5 Best Shopping in Santa Cruz, The Monterey Bay Area

An eclectic independent shop in downtown Santa Cruz, Bad Animal has shelves packed with rare and used books, mostly representing the humanities: literature, philosophy, and theology, among them the favorite picks of the owner, a friend of famed poet Lawrence Ferlenghetti who earned a PhD in the History of Consciousness from UC Santa Cruz.

In 2021, the town's best and most beloved independent bookstore celebrated its 55th anniversary of selling new, used, and remaindered titles. The children's section is especially comprehensive, and the shop's special events calendar is packed with readings, social mixers, book signings, and discussions.

Come here to browse a carefully curated collection of goods, many from local craftspeople, including items for the home, jewelry, personal care, and plants—all that you need to inspire soulful living.

Local surfers get their wetties (wet suits) and other gear at this O'Neill store or the one in Capitola ( 1115 41st Ave.). There's also a satellite shop on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.

Santa Cruz is famous for its long tradition of organic growing and sustainable living, and its downtown market (one of five countywide) reflects the incredible diversity and quality of local agriculture and the synergistic daily life of community-minded residents. The busy market, which always has live music, happens every Wednesday from 1 to 6, rain or shine. The stalls cover much of an entire city block near Pacific Avenue and include fresh produce plus everything from oysters, beer, bread, and charcuterie to arts and crafts to prepared foods made from ingredients sourced from on-site vendors.