for everyone. You can browse through souvenir stores, art galleries, and specialty shops to find unique gifts and local crafts. There are also several restaurants and eateries serving fresh seafood, classic American fare, and international cuisine. It's a great place to satisfy your taste buds while enjoying the ocean views.

Fishing and Wildlife: Santa Cruz Wharf is a haven for fishing enthusiasts. Many visitors enjoy casting their lines off the wharf and trying their luck at catching various fish species. The wharf is also a fantastic spot for birdwatching, as numerous seabirds and shorebirds can be seen flying and resting in the area. If you're lucky, you might even spot sea lions or seals lounging on the nearby rocks.

Wharf Activities: The wharf hosts several activities and events throughout the year, adding to its vibrant atmosphere. From live music performances to art exhibitions and festivals, there's always something happening at Santa Cruz Wharf. These events create a lively and festive environment, making each visit a memorable experience.

Beach Access: Adjacent to the wharf is the popular Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which offers a wide sandy beach and a variety of amusement park rides and attractions. Visitors can easily access the beach from the wharf, making it a convenient spot to enjoy a day in the sun, build sandcastles, or take a refreshing dip in the ocean.

Family-Friendly Environment: Santa Cruz Wharf is a family-friendly destination with activities and attractions suitable for all ages. Children will particularly enjoy the boardwalk's amusement park rides and games, as well as the chance to spot marine life from the wharf. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal place for a family outing or a relaxing day by the sea.

Overall, Santa Cruz Wharf offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, seaside attractions, dining options, and entertainment. Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll along the ocean or a fun-filled day with family and friends, the wharf provides a charming and enjoyable experience for visitors of all kinds.

A must go place when in the Bay area. We had a amazing time here. There are so many great little shops for souvenirs and amazing restaurants.

Great place for photos and walks and even jogs. The sea lions is always the top attraction, amazing experience, prepare the camera.

Santa Cruz Wharf is well known for fishing, boat tours, dining, gift shops and a beautiful long pier. We visited on a Sunny day and walked along the Pier, visited the gift shops to buy some souvenirs, Tees and had lunch at Olitas Mexican Restaurant. At the end of the Pier, we could see and hear the Sea Lions as well as the sail boats. The Wharf is located close to the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk. Parking is also available.

It is a delightful experience to visit the wharf at sunset/dinner time. I love to go there and take a stroll, check out the stores, and have dinner as I watch the sunset, the seagulls, the sea lions, and the sailboats through the windows of the restaurants. Great experience that never disappoints.

Where do we begin?! I have loved coming here since I learned it existed. The food, the vibe, the whole thing – I love it. I always have to stop and take a peek at the seals playing in the water. They are on these little viewing decks near the Dolphin restaurant.

Stagnaro Brothers is also down this way. It is an awesome restaurant with excellent seafood. There's a fish stand right next door that also carries food like clam chowder, crab and shrimp cocktails, and fish and chips if you don’t want to have a sit-down meal.

Made in Santa Cruz is a shop of things made in Santa Cruz. It's a cute little spot to grab some trinkets to take home from your trip. Marini's Candies is another Santa Cruz staple. You’ll probably be more aware of the location at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. They make fresh salt water taffy (it’s delicious) amongst a large selection of other candies. There's so much to choose from.

They have also added a spot to play bocce ball while you watch the water. Vino by the Sea is located upstairs from here, and across the way you’ll find my most frequented wharf restaurant, Olitas Mexican cuisine. On Tuesdays and Thursdays they have taco deals and margaritas for $10.

Makai is a newer spot located downstairs from Olitas. They have Hawaiian food and a rotating bar. I went to a wedding reception here last year. They have awesome food, and it's a great place to have a party.

Noland’s is a store where you can find gifts and Santa Cruz-inspired clothing. It's mostly gift shops and restaurants. Surf City has Santa Cruz towels with the famous Santa Cruz logo.

Gilda’s is a favorite for breakfast. I have had dinner here too, and it has always been delicious. I heard they recently changed owners and it seems to be just as good.

Riva is another favorite that people like. Firefish was under construction, but I believe it's open now. Woodies café? I have never tried it. They have a gift shop and food. Sockshop has a location here with cool socks. Bay Company is another gift shop, along with Bonnie’s Gifts, Surf Life and last but not least, the Hawaiian shaved ice.

Whatever you choose to do, you will enjoy the views of the ocean and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Spent a few hours walking the wharf doing the tourist-y thing. Enjoyed the shops, views, and people-watching. Shopping is not cheap, but there are a few somewhat more affordable options for souvenirs, like postcards, keychains, stickers and magnets. The candy shop was pricey, but the truffles were delicious!

Very nice warf facing Santa Cruz Boardwalk, plenty of shops, restaurant and....seals.
Very nice spending some time there enjoying the ocean

The wharf was fascinating! They have cute shops and eateries. We just went to walk around and explore. It wasn’t super crowded but we got there about 4pm on a Sunday.

It was a lovely walk on a beautiful evening and fun to see the boats and the fishermen. My favorite part was being able to see the sea lions. There are multiple spots to watch them at the end of the pier. They are loud but adorable!

We didn’t go to the amusement park so I’m not sure about there. We did have to pay for parking, we were there for about an hour or so, we ended up only paying $2. So definitely go if you’re here cuz it’s lovely!!

A must visit when in the Bay area. The scenery while driving there was marvelous! Enjoyable... we had a blast just absorbing nature... majestic
While arriving, we parked on the pier. A bit scary, wooden boards would rattle and shake... but we were okay, and it was a fun experience. There are so many great little shops for souvenirs, amazing restaurants... visit makai! .
The views are great... great place for photos and walks and even jogs.
The sea lions always are belching their voices.... such a surreal experience.
Top marks across the board!

Wonderful pier. You can drive & park on the pier. There are lots of gift shops & restaurants there. Close to everything & walking distance to many attractions

Went there on New Year's Eve and check out the high surf, but not much high surf to see on that day.. but had a nice time with the family enjoying the scenery..

Went on a Monday in November. Not too crowded which was nice. Fun to watch sea lions sleeping and swimming underneath.

Nice place to hangout. Has a lot of shops for souvenir, good food and has kayaking rental shops too. On a good day you will find it crowded with lots of cars and people.