Travel

Santa Cruz, California

Directions

Ben Lomond is nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, just a 15-minute drive from downtown Santa Cruz, California. Guests can enjoy a scenic mountain drive on the way to the celebration.

 

Where to Stay

Hotels and Guesthouses

Hotel Block & Nearby Stays

  • We’ve reserved a room block at Hotel Paradox in Santa Cruz. It’s a modern, stylish hotel in the heart of downtown—perfect if you enjoy a unique vibe and easy access to restaurants and shops.

Book Your Stay Here

Additional nearby options include:

  • Hilton Santa Cruz / Scotts Valley – Comfortable and convenient, about 15 minutes from Ben Lomond.

  • Quality Inn & Suites Santa Cruz Mountains – A budget-friendly option located right in Ben Lomond.

  • Brookdale Lodge – A charming, historic favorite just 5 minutes away in Brookdale.

There are also many other hotels in Santa Cruz proper.

RENTALS

  • Airbnb & Vrbo – Great for groups or families. Look for listings in Ben Lomond, Felton, Brookdale, or Santa Cruz for the shortest drives.

What to Do

Activities in the Santa Cruz Area

PLAY

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Ride the Giant Dipper, play arcade games, and snack on fair food.

  • Downtown Santa Cruz (Pacific Ave.): Shop local boutiques, browse bookstores, and enjoy street performers.

  • Capitola Village: A colorful beachfront town with shops, cafes, and plenty of charm.

  • Surf’s Up: Watch the surfers at Steamer Lane or rent a board if you’re adventurous.

EAT & DRINK

  • Trout Farm Inn (Felton) – A Santa Cruz Mountains classic, newly revived with great food, cocktails, and live music.

  • Shadowbrook (Capitola) – A romantic, one-of-a-kind restaurant where you ride a little cable car down to dinner by the river.

  • The Crow’s Nest (Santa Cruz Harbor) – Fresh seafood and ocean views, plus live music upstairs in the evenings.

  • Charlie Hong Kong (Downtown Santa Cruz) – Casual, colorful spot serving fresh and flavorful Asian street food.

  • Emerald Mallard (Felton) – A causal spot serving hand-smashed burgers.

  • The Grove Cafe & Bakery (Felton) - Cozy breakfast and lunch cafe specializing in sandwiches, pastries, cookies and granola.

OUR FAVORITE DIVE BARS

  • Henfling’s (Ben Lomond): The local hangout right in town, with live music and plenty of character.

  • Brady’s Yacht Club (Santa Cruz): A no-frills Santa Cruz staple.

COFFEE

Santa Cruz is known for its incredible coffee culture, and two of the best spots to check out are:

  • Cat & Cloud – Laid-back vibes and some of the best brews in town. Bride’s favorite: oat milk cappuccino.

  • Verve Coffee Roasters A Santa Cruz original with beautiful cafes and world-class coffee.

EXPLORE

  • Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Walk among giant redwoods just minutes from Ben Lomond.

  • West Cliff Drive: Scenic stroll or bike ride with breathtaking coastal views.

  • Natural Bridges State Beach: Famous for its rock arch, tide pools, and monarch butterflies (seasonal).

  • Wilder Ranch State Park: Rent bikes and ride the coastal trails, or hike through rolling bluffs and farmland with ocean views.

  • Big Basin Redwoods (Reopening Trails): California’s oldest state park, slowly reopening after wildfires, with epic hikes and views.