TheaterActors’ Theatre
1001 Center St., Santa Cruz
831-425-7529, sccat.org
The Buzz: It’s the Santa Cruz playground for dramatic artists. New written works and local actors hit the stage in full-length productions and in short 10-minute shows. The theater also frequently boasts out-of-town talent including performers from San Francisco.
Bottom Line: Great portal for community theater.
Art League/Broadway Playhouse
It boasts an impressive art gallery as well a small theater, and over the past two years it’s rocked audiences with thought-provoking shows from Pisces Moon Productions (pictured) and The Monterey Bay Repertory Theatre Company. (526 Broadway, Santa Cruz, 831-426-5787, 831-429-2339, scal.org/theater .) Photo: Kelly Vaillancourt 
Cabrillo Stage at the Cabrillo Theatre
6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos
831-479-6154; 831-479-6429
The Buzz: It’s the hot theater ticket during the summer months. This year, the revered Cabrillo Stage unleashes “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Kiss Me Kate.” Professional actors, great stage direction and brilliant music arrangement make for one memorable time.
Bottom Line: Not to be missed!
Henry J. Mello Center
250 East Beach St., Watsonville.
831-763-4047
The Buzz: The theater has been heralded as one of South County’s finest, so it makes sense that the Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts in Watsonville could be a memorable cultural experience. The lavish setting offers balcony seating, a luxurious stage and much more.
Bottom Line: Big city feel in a mostly rural yet culturally rich locale.
Louden Nelson Community Center
301 Center St., Santa Cruz, 831-420-6177
The Buzz: The famed local center attracts often quirky and diverse offerings on the theater front, but take note of its other offerings—everything from seniors yoga to dance. The hallway doubles as an art gallery.
Bottom Line: Mayberry-esque and entertaining.
Mountain Community Theatre
9400 Mill St., Ben Lomond
831-336-4777, mctshows.org
The Buzz: It’s deep in the mountains, but this gaggle of dancers and actors manage to turn heads with a wide range of shows—from “Grease” to “The Pirates of Penzance.”
Bottom Line: A comfy-cozy setting that offers fine productions.
Rio Theatre
1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-8209
The Buzz: It’s a former movie palace cum multi-use, performing arts venue where the likes of Danny Glover, David Sedaris, Paula Poundstone and Ramtha have graced the stage. Occasional theater is mixed in with music and other events.
Bottom Line: Hot ticket item.
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
307 Church St., Santa Cruz
831-420-5260
The Buzz: Most call it “old faithful” because it’s Santa Cruz’s largest venue. And while this one-time mega gymnasium was all about shooting hoops, it’s now been re-imagined for great local plays, award-winning music festivals, as well as art and wine festivals.
Bottom Line: Variety and convenient downtown locale make great creative bedfellows.
Veterans Memorial Building
846 Front St., Santa Cruz
831-454-0478, www.vetshall.org
The Buzz: A historical landmark that frequently showcases musicians, dance shows, and yoga classes, the VMB is ideal for hosting cool gigs as well as a bevy of fitness and artistic classes.
Bottom Line: Homey, fun, no-frills.
UC Santa Cruz/Shakespeare
Santa Cruz 1156 High St., Santa Cruz
831-459-2121, 831-459-2159
The Buzz: It’s been dubbed one of the finest Shakespeare fests in the country and Shakespeare Santa Cruz lives up to that honor. Each summer, it produces three plays—two Shakespeare pieces and one non-Shakespeare—that are outstanding. A winter production comes to life in December. Take note: the shows often sell out and some summer performances come to life in the redwoods in the Sinsheimer-Stanley Festival Glen.
Bottom Line: Sheer brilliance.
Art GalleriesAnnieglass Retail Store
110 Suite 110F, Cooper St., Santa Cruz
831-427-4260
The Buzz: Thriving local artist Ann Morhauser’s fine glass tableware comes to life here. Expect nothing but beautiful designs and bright colors from the famed fine glass maven. Look for hand-blown stemware and jewelry from artists around the world.
Bottom Line: Downright impressive.
Artisans Gallery
1368 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz
831-423-8183
The Buzz: This showcase for local talent offers a slice of everything, from woodwork and ceramics to jewelry, prints and glass art. Hours: 10:30am to 6:30pm Mon.-Thurs., 10:30am to 8pm Friday and Saturday, 10:30am to 6:30pm Sunday.
Bottom Line: With a mission like “Delight the eye with beauty,” how can you go wrong?
Artisans of Boulder Creek
13090-B Pine St., Boulder Creek
831-338-9498
The Buzz: This co-op of local artists sells original paintings, ceramics, sculpture and blown glass, as well as plants from their spacious patio. Call ahead to get the dates of their next portabella barbecue—one of the founders is also the author of a mushroom cookbook. Hours: 10am to 7pm Wed.-Sun.
Bottom Line: Great place to stop on that windy mountain sightseeing drive.
The Attic
The Attic continually impresses the masses. Part tea house/restaurant, part art gallery, part performance space, the venue has become a terrific portal for the culturally curious and adventurous. It’s one of downtown’s hottest spots. (931 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-460-1800, theatticsantacruz.com .) Photo: Charles Mixson 
Felix Kulpa
107 Elm St., Santa Cruz
831-421-9107, felixkulpa.com
The Buzz: Felix Kulpa specializes in offbeat, never pretentious, contemporary art. This also happens to be one of the best places to have a picnic amongst the whirling sculptures in the garden. Art shows change on a regular basis. Most are downright impressive. Hours: 11am to 7pm Wed.-Sun. For more info:
Bottom Line: One of the best galleries in Santa Cruz.
Lundberg Studios
Contemporary Art and Glass
131 Old Coast Road, Davenport
831-423-2532
The Buzz: After 32 years specializing in art glass, Lundberg Studios is just as good of a reason to venture to Davenport as the wild beaches or the one-of-a-kind Cash Store. For glass vases and paperweights—the world-famous globe paperweights will all take your breath away—the place wins points for variety and style. Hours: Open daily.
Bottom Line: Can’t -miss.
Made in Santa Cruz
At the Municipal Wharf
831-426-2257
The Buzz: Expect a large selection of original paintings, blown glass, ceramics and sculpture from local artists here. And note the body products from Bonny Doon Farm. Hours: 10am. to 7pm Monday through Friday, 10am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday. Summer hours: Friday-Sunday 9am to 9pm, Monday-Thursday 10am to 8pm
Bottom Line: A perfect after-dinner stop while strolling on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf.
Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery
Porter College, UC Santa Cruz
831-459-3606
The Buzz: An amazingly wide variety of art covering all genres decorates this hidden treasure at the City on a Hill. Call ahead to see what special shows are running. Open Tuesday–Saturday Noon-5pm, Closed on university holidays and during summer.
Bottom Line: One of the UCSC’s treasures.
MichaelAngelo Studios
1111 River St., Santa Cruz
831-426-8934
The Buzz: Once an old tanning house, the historic building was about to be demolished when sculptor Angelo Grova stepped in and converted it into a gallery and maze of studios for local artists. Now it offers everything from art openings to fundraisers. Hours: Saturday and Sunday noon to 4pm (Appointments are available during the week.)
Bottom Line: An artistic hit.
Sally Bookman, The Gallery
109 Capitola Ave., Capitola
831-464-3838, sallybookman.com/art
The Buzz: England-born Sally Bookman followed the sun to California at the age of 22 where she re-discovered her passion for art and fell in love with watercolor. Now, her gallery features rich tapestries and a fresh look at travels throughout the Santa Cruz area and Europe. Hours: Monday through Friday 11am to 5pm; 10:30am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday.
Bottom Line: Perfect locale, terrific art.
Shen’s Gallery
2404 Mission St., Santa Cruz
831-457-4422, shensgallery.com .
The Buzz: The large Mission Street showroom offers a huge selection of Chinese antiques not easily found anywhere else. Local delivery and world-wide shipping available.10am-6pm daily, 11am-6pm Sunday.
Bottom Line: One of the Westside’s nicest surprises.
Santa Cruz Art League
526 Broadway, Santa Cruz
831-426-5787
The Buzz: Since its beginning in 1919, the Santa Cruz Art League has always supported our county’s flourishing community of artists. You can find plenty of exhibits here—paintings, photography, ceramics and sculptures by local artists. The venue has become the host of the popular Open Studios tour in October. While visiting the Art League, pick up a schedule of the offered art classes. Showroom hours: Tuesday Noon-7pm, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Noon-5pm, and Sunday Noon to 4pm.
Bottom Line: Long-time favorite that consistently delivers the goods.
AttractionsAgricultural Museum
2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville
831-724-5898
The Lowdown: See antique farm machinery and get a sense how they used to do it in the good old days. The Central Coast is internationally known for its farming and this museum has some of the best collections of farming equipment on the West Coast.
Bottom Line: Farming isn’t just for Iowans, you know.
Capitola Historical Museum
410 Capitola Ave., Capitola
831-464-0322
The Lowdown: The charming village by the sea and its museum are often called quaint. With photographs and artifacts dating back to the days of Camp Capitola, the museum is a lovingly curated to reflect Capitola’s past through the present.
Bottom Line: Capitola, like most thriving little towns, has more to it than you think.
Evergreen Historical Cemetery
Evergreen and Coral streets, Santa Cruz
831-429-1964, Ext. 24.
The Lowdown: Established in 1850, the Evergreen Cemetery is one of the oldest in California. Civil War Veterans, gold miners, prostitutes are bones beneath the grounds. Fantastic docent tours are led by knowledgeably-endowed historians.
Bottom Line: Who’s afraid of dead people?
The Museum of Art & History
705 Front St., Santa Cruz
831-429-1964
The Lowdown: Santa Cruz County’s largest museum boasts three floors of rotating art shows and a historical exhibit that traces the area’s humble past to present. Located in the cultural center of Santa Cruz, the museum is a lovely way to spend an afternoon whiling away the hours in educational and cultural stimulus.
Bottom Line: The epicenter of county culture and history.
Roaring Camp Railroads
Graham Hill Road, Felton
831-335-4400
The Lowdown: Riding on the railroad will take you back in time into the redwood forest ending at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a historical point of interest in its own right. Call the friendly conductor for time and destinations.
Bottom Line: Locals call it the “wavey train” because everyone on it likes to wave.
San Lorenzo Valley Historical Museum
12547 Highway 9, Boulder Creek
831-338-8382
The Lowdown: The San Lorenzo Valley is rich in historical interests and this museum covers it all from life-size dioramas depicting pioneer life to the tools they carried. Check out the early logging and mining industry pieces and chat with the knowledgeable local volunteers who dig up and hold on to this stuff just for fun.
Bottom Line: A great spot for history buffs and the curious alike.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Ah, the Boardwalk. Who on this Earth could deny an afternoon or evening of thrilling rides, carnival games and amazing food? Not to mention the awesome view and location, next to the Municipal Wharf and close to the Boardwalk Bowl. Long-time Boardwalk favorites include the World-Famous Giant Dipper, Santa Cruz’s largest video arcade (with games both new and old), and the best darned Philly Cheese Steak on the West Coast. A sure bet for fun, whether you’re bringing the whole family or a hot date.This century-old attraction is quite possibly the No. 1 reason to visit Santa Cruz. (400 Beach St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-5590.) Photo: Courtesy of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. 
Santa Cruz Harley-Davidson Museum
1148 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
831-421-9600
The Lowdown: This giant store is a focal point for area motorcycle enthusiasts, and also hosts a stunning area of vintage rides on its large showroom floor in the heart of the Seabright/Soquel shopping and entertainment district.
Bottom Line: A very nice collection of cherry antique motorcycles and memorabilia that will inspire you to ride with the wind.
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
144 School St., Santa Cruz
831-425-5849
The Lowdown: One of many historic missions built in California during the 1800s, the Mission La Exaltacíon de la Santa Cruz is where the town gets its name—Holy Cross. See an adobe house built in 1822 by the Ohlone Indians and an exhibit that shows early Santa Cruz life.
Bottom Line: Not just an informative day of history, but the best views of Santa Cruz for your photo album.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
831-420-6115
The Lowdown: Simply one of the easiest museums to find because of the life-size concrete gray whale resting out front. The Museum of Natural History has a wonderful collection of animal and plant specimens, both living and, well, stuffed. Add an Ohlone exhibit and a tide pool touch tank and you’re in for a day of fun and discovery.
Bottom Line: A nice place to retreat from the beach if the sun is wearing you out
Santa Cruz Mystery Spot
465 Mystery Spot Road, Santa Cruz, mysteryspot.com
The Lowdown: You’ve seen the bumper sticker. You’ve driven behind it for miles, wondering what arcane secrets might be held at the infamous Mystery Spot. Wonder no longer! The Mystery Spot is open 365 days a year, so it’s always a great time to satisfy your curiosities. Just wander up Branciforte to Mystery Spot Road and the weirdness begins. And don’t forget to spread the gospel by picking up California’s best bumper sticker.
Bottom Line: Your belief in the law of gravity is about to be shaken.
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse,
West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
831-420-6289
The Lowdown: Besides being inside one of the most recognizable Santa Cruz icons, the museum is perched above one of the world’s premier surf spots, Steamer Lane, where you can see some of the best in surfing. It’s an apt and totally killer juxtaposition. See a surfboard that was bitten by a great white shark, surfing memorabilia from old redwood planks to wet suit pioneer Jack O’Neill’s first creation.
Bottom Line: This is why Santa Cruz is the real Surf City.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab
100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, 831-459-3800
The Lowdown: With a tide pool touch tank and one of the best aquariums between Monterey and Steinhert, the Seymour Center is a destination that will leave you with the abysmal regret that you didn’t pursue a marine biology degree.
Bottom Line: A fantastic place to discover the deep and mysterious ocean without ever getting wet.
Wilder Ranch State Park
1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz
Highway 1 just past Swift Street
831-423-9703
The Lowdown: Before Brussels sprouts, Santa Cruz was host to numerous dairy farms that dotted the coast. Wilder Ranch was one of the bigger ranches and though most of the cows have left for greener pastures the 100-plus year-old ranch survives intact complete with old barns, wagons and farming paraphernalia.
Bottom Line: A great place to hike along the tall cliffs you’ve been enviously watching from the car window on the Pacific Coast Highway drive.
Vockius-Orr House and Volck Museum
332 East Beach St., Watsonville
831-722-0305
The Lowdown: Dolls, games, musical instruments and other treasures, all dating back to the 1800s, pack this beautiful, historic house to the rafters.
Bottom Line: For the antique lover this museum is king.
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