Santa Cruz pairs California surf culture with dramatic coastal scenery, retro seaside attractions, and lively waterfront neighborhoods. The beach town also famously served as the backdrop for the ‘80s cult-classic The Lost Boys, with many of the film’s most memorable spots still open today. Here’s how to spend 24 hours exploring Santa Cruz through a Lost Boys-inspired lens.
Morning: Welcome to “Santa Carla”
Kick off your morning with a quick stop at The Picnic Basket, a beachy café located steps from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Order the avocado toast or frittata panini, or sink your teeth into a flaky chocolate croissant. Add a drip coffee or an iced matcha latte, then find a table out front or cross the street for a morning picnic on the beach.
Alternatively, ease into the day with a sit-down breakfast at Zachary’s Restaurant. Slide into a booth at the diner that’s been a downtown staple for decades, where everything is made from scratch. Choose between fan favorites like their famous sourdough pancakes and corned beef hash, or try the signature “Mike’s Mess” for home fries loaded with bacon, eggs, and cheese. Arrive early if you want to avoid the weekend brunch crowds.
If your group cares more about coffee than pancakes, choose Cat & Cloud inside Abbott Square Market. Step into the bright, airy space known for its craft coffee drinks and light breakfast options. Sip a mocha latte alongside the breakfast burrito or “Everything” toast topped with citrus herb shmear and microgreens. Find a seat out front or take your breakfast to-go and make your way toward the coast.
Hang out at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the seaside amusement park featured throughout The Lost Boys. Embrace the nostalgia of the old-school neon signs, arcade games, and carnival rides that have defined the area for more than a century. Ride the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and the Looff Carousel while soaking up the retro vibes before foot traffic picks up.
Wander along Santa Cruz Main Beach beneath the Giant Dipper and past the same stretch of sand where the film’s vampire gang wreaked havoc. Stroll the paved beach paths, join an impromptu game of volleyball, and look for dolphins splashing offshore. Continue onto the Santa Cruz Wharf for panoramic Monterey Bay views. Walk by fishing boats and lounging sea lions, then turn back toward the shoreline for postcard-worthy photo ops of the Boardwalk.
Afternoon: Cliffs, Coastline & Film Locations
Grab lunch at Stagnaro Bros. for a slice of old-school coastal California on the wharf. Request a window table for wide-open views of the bay, but expect a wait—this is one of the city’s most popular waterfront seafood joints. Start with a bowl of clam chowder (it’s a must) before digging into a crab melt sandwich or grilled local fish.
For a slower-paced meal in a slightly more polished space, dine at The Crow’s Nest instead. Sit in the main dining room, or head upstairs for patio dining with a front-row seat to the harbor and the Walton Lighthouse. Share a plate of crispy calamari, then order the salmon burger or ahi poke bowl. Wash it all down with fun, tropical cocktails like the passionfruit margarita.
Make your way to West Cliff Drive for a scenic walk past bluff overlooks, tide pools, and surf breaks. Follow the flat, paved path along the cliffs and stop near Steamer Lane to watch surfers tackle some of Santa Cruz’s most famous waves. Swing by the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum before you go to browse vintage surfboards, old photographs, and exhibits covering the city’s deep-rooted surf history.
Stop at Natural Bridges State Beach, located at the end of West Cliff Drive. Head down to the sand for views of the natural rock arch just offshore, then explore the tide pools to spot sea stars and anemones. Lay out on the beach, watch seabirds circle overhead, and take photos of the rugged Northern California coastline that shaped The Lost Boys. Plan your visit around low tide for the best tide pool access.
If you’d rather hit the local shops, spend time exploring downtown Santa Cruz and Pacific Avenue. Browse vintage clothing and retro finds at Artifact Goods or Motherlode, flip through the shelves at Bookshop Santa Cruz, or stop into Made In Santa Cruz for beachy souvenirs and one-of-a-kind gifts by regional artists. If your visit lines up with the second Sunday, walk through Abbott Square Market during the Artisan Faire for live music and booths from local makers.
Evening: Sunset Dining & Boardwalk Fun
Savor fresh seafood and sunsets over Monterey Bay at Riva Fish House. Soak up the relaxed waterfront setting from the outdoor patio or a table near the floor-to-ceiling windows. Start with steamed clams or raw oysters before moving into entrees like fish tacos and grilled mahi mahi. Stick around after dinner for an evening stroll along the wharf.
Looking for something livelier? Head to Hula’s Island Grill for tropical flavors in a fun, tiki-themed outpost. Expect bamboo accents, surf decor, and upbeat music to set the tone. Scan the menu for dishes like coconut shrimp rolls, ceviche, jerk chicken, and poke bowls. Pair your meal with a mai tai or painkiller—island-inspired cocktails are part of the experience here. Arrive early or join the waitlist ahead of time to avoid a long wait, as it’s a relatively small restaurant.
For a more refined option that still feels approachable, reserve a table at Oswald just off Pacific Avenue. Settle into a booth in the modern, dimly lit space and split a bottle of California wine, or try one of the signature cocktails. Choose between pub grub classics and elevated entrees that change with the seasons, like duck confit or red wine-braised lamb shank.
Return to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk after dinner, when the neon lights and nighttime energy feel closest to the version of “Santa Carla” featured in The Lost Boys. Play arcade games and mini golf at Neptune’s Kingdom or reserve a lane at the Boardwalk Bowl. Look for dessert vendors serving up classic carnival snacks like funnel cake, cotton candy, and ice cream. During summer, check the entertainment schedule for live music, magicians, or free movies shown right on the beach.
