What To Explore When Visiting Ananta

Planning a visit to Ananta? Santa Cruz has a way of turning a quick trip into a mini getaway. Whether you’re spending the afternoon with a loved one or staying a little longer to soak up the Central Coast, here are a few of our favorite local recommendations just minutes from our front door.

Grab a Coffee

Start your morning at Shrine Coffee, a beloved Santa Cruz neighborhood café within walking distance of Ananta. Known for its carefully crafted drinks and warm, unhurried atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to ease into your day before a visit.

Take a Walk by the Water

West Cliff Drive is one of Santa Cruz’s most iconic stretches. It’s a scenic coastal path that winds along dramatic cliffs with sweeping Pacific views. Pack a light jacket, take your time, and don’t forget to look for the surfers down below.

Visit the Beach

Cowell Beach and Lighthouse Field State Beach are both just minutes away. If you time it right in the fall or winter, you may even catch a glimpse of the monarch butterflies passing through nearby Natural Bridges State Beach.

Play a Round of Golf

The Santa Cruz area is a quiet gem for golfers, with several courses offering beautiful scenery alongside a genuinely enjoyable game. Pasatiempo Golf Club is the crown jewel. It’s a historic course designed by Alister MacKenzie, the same legendary architect behind Augusta National, and consistently ranked among the finest in California. For a more relaxed outing, DeLaveaga Golf Course offers a scenic, wooded setting with a friendly atmosphere that’s perfect for a leisurely round. The mild Central Coast climate means comfortable playing conditions year-round, just one more reason to love Santa Cruz.

Browse Downtown

Pacific Avenue is worth at least an hour of your time. Pop into a local bookshop, browse the galleries, or settle in for lunch at one of the many independently owned restaurants along the way. Shadowbrook Restaurant and Hook & Line are both local favorites worth a reservation.

Visit a Local Market

If you’re in town on a market day, the Santa Cruz farmers market is a genuine highlight. The markets are overflowing with seasonal produce, local vendors, and the kind of easy, convivial energy that makes this city so easy to love.

End With an Ocean View

Before you head home, find a bench along the bluffs at West Cliff and just sit for a moment. The views of the Pacific from here — particularly at golden hour — are the kind that stay with you.

We love introducing visitors to the neighborhood we get to call home every day. If you’re planning a trip to see a loved one at Ananta or considering whether our community might be the right fit, we’d love to show you around.