Santa Cruz’s Swift Street Courtyard is putting the beachy surf town on California’s hip places map.

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You convert it into a cool industrial yard housing more than twenty local businesses. From a bakery to trendy shops to microbreweries and restaurants, Swift Street Courtyard is a great spot to spend few hours browsing around, starting the day with breakfast or finishing your Santa Cruz adventures with a casual dinner. For all the wine lovers, the Swift Street Courtyard is home to six local wineries. Yes, six. 

To get the day going, we recommend pastries and breakfast at Kelly’s French Bakery.

In 2003, the duo behind the popular bakery, Mark and Kelly Sanchez, initiated the revamp of the Swift Street Courtyard, giving Santa Cruz’ locals and travelers a new destination. We could let the day pass by on their patio and just watch people come and go – while enjoying their house-made ice cream.

Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery is a spot for laid-back lunch or dinner, tasting your way through their organic brews, in a lively atmosphere, as you would expect it from Santa Cruz.
For everyone, who appreciates the reclaimed-wood trend, chalkboard art, and variety on tap, West End Tap & Kitchen is perfect for a bit more upscale drink & dine experience. Wine enthusiast, you won’t come short either. Last we counted, there were six local wineries lined up just a short walking distance from each other. Check out the full list of wineries here.

If you have a picnic or beach time planned, stock on salami, cured meats, and homemade sausages at El Salchichero’s – handcrafted charcuterie made in Santa Cruz. Don’t forget the bread from Kelly’s Bakery.

And when the belly is full, shopping makes even more fun. Cameron Marks, a boho shop stocked with carefully selected clothes, housewares, and accessories by Australian-born owner, Vanessa Ambrose, has actually two spaces across each other.

Sawyer Land & Sea Supply is all about beach t-shirts, skateboards, California souvenirs and outdoor supplies. The newest editions to the Swift Street Courtyard are Marini’s Candies, Santa Cruz’s traditional candy shop and the hip Verve Coffee, which is not exactly at the Courtyard, but a short 4-min walk to Fair Ave.

So, next time Santa Cruz is your itinerary, make sure to stop at the Swift Street Courtyard and have some good time.

And if you are in for some more action, visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!