Santa Cruz Wharf

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Santa Cruz Wharf extends into the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by parked cars and shops. The sandy beach and lush greenery complete the coastal scene., License Type: media, Download Time: 2026-08-09T22:56:48.000Z, User: LP_NZhan, Editorial: false, purchase_order: 65050 - Digital Destinations and Articles, job: App Content, client: Lonely Planet App, other: Nadine Zhan

Seafood restaurants, gift shops and barking sea lions all compete for attention along Santa Cruz' wharf, the longest wooden wharf in the US. For a scenic sundowner, head to Vino by the Sea (vino-by-the-sea.com) has craft beers, local wines and ocean views, but we have a soft spot for kitsch tiki hut Makai Island (makaisantacruz.com), where the revolving bar gives you a changing view of the water while you contemplate a classic mai tai or whopping "Scorpion Bowl."

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