Digital Nomad Guide to Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a haven for surfers and digital nomads alike. Remote workers from San Francisco have always migrated here for the outdoor lifestyle and consistent waves. Thinking about doing the same? Check out our top tips for moving to Santa Cruz as a remote worker.

Digital Nomad Guide to Santa Cruz:

• Where to stay in Santa Cruz • Getting Around • Digital Nomad and Startup Communities in San Diego • Coworking Spaces in Santa Cruz • Startups in Santa Cruz • Best coffee shops with Wifi in Santa Cruz • Gyms and yoga studios in Santa Cruz • Groceries and shopping in Santa Cruz

Neighborhood Guide to Santa Cruz, California

• Natural Bridges
  Natural Bridges is one of the most popular places to stay in Santa Cruz. It's close to Natural Bridges Beach - a gorgeous beach with multiple surf breaks on the cliffs nearby.  
   
• Seabright
  The laid-back and coastal neighborhood of Seabright sits on the east side of the city. It's popular among surfers with its multiple residential beaches. It's a particularly scenic area.
   
• Pleasure Point & Opal Cliffs
  Pleasure Point is the exact image that comes to mind when you think of California: beach side cottages, surf culture, and vast ocean views. 41st Avenue is full of indie boutiques, cafes and surf shops.

Getting Around Santa Cruz

Driving is one of the easiest ways to get around Santa Cruz, especially if you’re planning to explore areas outside the city center. However, visiting without a car is entirely doable, thanks to convenient options like Uber, Lyft, cycling, and improved public transportation.

Cycling in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is well-known for its extensive network of mountain biking and cycling trails, such as Wilder Ranch and the UCSC Bike Path. Cycling is also a great way to navigate the city, with new bike lanes and paths making it safer and more accessible. The mild climate makes it comfortable to bike year-round, though roads can get busier during peak tourist seasons or major events.

Uber/Lyft in Santa Cruz

Uber and Lyft are widely available and reliable options for getting around Santa Cruz. Availability might vary during busy weekends or events, so planning ahead is a good idea.

Public Transportation

Santa Cruz Metro has improved its routes and schedules under the Reimagine Metro initiative, making buses a more viable option for daily travel.

Digital nomad and startup communities in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz benefits from a close proximity to San Francisco, which means there are plenty of remote workers here.  

Coworking Spaces in Santa Cruz

• Next Space
  Next Space is a small community workspace, located in downtown Santa Cruz.
• Satellite Workplace & Digital Media Studio
  With multiple memberships, services, equipment, and facilities available, there's something for every remote worker here.

Startups in Santa Cruz

Due to Santa Cruz' proximity to San Francisco and Palo Alto, there aren't a great deal of companies based here. Many are local - like New Leaf Community Markets, or supporting tourism, like Santa Cruz Boardwalk. However, this is home to surf brand O'Neill, and it's where the first ever Outsite opened.

Coffee shops with WiFi in Santa Cruz

Verve Coffee‍

Verve Coffee is a local legend, there are 3 separate cafes in Pleasure Point, West Cliff and downtown Santa Cruz. Arrive early if you'd like a seat. ‍

Cat & Cloud

Founded in Santa Cruz, you’ll feel more upbeat after savoring their excellent coffee and experiencing their fun, quirky brand. They have a cafe in Pleasure Point and their West Cliff cafe has a kitchen with great food.

Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Company

Their free and fast wifi, dedicated study room, and a great collection of coffee all make Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Company a great place to plug in and set up shop for a while.

Firefly Coffee House

A great spot to work from, Firefly Coffee House has a plenty of seating, great bagels, and strong wifi (and coffee).

Gyms and yoga studios in Santa Cruz

As with the rest of California, Santa Cruz has a healthy community - it's easy to find gyms and studios here.

• CrossFit Santa Cruz
  A standard CrossFit gym, offering lifting and strength classes in Santa Cruz.
• Mark Stephens Yoga
  An independently owned yoga studio, located in West Cliff.
• Orange Theory
  Orange Theory has a studio in Pleasure Point - expect high intensity classes based on rowing, running and weights.

Groceries and shopping in Santa Cruz

Farmers Markets

Santa Cruz is surrounded by agricultural land, which means there are plenty of farmers markets. If you're staying in West Cliff, check out the Market on West Side, and if you're staying in Pleasure Point, Live Oak is your local.

Grocery Stores

While there is a Trader Joes and Whole Foods in Santa Cruz, New Leaf is the 'local' grocery stores - born and bred in Santa Cruz. There are 4 locations in the area selling the best produce, healthy snacks and supplements, meat, dairy, and prepared drinks and food to take away.

Surf breaks in Santa Cruz

Unsurprisingly, surfing is popular here. Make sure to read the signs and the crowd before you jump in.

Steamer Lane‍

Leave this one for the pros - and the locals. There are a few surf breaks in one spot, offering excellent waves for confident surfers.‍

Cowell's‍

Long, small waves at Cowell's make the perfect place to try your hand at the sport.‍

The Hook‍

This right-breaking wave is often a perfect, racey wave. When it’s small it’s longboard friendly, but as it gains size and power this wave is known for its localism. ‍

Pleasure Point‍

The breaks here are suitable for all levels, but this spot does get crowded. Head down earlier for space in the line-up.

Looking for a place to stay in California? Check out Outsite.